Tips and advice shared by tutors for learning Languages

When embarking on a journey to learn a foreign language, the choices of language lessons can be overwhelming.  Aspiring learners often find themselves torn between regular conversation-based classes and traditional grammar-focused ones and I was one of them while approaching English. In this blog post, we will delve into the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches, aiming to determine the most effective route to master a foreign lan...

Modern language learning techniques used in private language lessons and in schools have created a divide between conversation classes and grammar classes. Assuming that traditional grammar classes lack the tools to teach conversation, language methods these days have often catapulted to the opposite extreme: conversational skills without conscious teaching of grammar.  Can you learn a language exclusively through regular conversation...

As a Spanish tutor, and having learned languages myself, I feel I have found the best techniques for learning a new language. Before this relevant discussion, let me tell you a story about me. When I was 6 years old, I remember quite well, those were my very first days of classes in primary school. It’s probable the teacher had spent long time showing the colors, and suddenly she saw me, back there in the classroom, and asked me to write ...

My name is Luisa Wichtendahl, I am a language tutor offering French lessons and Spanish lessons, and I want to give you my own personal point of view on how you can master any language. The most important tip I can give is that theory should always be applied with practice. What I mean by this is that, learning vocabulary and grammar doesn´t serve much purpose if you´re not going to practise and use what you´ve learned with native spe...

I get this question asked a lot… to me, this is like being asked: what is more useful to have, bones or muscles? A heart, or a brain? This approach triggers my fallacy alerts. If you don’t recognise the concept, or it sounds a bit like a dirty word to you, allow me to clarify: Fallacies are quick, simplified conclusions our brains have learnt to reach, in order to survive.  For example “Lion: dangerous”.   They make sense and are ...

In my experience, it's difficult though possible to achieve a basic level of personal and local communication, by means of regular conversation exclusively. I can find an example of conversation in connection with household activities such as washing and cookery. Household objects and equipment for washing and cleaning provide the basis and stimulus for speech. A mother explains to her child that she puts clothes and stuff in the machine, puts p...

Ciao a tutti! Are you ready to conquer the Italian language and unravel the secrets of its grammar? In this blog post, we'll embark on a thrilling adventure through Italian grammar, making it fun, approachable, and easy to understand. So, grab your favourite gelato and let's dive in! "Ciao, Verbs! Mastering Italian Conjugations": Verbs are the heart and soul of any language, and Italian is no exception. In this section, we'll delve into the...

Learning a new language is an adventure that opens doors to diverse cultures, expands horizons, and fosters meaningful connections. Traditional language learning methods, though effective, often lack the immersive and creative spark that can truly ignite a passion for mastering a foreign tongue. However, when we intertwine language education with the captivating realm of visual art, a remarkable transformation takes place, unlocking a host of be...

Language learning is made of four parts: Speaking/ Listening/ Reading/Writing but do you need to learn all of them? Can you learn a language solely through conversation? Do you absolutely need the dreaded grammar? What is the best way to go forward when learning a language?   Conversation is the fun part, the one thing everyone wants to master. Most of the time, it is the reason why you decided to learn that language in the first place. To ...

Learning a new language can be challenging, especially when it comes to mastering the grammar rules that govern it. Traditional language classes often involve rote memorisation of verb conjugations and noun declensions, which can be tedious and discouraging. Although some learners may find it helpful to practice these rules through written exercises, they often struggle to apply them in real-time conversations. This can be frustrating and hinder...

Japanese has become one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. Little by little and with the help of globalisation, it has managed to reach all parts of the world. That is why many people have started to ask how to learn Japanese and why. More and more people are taking Japanese classes and value it as a language.  Is it useful to learn Japanese and what are the benefits? The truth is that it is a language that has many advantage...

You have probably found the latest app that helps with the basics of language learning... and that’s great! At some point of your learning curve, you’ll feel you need the human interaction and the need to speak to someone and being understood. The Italian prepositions and the pronouns are giving you some hard time and you think you’ll never get your mind around them? Why do languages exist? Languages are the core pillars of communication. With...

The requirements to become a Spanish tutor are not very clear and there are tutors who decide to embark on this adventure and do not know where to start. It is normal to be a bit lost and wonder how to become a Spanish tutor.  Being a Spanish tutor abroad is always a good idea, although it is often scary, it is recommended that you start with a simpler challenge and find a summer teaching job abroad or in your own country. Spanish tuto...

Are you interested in learning Spanish, but not sure where exactly to start? Here are 3 things you can do right now to get the ball rolling, whilst also working with a Spanish tutor. 1. Switch all your devices to Spanish This is such a quick and easy way to not only start getting you constant exposure to the language, but actually kind of force you to start, as you will need it to properly navigate your devices. It will also help you naturally g...