I love this post! When I learned my first language, I was so excited just to be doing things in a different language that it didn't matter how difficult or uncomfortable it was. In a weird way, that maid learning my second language harder. I could already do things in a non-English language if I chose to, so the struggle outweighed the appeal of using a new language. But I've really reconnected with truly wanting to have more experiences in my third language and that's added a lot more motivation.
Excellent post truly! After November 6 - I started switching to my target language but stopped short of the tasks like lists etc. Have incorporated Alliance Francaise, French news, etc but once you enter a zone of not understanding I tend to stop the total immersion and go back to what is comfortable- big mistake. I will hire a tutor to push me to make better progress!
I'm glad the post resonated for you. It can be really hard to stay in the sweet spot, can't it? Uff. Hiring a tutor sounds like a great idea! Let us know how it goes!
This is a really good post, with some advice and tips I hadn’t implemented before, well after 25 years of learning Spanish, 50+ years of learning English. Gosh, this advice even applies to someone trying to maintain their level of native language when living mostly in a second language environment.
Hi Daniel! I'm so glad this has resonated for you. 🤍 I love that you mention maintaining your native language! I used to specialize in teaching low-intermediate level English in a language school in Spain. When I left and started teaching professionals at a more advanced level, I actually did implement a lot of these techniques to "get my English back." 🤣 And I worked really hard to activate more advanced structures and vocabulary to help push my students. Have you had a similar experience?
Hi! I worked for 30 years almost exclusively in English, and speak mostly in English with my wife. In the process of improving my oral and written English, I have not improved my French as much, and feel that my French was contaminated with English expressions. My style has also lost some variety. I am now reading much more in French than before, and hope to write as well. Your post will help me recover some lost abilities :)
Thank you for all these tips! I will definitely be applying these tips to my language learning in 2025
Great, Hannah! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year!
I love this post! When I learned my first language, I was so excited just to be doing things in a different language that it didn't matter how difficult or uncomfortable it was. In a weird way, that maid learning my second language harder. I could already do things in a non-English language if I chose to, so the struggle outweighed the appeal of using a new language. But I've really reconnected with truly wanting to have more experiences in my third language and that's added a lot more motivation.
That makes perfect sense. It’s so much easier to keep at it when it’s relevant and part of your life experiences, isn’t it?
Absolutely! And the more friendships and connections we create in a language, the easier it is to keep engaging with it.
Such a great post to end and start the year with. I'm definitely going to join Fresh Foundations for January!
So glad to hear it! Happy New Year!
Excellent post truly! After November 6 - I started switching to my target language but stopped short of the tasks like lists etc. Have incorporated Alliance Francaise, French news, etc but once you enter a zone of not understanding I tend to stop the total immersion and go back to what is comfortable- big mistake. I will hire a tutor to push me to make better progress!
I'm glad the post resonated for you. It can be really hard to stay in the sweet spot, can't it? Uff. Hiring a tutor sounds like a great idea! Let us know how it goes!
This is a really good post, with some advice and tips I hadn’t implemented before, well after 25 years of learning Spanish, 50+ years of learning English. Gosh, this advice even applies to someone trying to maintain their level of native language when living mostly in a second language environment.
Hi Daniel! I'm so glad this has resonated for you. 🤍 I love that you mention maintaining your native language! I used to specialize in teaching low-intermediate level English in a language school in Spain. When I left and started teaching professionals at a more advanced level, I actually did implement a lot of these techniques to "get my English back." 🤣 And I worked really hard to activate more advanced structures and vocabulary to help push my students. Have you had a similar experience?
Hi! I worked for 30 years almost exclusively in English, and speak mostly in English with my wife. In the process of improving my oral and written English, I have not improved my French as much, and feel that my French was contaminated with English expressions. My style has also lost some variety. I am now reading much more in French than before, and hope to write as well. Your post will help me recover some lost abilities :)
Happy New Year to you and your loved ones!