Have you ever felt that language classes teach you everything about the language, except how to speak it? Or ever take a semester or many semesters of a language and still feel uncomfortable even in the simplest of conversations?

If you answered 'yes' to either of the questions, want to learn a new language or want to improve your general language learning technique, this class is for you.

Consider this the pre-101 orientation that I think all language classes should have. It is a fun, highly interactive workshop in which you will learn the secret ingredients that allowed me to become the linguist I am today.

I have learned languages in a wide variety of methods and not a single one of my classes included these concepts that I consider the very basic for language acquisition. This is simply because the methods were not developed by multi-ligunguists, who were able to compare, contrast and keep only what truly works. I had the opportunity to do just that, and I distilled the elements for you.

What to expect:

Expect to leave the class with 5 solid techniques that will thoroughly improve your language acquisition in any language you chose to pursue. Expect to be engaged in the class and to be asked to step outside of your shell. Expect to have lots of fun in class, with plenty of smiles, laughter and learning. I find language learning very enjoyable and hopefully I'll be able to pass that feeling to every class. Expect to feel hungry to take up a language.

Prerequisites:

Come with a very open mind, and prepared to step outside your comfort zone. I consider this not only a prereq for the class, but also for language learning. After all, if you're learning a different language, you will be stepping outside your comfort zone anyways.  Not participating in class will make the experience less enjoyable for you and your classmates, and I would refrain from signing up if participating seems too daunting. But don't worry, hesitation is welcome (and expected) and you will never be forced to do anything you are not comfortable with, I promise. 

This is not:

A reading/writing class. You will not learn any techniques to help you to read and write a different language.