Frequently Asked Questions
Every now and then I receive nice emails that ask questions about me and my languages, and even my opinions. I am extremely flattered by your interest and I am happy to share what I know.
Since these emails are fairly frequent, I am sorry that I cannot answer long lists of questions individually. Instead, I have collected information here and included links to relevant podcast episodes too. Enjoy! If I don’t answer your question here, feel free to get in touch.
Q. What is your native language?
A. My native language is German. I didn't start formal language lessons until I was 10 years old.
Q. How many languages do you speak?
A. In order of skill level: German, English, French, Welsh, Spanish, Luxembourgish...now we're at a pretty low level so let's continue with...Italian, Chinese, Russian. I have studied around 15 languages but the first 6 are the ones I can converse in. Click here to hear how I learnt these different languages
Q. Do you feel that each language you’ve learned was equally challenging?
A. Some were WAY more challenging, a lot of this is connected with passion. Some surprised me, like Latin. I didn't expect to like it but it was a lot of fun. Whereas some were as tricky as expected - I don't let that stop me though because I know it gets easier the more you practice.
Q. How do you learn languages?
A. It depends on the language. I apply the method I describe in the Language Habit Toolkit, which focuses on core skills and independent study with regular contact.
I always set personal language goals
I work towards short-term goals
I focus on listening, speaking, reading and writing
I review my progress regularly
Q. Why do you prefer to learn in this way?
A. I like learning independently because it allows me to make time for my target language and go at the pace that is right for me. Of course I also buy course books and hire tutors, but I like to be in charge of my learning. It is the best way to bring in my love for the language that I am learning, and to enjoy the process.
Q. Do you think this is the best way to learn a language?
A. There are lots of ways to learn a language successfully. I believe that the method I use is flexible enough to allow for many learning variations. The core principles are what matters, and they are the best way to progress. Of course, some people simply learn by travelling. That’s nice.
Q. What are the disadvantages of this approach?
A. It requires a certain amount of self-awareness and self-motivation. But when you follow the system I use in the Language Habit Toolkit, the regular review and goal setting processes help immensely with that.
Q. Do you think this learning method is accessible to any person?
It is important to me to highlight that the method I am describing is not about a single resource or approach. This is about the best possible way of organising and planning your personal study plan. As such, this is suitable for anyone because it is about developing highly effective language learning strategies.
Anyone can use this approach and it does not matter if they prefer classroom learning, books or apps.
Q. What do you think about how languages are taught in schools?
Every education system is different, so I can’t comment on every school in the world. Schools can inspire huge amounts of language passion in learners. But one thing I hear again and again is that it is the teacher who really transmits that passion. Language passion needs to be instilled and included in every classroom if the lessons are supposed to work.
There is a problem when schools focus too much on achieving the best possible test results, because the thing we can easily test is formal grammar. I have found that this tends to encourage boredom and anxiety more than passion and joy.
To learn more about my approach and how to get over your own bad school memories if you have them, click here.
Q: What do you think of bilingual education?
I think it’s amazing and that it’s a great idea to teach other subjects through the medium of another language. If we focus on a rich, stimulating learning experience instead of the question “how can we best funnel all these humans through the qualification hoop”, some very interesting ideas open up.
Q: What’s the best way to learn: language & travel, language lessons, or independent study?
Rule one should be to follow your heart and do what you enjoy the most. All three methods are efficient, and there is no reason why you can’t do a bit of each. You are NOT doing it wrong.
If you think you’re doing it wrong, apply to one of my coaching programmes!
Q: What do you think about language apps?
I think that language apps are helpful, but I’ve not seen one yet that would fully equip me to speak a language. They’re a part of the puzzle, not the whole thing. I have written about apps a few times, and here are my thoughts:
12 Ideas for Making the Perfect Language Learning App
3 Tutor-Approved Ideas for Learning a Language with Duolingo
Q: How do you define fluency in a language?
There is no way of putting this into short words, but I have dedicated a podcast episode to this and I know you will enjoy it! Click here to listen
Q: Have you ever reached out for support from other polyglots?
Yes, definitely. I am very lucky to have many friends now who are also language learners. I don’t use them as teachers, but I do reach out for advice and encouragement when I need it. Having language loving friends has changed my life. It has started lots of cool collaborations like the Women in Language conference.
Q: What sparked your passion for learning languages?
I'm not sure there was one moment. I grew up in a small, fairly safe and homogenous world and I was always an extremely curious person. Languages are perfect for curious people.
My passion continues because languages are a gift that keeps on giving. Little successes, human connections, fun new experiences, are part of the package.