By Geralde Vincent-Bancroft

What were my readers most interested in this year? I love finding out which articles were the most read in 2023. It helps me know what everyone is thinking about and how I can better serve them.

As we wrap up the year 2023, let’s take a journey through the captivating world of language and discover the topics that had everyone buzzing. From intriguing linguistic phenomena to practical language learning tips, these articles resonated with readers and sparked conversations.

Join me as we delve into the most read article topics of the year and uncover the fascinating insights they hold.

The 5th most read article of 2023 is:

How To Make The Most Of Your Language Lesson

Learning a new language can be an exciting yet challenging endeavor. Whether you’re aiming to expand your horizons, enhance your career prospects, or simply indulge in a passion for languages, setting specific goals is vital to your success. 

In this article, we will explore the importance of goal-setting and offer valuable tips to help you make the most of your language lessons.

Setting Specific Goals: The Key to Motivation

When embarking on a language learning journey, it’s essential to establish clear and specific goals.Setting goals  provides a sense of direction, helps prioritise your efforts, and keeps you motivated throughout the process.

To set effective language goals, consider the following:

Identify your purpose: Think about why you want to learn the language. Do you aim to communicate with locals during travel? Are you looking to enhance your career opportunities? Understanding your purpose will help you to have a clear idea of your objectives. 

Break it down: Divide your language learning journey into smaller milestones. This not only makes the process more manageable but also allows you to celebrate achievements along the way.

Make it measurable: Set measurable goals that you can track. For instance, aim to learn a certain number of vocabulary words each week or achieve a specific level of fluency within a given timeframe.

Remember, setting goals should be personal and tailored to your unique needs and aspirations.

Exploring Different Types of Language Instruction

Now that you’ve established your language goals, it’s time to consider the various types of language instruction available.

 Here are a few options to consider:

Online Classes: Online language classes  provide flexibility and convenience. Platforms like Speak-fast-languages  offer interactive lessons with qualified instructors, allowing you to learn from the comfort of your own home.

Tutoring: One-on-one tutoring  offers personalised attention and the opportunity to focus on specific areas of improvement. It’s an excellent option for those seeking individual guidance and a customised learning experience.

Textbooks and Software: Language textbooks and software programs can be valuable resources, especially for self-study. They provide structured lessons, exercises, and grammar explanations to help you grasp the fundamentals of the language.

Language Exchange: Engaging in language exchanges allows you to practice your target language with native speakers while helping them learn your native language. This mutual exchange fosters cultural understanding and provides an opportunity for practical application of your language skills.

Tips for Maximising Your Language Lessons

Once you’ve chosen the method of instruction that suits you best, it’s important to stay focused, organised, and committed to your language lessons. 

Click Here to Learn About Useful tips To Help You.

The fourth most read article of 2023 is:

Writing In Language Acquisition

Are you looking to become proficient in a new language? Writing is an essential skill for language acquisition. It allows learners to practice using the language in a structured way, and it can help them to develop their vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills.

 In addition, writing can be a creative outlet for learners, and it can help them to express themselves in a new language.

There are many ways that writing can contribute to language proficiency. 

Writing forces learners to think about the language in a more analytical way.

 They must consider how to structure their sentences, how to use the correct grammar, and how to express their ideas clearly. This process can help them  to develop a deeper understanding of the language.

Writing helps learners to expand their vocabulary.

 As they write, they are exposed to new words and phrases that they may not have encountered before. This exposure can allow them to discover new vocabulary in a meaningful way.

Writing supports learners in improving their grammar skills. 

As they write, they must consider the rules of grammar in order to produce correct sentences. This process can help learners to develop a stronger understanding of grammar.

Writing  assists learners in refining their comprehension skills. 

As they read their own writing, they are forced to think about the meaning of the words and phrases that they have used. Thus, learners develop a better understanding of how the language works.

Writing can be a creative outlet for learners. 

They can use writing to express themselves in a new language, and they can also share their thoughts and ideas with others. This is a valuable way for learners to connect with the language and culture of the target language.

Writing also helps learners to develop their critical thinking skills.

 As they write, they must consider the different perspectives on a topic, and they must come up with arguments to support their own point of view. This process can help learners to become more critical thinkers.

Overall, writing is an essential skill for language acquisition. It can help learners to develop their vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. It can also be a creative outlet for learners, and it can help them to connect with the language and culture of the target language.

Click here to read about mechanisms that make written language a powerful tool

The third most read article of 2023 is:

New Language Learning Options with a Digital Nomad Life

By Alexandra Vincent

Are you looking to explore the world as a digital nomad? If so, Spain and Portugal could be the perfect places to start. Portugal and Spain offer the Digital Nomad Visa, making it easier than ever to travel while continuing to work remotely. From the vibrant cities of Madrid and Lisbon to the remote beaches of Madeira Island, Spain and Portugal offer something for everyone.

Living as a digital nomad in Spain or Portugal can be an incredible way to learn a language. With the freedom to explore and practice with native speakers, you can quickly become more comfortable and fluent in Spanish or Portuguese.

The interaction with locals is key when it comes to language learning. This will allow you to engage in conversations and practice your speaking skills on a daily basis.

Not only that, but you will also be able to immerse yourself in the culture and learn about its customs which can help you better understand the language. With all these benefits, digital nomad life in Spain and Portugal is an excellent way for anyone looking to improve their fluency in Spanish or Portuguese!

Learning a new language in the native country can be a rewarding experience. It can open up many opportunities, both personally and professionally. It can help you to overcome the challenges of communicating in a foreign language, while also giving you access to practical vocabulary and tasks that are communicated in that language.

In addition, learning a new language can also provide you with career opportunities and cultural understanding. You will be able to interact with people from different backgrounds and gain insight into their culture. This will help you become more aware of global issues, as well as appreciate different cultures and traditions.

 Let’s look at everything you need to know about the digital nomad visa in Spain and Portugal, including the application process and the benefits of living and working in each country.

Applying for the Digital Nomad Visa In Portugal

A clear criminal record valid passport that must not expire during their stay and any other requirements issued by SEF, Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras, (the national immigration service).

 As long as they meet all these requirements, non EEA individuals will be eligible for the digital nomad visa in Portugal. The digital nomad visa application can take up to 10 business days and the remote worker can enter at any Schengen port with this visa. 

The digital nomad visa lasts up to 1 year with no limitations on travel within the Schengen area. In addition, after living legally in Portugal for six months, non EEA workers may be eligible to apply for a short term residence permit lasting up to 2 years which would allow them to live and work in Portugal. This can open up many great opportunities such as social security contributions and health care coverage

.

What is the cost of living in Spain and Portugal?

Local Purchasing Power in Portugal is 38.08% lower than in Spain. Non-EEA digital nomads must obtain a digital nomad visa to stay in either country for longer than 90 days.

Applicants must meet specific requirements, such as showing proof of financial means. Medical insurance coverage, as well as having been confirmed as a remote worker or freelancer are necessary.

 Non-EEA digital nomads should also have a valid passport with a minimum of six months remaining before expiration. They should understand that the visa must be renewed every year. So, they should keep their contact information up to date with both countries’ immigration authorities.

Click here to learn about the best places to live in Portugal and Spain as a digital nomad.

The second most read article of 2023 is:

How Fast can You Learn French?

French is a beautiful language that is spoken in many countries around the world. If you are looking to learn French quickly, there are a few things that you can do to make the process easier and more efficient. In this blog post, we will give you some tips on how to quickly learn French. Keep reading to find out more!

Learning French is not as difficult as one might think – according to the US foreign service institute (FSI), it takes only 600 hours of study to become fluent in the language. This amounts to 25 minutes a day for 24 weeks, making it a more manageable goal than some may think. With great rewards such as being able to converse with native French speakers and access authentic French culture, dedicating the time and effort to learn this multifaceted language could open up a world of opportunity.

With solid practice and dedication, an immersive environment such as living in France or enrolling in intensive online classes can help you reach your language learning goals faster than expected. Learning French is one journey guaranteed to take you places and open doors for amazing experiences that will stay with you for life.

Speaking English makes it easier to learn French 

Learning French can actually be a surprisingly easy endeavour if you already speak English.  That is because both English and French originate from the same language family, making it easier to learn.

 There are certain things that come more naturally when learning French as English-speakers, such as some part of everyday vocabulary. Without even trying, you might find yourself picking up on these things and realising that they were similar or the same as in English.

Understanding those shared similarities can make learning the language even easier. Then, the process of getting acquainted with French will likely become more approachable.

Click here to learn about the best ways to learn French

And in prime position…… The Most read Article of The Year

Learning A Foreign Language Is A Lifelong Tool

 Have you ever thought about learning a foreign language?

 Perhaps you are an adult learner who has been considering brushing up on your high school French or Spanish, or maybe you’re wondering how to introduce a new language to your children. 

As humans, we are constantly learning and growing. We learn from our experiences and the people around us, but one way to gain knowledge that lasts a lifetime is by learning a foreign language. 

Use it or lose it?

The traditional belief has been that if you don’t use a language, you will lose it over time. However, a recent study that looked into the lasting effects of foreign language ability over time, did not support it. 

The study tasted a group of 500 people who had taken French examinations 50 years prior. They wanted to see how much knowledge they still retained. Remarkably, the results indicated that there had been absolutely no decline in their language proficiency over the course of those five decades. 

This groundbreaking discovery acts as a reminder that the skills we acquire through language lessons are embedded in us more deeply than previously believed. Our memory of foreign languages can stay with us for long periods of time even without reinforcement or use. 

When you’re considering whether or not to invest your time in learning a new language, consider these benefits.

A foreign language Improves Your Cognitive Ability

Learning a new language helps increase your cognitive ability. You can strengthen skills like problem solving, memory retention, and the ability to process information quickly. This can be beneficial for adults who want to maintain healthy cognitive functions late in life. 

People who are bilingual also tend to have better communication skills both verbally and written due to their increased understanding of different cultures and perspectives. 

Developing an understanding of how different cultures interact can also help increase your empathy towards others. This is beneficial in many aspects of life such as personal relationships, professional relationships, and even politics.

Broadens Your Cultural Horizons

Learning a foreign language opens you up to new cultures that you may have been unaware of before. It allows you to start conversations with locals or those who are visiting from another country but do not speak English fluently. 

You will be able to understand more about different cultures through jokes or stories that only native speakers would know about.

 Whether it’s through reading books in the original language or traveling abroad, learning a foreign language can open doors for cultural exploration and appreciation.

Gives You More Career Opportunities

Speaking more than one language can help you stand out when applying for jobs since employers prioritize candidates with this skill set above those without it. 

It can give you access to opportunities with international companies or those which deal with diverse customer bases across the world.

 Even if your current job doesn’t require knowledge of any other languages, being able to communicate fluently in two languages is still an impressive skill set that employers recognize and appreciate when hiring candidates. This is true for certain positions such as customer service representatives or marketing professionals who need to communicate with customers in various countries around the world.

 Expansion of Personal Interests

 Learning another language makes it easier to access literature, films and music from other countries. These can be incredibly enriching experiences for those who take advantage of them.

 With a new language you can explore regions where particular languages are spoken through travel which is always exciting!  

Conclusion

Learning a foreign language might seem like an intimidating task at first. But it comes with many benefits such as increasing your cognitive ability, broadening your cultural horizons, and giving you more career opportunities than those who don’t know more than one language! 

Thanks to the research from the University Of New York, we now know that knowledge acquired decades ago still remains intact today. This makes now the perfect time for adult learners everywhere to start investing in their future by picking up another language! 

 So what are you waiting for? Start studying today.

Try out some online courses today and get started on this incredible journey!  Good luck!

These were the 5 favourite readings of the year.

if you didn’t download the freebies for each article, you can still do it by clicking on the links.

Here’s for a successful 2024 jam-packed with strategies for better language learning.

Cheers ! 🥂🌟🎆

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