The Polyglot Project
The Polyglot Project, a collection of language learning tips from polyglots and language enthusiasts across the globe (including yours truly), is now available as both a physical book on Amazon and as a free PDF download. This tome of language awesomeness contains over 500 pages of language learning advice, tips, and success stories, with contributions from 43 authors, including Moses McCormick, Steve Kaufmann, Benny Lewis, Stuart Jay Raj, and countless others language heroes.
read moreThe Input vs. Output Debate: John’s 2¢
As a language learning addict, I follow lots (and I mean lots) of polyglot blogs and podcasts. It is always interesting to see what has worked (and what hasn't worked) for successful language learners. While most fluent foreign language speakers tend to agree on the vast majority of language learning DOs and DON'Ts, there is one area that always seems to cause heated debate, shouting, name calling, and occasional mud/poo flinging: the importance of language input (i.e. listening and reading) versus language output (i.e. speaking and writing). I have sat quietly on the sidelines for some time now, politely listening to both sides of the argument. But it's time to blow my referee whistle because both teams are "offsides" (Okay John, enough sports analogies already!)
read moreWant a Dream Resume? Learn a New Language
More and more, it is becoming extremely beneficial to know a foreign language in today's tough job market. Any kind of edge helps now more than ever in this economy, and one of the most sought-after and respected skills that can give you the upper hand is knowing a foreign language. Having expertise in another language only opens up more doors and opportunities -- and offers more perks at those jobs. If you need more convincing, read on for these reasons why a second language will positively impact your career...
read moreIs That Word Difficult or Just Unfamiliar?
I often hear English learners and English native speakers alike complain that certain English words are “difficult” (in fact, I’ve heard the same thing said by native and non-native speakers of Japanese and Mandarin Chinese, too). Consider the words shoe and happy. Are these English words difficult? To you and I, these terms are probably as easy and basic as they get. But what about for a 6-month old American child? Or what about for a hunter-gatherer living deep in the Amazonian rain forest who has never heard a word of English spoken or seen any English writing? For...
read moreThe Critical Difference Between “Studying” and “Learning” a Language
I am often asked if there any tricks or shortcuts to learning a language more quickly. I always respond with the same answer: "The trick to learning a language is to actually learn the language." This may sound obvious, but it points to the fundamental (and so often under-appreciated) reason why most adults fail to learn a foreign language no matter how many years they sit in a classroom or live where the language is spoken: Most adult learners spend nearly all of their study time reading and learning about their target language, with very little time truly listening to or reading in the language.
read moreInterview with Randy the Yearlyglot of Fluent Every Year
Randy is on a mission to learn a new language fluently every year. His current project is Italian, with Lithuanian as a side-project saved for weekend fun. Randy has his language-learning head screwed on tightly, and I firmly agree with his contention that learners can reach "conversational fluency" (the ability to talk with native speakers on a variety of topics) in a year if you spend enough time doing the right things. As we both have observed, most learners neither spend enough time nor do the right things.
read moreForeign Language Mastery Featured in the Get-it-Done Guy Podcast
Stever Robbins (a.k.a. The Get-it-done Guy), author of The Get-it-Done Guy's 9 Steps to Work Less and Do More, has featured my language learning tips in the June 7, 2010 episode of his popular productivity podcast. As Stever points out in the episode's introduction, "I have enough trouble with my own language. Tips on foreign language?!? Don't make me laugh! Fortunately, John Fotheringham of LanguageMastery.com came bounding to the rescue and sent in all the following tips on how to learn a language quickly." Thank you, Stever!
read moreShowing Up is the Key (Guest Post by Khatzumoto of AJATT)
OK. Everyone knows that quote by Woody Allen or whoever about showing up. You know, 70% of winning is showing up. Well, Woody Allen, that daughter-dating scoundrel, lied to you. The truth is 70% of winning is showing up is a bunch of bull!
read moreEfficiency vs. Efficacy: The Critical Difference Between Doing Things Right and Doing the Right Things in Language Learning
"Effectiveness is doing the things that get you closer to your goals. Efficiency is performing a given task (whether important or not) in the most economical manner possible. Being efficient without regard to effectiveness is the default mode of the universe."
read moreInterview with Dr. Orlando Kelm, Professor of Spanish and Portuguese at the University of Texas, Austin
In his own words, Dr. Orlando Kelm is "a lucky guy" professionally. Not only does he get to spend his time with two languages (Spanish and Portuguese), but he also the Associate Director of Business Language Education for the UT CIBER (Center for International Business Education and Research, a part of the McCombs School of Business. In our interview, Dr. Kelm shares what he believes to be the 6 most important factors in effective language learning.
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Learn Japanese Your Way
Let's face it: textbooks are boring, Japanese classes are less than convenient, those language courses sold in airports are ridiculously expensive, and not everyone can move to Japan.
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The 309-page, 75,000+ word guide provides:
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