Speaking a language that isn’t your own requires a lot of confidence. Taking that first plunge into the proverbial deep end of conversation with a native of the language is something that can’t really be rushed in my opinion. Yes, there are arguments that output is critical to building this communicative confidence, but where do you get the language from to actually perform? Well.. that would be input. Even if you believe what you’re working on is output with conversation, the language of the so-called native speaker is acting as input for you, the learner.
But enough about output and input, an article on this will come shortly since it’s a current debate that won’t go away.. besides I’m pretty much on the fence, albeit almost falling over that fence to land on the input side of things… but anyway… gaining confidence. Click here to read more.. »
Age old advice has been to keep a diary or journal as a way to improve your writing and general language skills. The problem with this advice has often been the inability to find someone to offer you corrections. Meaning that you’re quite often reinforcing errors.
That’s kind of a problem!
How to solve this mild problem… Use the internet to your advantage. There are dozens of language exchange websites and portals around these days and I’ve tried out quite a few of them over the last few years. Some are useful and practical, others not so. I’ll give you a few inside tips so you don’t waste time registering at some of the places I’ve found less useful…. But by all means, use other sources; you may have more success than I did elsewhere… maybe my profile just isn’t appealing enough 
Click here to read more.. »
When you think about it, the vast majority of people learn a language to speak it. It’s pretty obvious that that’s a big motivator. But a question that is commonly asked (“how can I improve my speaking?”) gets the all-too-often reply of “to improve your speaking you have to speak”. Sounds crazy right?
It’s not as stupid as it sounds though. And it’s a not a matter of only stumbling around in the dark groping for expressions in a conversation where the other party doesn’t seem too engrossed in your grasp of what foods you like nor about how the wind is blowing strongly today. Sure, these topics are great for idle chit-chat and you feel a sense of achievement when you can have these kind of basic textbook style conversations, but let’s be honest…. that’s not really what you want to talk about is it? Click here to read more.. »
There are numerous scales for assessing language proficiency, with three of the most widely known being the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the American Council for Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR).
Typically, formal testing takes place to ascertain your true level, but nothing is stopping you from self-assessing to give yourself an idea of your level. Just remember to be honest with yourself! Click here to read more.. »
