Learning—and actually remembering—new words, phrases, alphabets, Chinese characters, etc. is one of the primary tasks in acquiring a foreign language. But for many learners, it happens to be one of the most frustrating. But don’t despair! The problem is likely your method, not your memory.
Most of you are probably familiar with Stephen R. Covey’s best-selling book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change”. I’ve listened to the audiobook a number of times and return to it whenever I am feeling overwhelmed, adrift, or caught up in “the thick of thin things”. Many of the 7 habits actually apply quite well to language learning (especially when it comes to prioritizing and making time for study), but I’d like to tweak them a bit to make them more specific to what it takes to become a highly successful language learner.
After 6 months of sleep deprivation, coffee IV drips, and a few “why-do-I-keep-doing-this-to-myself” existential crises, I have finally finished a massive update of my comprehensive Japanese learning guide, Master Japanese: The Beginner’s Step-by-Step Guide to Learning Nihongo the Fun Way.
As with previous updates, I started off with the simple intent of fixing a few typos and adding some new online resources. But as I got underway, my inner perfectionist stole the reins. The result? A completely redesigned guide that is better organized, better designed, and packed full of new tips and resources.
Ellen Jovin is variously described as a “linguaphile”, a “language-crazed writer”, a “grammar freak”, a “former freelance writer”, and a professional trainer specializing in communication skills. On the first of July in 2009, Ellen began a impressive language and culture project called “Words & Worlds of New York” with the goal exploring the myriad languages spoken in The Big Apple.
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1) Quick Start Guide
2) Learn the Natural Way
3) Japanese 1-pager
4) Top 500 Japanese Words
5) Top 500 Kanji
6) Chinese 1-pager
7) Spanish 1-pager
8) Top 500 Spanish Words
9) French 1-pager
10) German 1-pager
11) Portuguese 1-pager
12) Russian 1-pager
Howdy language lovers! I’m John Fotheringham, an author, linguist, vagabond, entrepreneur, and full-time silly goose. I have been learning and teaching languages for over a decade and have seen first-hand what works and what doesn’t. The Language Mastery site, podcast, and guides provide adult learners the tips, tools, and tech needed to create fun, engaging, immersive environments no matter where in the world one happens to live.