Different paths but one common goal — For the untrained eye, polyglots all look alike. They speak “many” languages and that’s it. The reality is quite different. There are 3 kinds of polyglots who follow different patterns but follow the same goal: gather knowledge in multiple languages. 1. The Language Family-focused polyglot The first one, and most often found around the world…

Don’t worry, everybody else’s afraid too. — Most people who haven’t been to language exchanges hold misconceptions about them. I first took part in a language exchange party 10 years ago. I absolutely loved the experience but had to move away and then never found the guts to join another one. Until two months ago. Since then…

Three common mistakes new learners make and what to do instead — I’ve spent the past 15 years learning languages and the past 5–6 years actively researching what was done and said about it. Turns out, most of the easily available advice online is absolute crap. There’s some good advice online but most of it is spread out, almost invisible because of…

People who hate textbooks are missing the point. — I used to hate textbooks just like the next guy. The boring chapters, the pointless exercises, and, of course, the uninteresting teacher who didn’t even know how to do anything but read it like a standard book. I only discovered how amazing they could be once I started learning on…

And you’d have the same results if you had them. — Most polyglots have been told they have a talent for learning languages. I know I’ve been told this more times than I can count. And yet, while some may indeed have a talent for it, most don’t. We’re just random people with a passion and an extreme level of stubbornness. …

Including important notes everybody should know about how it really unfolds. — After learning Korean on and off for 13 years, I finally decided to take the Test Of Proficiency In Korean (TOPIK), hoping to get a level 5 (out of 6). As I write these words, the test was less than a week ago. Preparing for the TOPIK and taking it…

How to avoid it and keep improving, from the experience of a polyglot — I’ve considered myself an advanced speaker of Japanese for years now. A crappy advanced speaker but still an advanced one. If you’ve ever reached the higher stages of a foreign language, then you know the feeling. When everything tells you you rock but your mind and heart remind you how…

Coupled with examples and two incredible resources. — Most people get language learning wrong. They imagine it’s a painstaking task they’ll take years to reach a level at which they can have fun. It’s not. You can make use of your language no matter your level and still enjoy it. …

The painful story of what hides under the surface — Social anxiety is hiding in plain sight everywhere around us. I can say so because, to most people I meet, I look like someone at ease with speaking to others and meeting new people overall. The reality? I’m a coward fearing for my own life every time a conversation starts. …