Kerstin Cable's Blog, page 27

Interrail Honeymoon: A Two Week European Train Itinerary

There is little in life that gets me more excited than the prospect of travelling. I love the discoveries, the changes of scenery and the many things travel teaches you. Heck, I even like packing!

For our first trip as a married couple, Christian and I wanted something special. A honeymoon to remember is not an everyday thing, after all. Other people may jet off to the Maldives, but with an airplane-phobic partner, we settled on an entirely different kind of adventure.

Why You Should Discov...

Party Invitation: Join us for European Day of Languages LIVE

When I started Fluent back in 2012, one of my first video projects was designed to celebrate this day. I recorded myself saying something in 25 different languages.It may not have been the greatest production quality (my first time using iMovie!), but it was a lot of fun and I know many of you have watched and enjoyed this video.

For 2015 though, I have some company in Lindsay, my lovely podcast co-host. And more importantly:

You Are Invited To Our Live European Day of Languages Party

Lindsay a...

Episode 23: Teach (Yourself) a Language with Tammy Bjelland from Language in Bloom

It's episode 23 and I'm back with another lovely and inspiring interview.Tammy Bjellandsparkles with all the energy she brings to language learning and teaching. She teaches, trains, offers curriculum design and runs her own podcast, the Business of Language Podcast. Let her enthusiasm pull you along in this interview!

You'll hear about:

What you're going to do with that language laterThe many secret benefits of languages in your careerThe 7 superhero skills of language learners: Empathy, In...

Learning German With TV Shows: The Most Effective Strategies and Resources for Your Study Routine

Here's a dream scenario: Watch an hour of German TV every day. Within two months, you will understand everything.

Think that's impossible? Well, you're kind of right. No passive activity is going to give you a huge result if that's all you do.

But working with TV, podcasts and radio shows does deliver excellent results. It's not just a great addition to language learning routines that lack interaction. Using content like this also saves your lessons and study time from terrible dullness.

Just...

How to Learn a Language with Thousands of Helpers on Tumblr

Today's post comes from a language learner I've known for about a year. Maria is based in Newcastle and first talked to me during the 50 Calls Project. I love her enthusiasm and her awesome perspectives on language learning. Recently she contacted me to offer a guest post on language learning on Tumblr - I'm not a Tumblr user myself so I jumped at the chance.

Enjoy Maria's post!

Never heard of Tumblr?

The magical world of Tumblr might be new to you. In this case, here's a definition I saw on...

My Language Bucket List: Shannon Kennedy from Eurolinguiste

There is little in life that can motivate you better than a good bucket list. Write down your aspirations, imagine those situations that get you excited and share if you dare!

In today's guest post, Shannon Kennedy from Eurolinguiste has taken the challenge of sharing her own language learning dreams.

A short while back, Kerstin shared a “language bucket list” post from Angel Armstead. I thought it was a fun idea (plus I’m a huge fan of lists), so I started planning something similar in the...

New Podcast - Episode 22: Travel and Tutor Hunting Tips

This episode features two core themes of discussion: travel and tutor tips.

"I buy everyone a little lollipop in my lessons"

(Lindsay's Teaching Secret)

Firstly, we talked about all the ways language learning works when you travel. We also deviated to talk about historic language learning books!

Should you study pronunciation first or just go all in with vocabulary? (hint: whatever you like) When is it too late to learn? (hint: never) What do you need to buy before you set off? (hint: nothin...

The Miraculous Benefits of Keeping a Language Notebook

Are you an electric language fiend, armed with Flashcard apps and podcasts? Or going it old-school with pen and paper?

In today’s article, I want to introduce you to some of the tricks I use to get the most out of my language learning routine without adding to my screen time.

My absolute language learning essential is a notebook. Flashcards are great for vocabulary lists, but notebooks are for everything. The first thing I do with a new word is write it down in a notebook, maybe with an exa...

Introducing Speak German like a Native - the Ultimate Pronunciation Course

Are you a German learner dreaming of that fluent conversation?

Then you know that it's not always as simple as learning all the words and putting them together in the right way.

It's often awkward and embarrassing to be faced with a native speaker, ready to talk. What if they laugh? What if you sound like an idiot?

You feel frustrated becausejust don't even know if you're saying the words correctly.

If you know that feeling in your German studies, then I have got fantastic news for you:Speak Ge...

New Podcast: Episode 21 - Why Your Language Learning Goal Sucks and What to Do About It

In episode 21 of the podcast, I'm flying solo! This episode is a shorter version of our usual podcast. A snack size, so to say. I've been so busy creating, promoting and talking about Speak German like a Native that there was little time to do anything else.

But Wait! Here's What I Just Had to Tell You You language learners and your goals.

You all say you're going to be efficient and effective and committed, and then I ask you what your goals are in the Summer Giveaway and 150 people say get...