HOW TO LEARN A LANGUAGE "QUICK" Learning a language can feel challenging, but if you take the right approach you can achieve so much in such a short amount of time. As someone who has learned/continues to learn languages, here are 5 tips on how you can achieve quick results in a decent amount of time (For reference, I achieved a C1 level in French in 2.5 years). #1. Immersion. When we are kids, picking up our native tongue was relatively easy because we were constantly bombarded by the language through our environment. Take the time to immerse yourself daily in your target language(s). Watch TV, listen to podcasts, read books, do anything and everything that involves you listening / seeing the language!!! #2. Find the right study material. Do some research to find what good resources are out there, and do your best to limit yourself to only one or two study materials. In a world where we have access to anything and everything, it's very easy to quickly become overwhelmed by how much is out there. Find something that makes the learning process of a language fun and comprehensible, and stick to it. #3. Study grammar, but don't make that the main focus. There's always debate on whether or not grammar is important when learning languages. In my personal experience, I do believe grammar is the blueprint or the skeleton of the body that we need when learning a language. It is the foundation for everything else that follows. #4. Learn vocabulary!!! Don't make long boring list of words. Yes, make flashcards, but go beyond just translating the word. Sometimes, that is enough, but other times it really isn't. I find that creating sample sentences can be helpful in learning how to utilize vocabulary when speaking in your target language. #5. HAVE FUN!!!! If it's not fun, then why do it? The important thing is that you enjoy this journey! It's not enough to just want to learn the language. Find your WHY. That's what will keep you going even when it gets hard :)

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🇷🇸 Building Balkan Trust: The Deep Language of Care and Loyalty A lesson in establishing sincere connection through vulnerability. Introduction While Serbians are known for immediate warmth, the deepest connections are built on trust and mutual care—especially within the family and friend circles. 1. Empathy Overcomes Distance: The Story of the Knee When I was 17, I visited a relative's family in my hometown. I hadn't seen my youngest cousin, who was 6 at the time, very often. He was initially shy, but overcame his reserve due to a small issue he had with his knee. I spent time genuinely listening to his worries and reassuring him. This small act of empathy was a turning point. The discomfort in his knee became our little secret, and the focused care immediately established a profound, trusting bond between us. This shows that true Balkan connection often begins with genuine empathy for a small, shared vulnerability 2. Immediate Loyalty: The Birthday Party Hug This deep loyalty is instantly extended once a person feels safe. It often involves the whole zaštitni krug (protective circle). I experienced this deeply one year when I was at a friend's birthday party. His relatives' young children were there, and after initial shyness, they quickly accepted me. The boy, in particular, was instantly mesmerized, and the girl soon followed. The affection became total, physical, and unreserved: they were hugging and kissing me as if they had known me for a hundred years. My friend had to gently joke, "Be careful, you’re going to smother her!" The Most Crucial Part: Once the connection is established, the affection becomes total, physical, and unreserved. If you are accepted into that inner circle of trust, be prepared for intense loyalty. Conclusion In Serbian culture, affection is never half-hearted. When you gain a Serbian person's trust, you gain their whole heart. What is your conclusion? What did you learn about Serbian trust and loyalty from these stories? Share

What do you struggle with the most in regards to speaking American English with native English speakers? Is it coming up with words to say? It's pronouncing them clearly so your listener can fully understand? Is it saying enough so you don't sound limited or be able to give enough variety in your responses so you don't sound repetitive? Is it phrasal verbs? Do you use them? Do you understand them? Do you know how many there are? What about your confidence? Do you second guess yourself when you speak English? Do you have a lot of 'ums' and 'uhs' when you speak American English? Do you repeat words and phrases? Do you have long pauses in between your words and phrases? Do you translate in your head before you say it? Do you depend on translating? Do you say the bare minimum which is only the few things you know how to say but if someone asks you to 'say more.' you'd have difficulty? Are you not really sure where you struggle? Have you ever had someone from the United States... a tutor or teacher really judge your speaking and give you feedback?

The Balkan Hug: Why Serbian People (Especially Kids!) Show Affection Immediately A cultural perspective for language learners. Introduction When learning a language, we focus on grammar and vocabulary. But culture is just as important! Today, I want to share some personal stories about physical affection and open communication in Serbia, especially when interacting with children. 1. The Immediate Connection: No Need for Introductions In many cultures, you must build trust slowly before showing deep affection. In Serbia, connection and warmth are often immediate—especially if you are someone new and positive. I experienced this early on during a school trip when I was about 13 or 14. I was singing and chatting with friends in a courtyard when a young boy, perhaps 6 or 8 years old, came up to me. He didn't want to leave my side! He asked me to sing the famous traditional song "Zona Zamfirova" (a cultural reference for Serbian learners!) He played with my fingers, totally unconcerned with the age difference or the fact that we were strangers. My friends joked that he was in love—but really, it was just pure, open Balkan affection. When his mother called him away, he was genuinely sad! 2. The Power of "The Collective Hug" The affection doesn't stop with small gestures; it often involves the whole community! I often used to visit my old elementary school, and every time, the children would gather around me like bees around a flower! Once, a little girl was particularly brave: she started talking to me, then spontaneously gave me a big hug—all without any reason! Then she asked me to gently scratch her head. Just then, a teacher came by and looked surprised. She asked me, "Are you her parent?" I smiled and replied: "Does it look like I am her mother?" The teacher smiled back and said, "Yes, why not?" That teacher perfectly understood that affection here often looks parental, even when it's not. We are all part of a big, warm community!

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Swahili Culture Fact: In Swahili culture, hospitality is a sacred value. When you visit someone’s home, even for a few minutes, you’ll always be offered something to drink — usually chai ya tangawizi (ginger tea) or fresh juice. Refusing it can be seen as impolite, because serving a guest shows warmth, respect, and community spirit. In many coastal homes, hosts will say “Karibu, jisikie uko nyumbani,” meaning “Welcome, feel at home.” This gesture reflects the Swahili belief that mgeni ni baraka — “a guest is a blessing.” #SwahiliCulture #LearnSwahili #CulturalFacts #EastAfrica #LanguageAndCulture

Do you confuse "por" and "para"? 🤯 Many students tell me, “Aura, por and para confuse me.” Book a class with me on Italki to master Spanish with confidence. 🇨🇴✨

Tomorrow is a very important day for a huge number of Japanese baseball fans. Tomorrow is the day the draft meeting will be held. It has an important mean to 12 professional baseball teams. They choose several people from amateur baseball teams. It including high school, university and corporate. Every year, a lot of players participates this meeting to enter professional baseball leagues. But this meeting is so severe. I often watching top prospect players who don't choose by any teams. It maybe happen this year. This year, I especially pay attention to university's players. A lot of prospect players are in around the Japan. Osaka, Hokkaido, Tokyo and so on. Of course, High school's players has also outstanding players. I want to watch draft meeting with my friends and beer.🍺 My favorite team's weak point is pitcher, so I expect them to choose outstanding pitchers! I already very exiting now! I may can't sleep well tonight.