Kerstin Cable's Blog, page 34

Language Linkfest: November 2014

Okay, I feel like the last language linkfest (that was Halloween) was only about yesterday. This month has flown by even faster than usual. Big shout out to all the ambitous online teachers who have decided to start going PRO by signing up for my new course Not Just Another Teacher. The days have become rather dark now, so in the November edition of linkfest my recommended drink of choice is a nice cup of Glühwein.

img ©Vielle Miettinenon Flickr

Best of Fluent in November

The Most Important S...

Do your Mistakes Matter in Language Learning? A "Written Homework" Perspective

You know, language learners, how we bloggers always bang on about “things don’t have to be perfect” and “start speaking even if you will make mistakes”? You’ve heard all this, right? You’ve heard it and nodded and seen how it makes sense. You believe that you will be able to get over yourself.

But here’s the thing:

When it comes to really putting your skills on the line and “showing your workings” to another person, are you still holding back?

Take this example from one of my German students....

A Glimpse into the Translation Industry

Today we have a guest post from Aniello. Aniello comes from Pagani, Italy, and now works as a professional translator and project manager at London based for translation agency Language Reach. He speaks fluent Italian, English, German, French and aims to learn Swedish in the near future.

His guest post is about a topic really close to my heart: Careers in the Language Industry!

As a seasoned translation wizard, I’ve seen a lot. In fact I think I could possibly write a manual in English, title...

New Podcast! The Full Online Learning Guide with Breanne Dyck

Welcome to episode 10, a little milestone for the Creative Language Learning Podcast! Thank you guys so much for tuning in, sharing the podcast and responding to it so often.

Do you have any dream guests you'd like to hear from? Special topics, questions or discussions? Leave them in the comments below.

This time, I am talking to an expert in the area of course design and online education. knows how to make people learn, she's got lots of information about neuroscience and learnt...

Letters to Kerstin: Studying in Another Country

In "Letters to Kerstin", I share the emails and messages that I have received from language learners around the world. Today, there's a burning question from blog reader Isabella. I am practically jealous of her amazing dreams and enthusiasm - Isabella, you'll go far and I love that you are pursuing your passion. Here are my tips.

Opening A Door to The Whole World

Hi Kerstin,

I am a 21 year old American college student. I am thinking of changing my major from liberal arts to languages. I have...

The Most Important Sentence I Learnt in 2 Years of Language Teaching

The biggest, baddest language learning technique that you can ever learn is to realize what's irrelevant and what really needs to be done. Did you ever feel guilty about a distraction, and then try to make it into something "productive"? I sometimes catch myself watching Season 6 of Gossip Girl (If it's in French, is that still procrastination? Answer: Yes. Especially when you're meant to write something for Compass.). But there are also the times where I just read a lot of irrelevant things...

Not my Circus, Not my Monkeys: These Cute Illustrations Show The World Through Foreign Eyes

In today's beautiful and fun guest post, travel writer Matt Lindley is introducing "Idioms of the World", a collection of illustrations for idioms around the world. Idioms are a fun way to think about how other groups of people see the world, and they're always part of what keeps us entertained when diving into another language.

Matt is a language lover and digital content creator based in London. When he isn't at his laptop, Matt enjoys learning Polish, riding his bike and listening to experi...

New Podcast! Episode 9 Benny Lewis from Fluent in 3 Months and The Growth Mindset

Welcome to episode 9, where I'm featuring an AMAZING article of the week and an interview with Benny Lewis from Fluent in 3 Months.

In this interview you'll be finding out aboutThe single one problem that's stopping everyone from language learningWhy the "Learn my language, I won't learn yours" is NOT just an English world viewConfidence vs Discipline: Which one is more important?What you should focus on when you start learning a new languageHow important it is to personalize your learning exp...

Language Linkfest: October 2014

Happy Halloween!

Sometimes time moves too quickly for us to even keep up with. The world's so busy and so intense that no one should be expected to keep up with everything, ever. I love following the language news myself and of course I write the Fluent blog and have a job to do as well. No wonder time flies!

photo ©Heather Franks on Flickr

To help us all keep up and take the time to check out what's been going on this month, I decided to put together the Language Linkfest. At the end of ever...

Three Language Learning Affirmations You Should Use (And Why They Will Work!)

Let me tell you about a demon. It keeps you safe and small, makes sure you’re in your place. It stops you from leaning out too far, leaning in to new adventures, and saying yes to any kind of change or risk. It’s kind of like a helicopter parent, and lives right in your head. That demon is called self-doubt.

Scenario 1: Self-Doubt

If you’ve been on a roll, spending the last few weeks listening to target language podcasts and seeing your tutor on a regular basis, then you’re expecting progress....