Archive by Author
Language Learning: the Useful Art Posted by Malachi Rempen on Mar 29, 2017 in Archived Posts
What does language learning have in common with bread? More than you might think. As the Greeks (and Italians, and Spaniards, and North Africans, and really anyone from any country bordering the Mediterranean) know well, bread is the perfect combination of art and utility. It can be a work of creative genius – fluffy, salty-sweet, decorated…
Why Being Complimented is Basically the Worst Posted by Malachi Rempen on Mar 22, 2017 in Archived Posts
People are just trying to be nice, sure. But even well-intended statements don’t always go over well. There’s nothing like a compliment to put me down in the dumps. I’ve been living in Germany for several years now, and my German is far from perfect. It’s actually far from great, even. It’s admissible. Whenever I speak…
There Are No Gatekeepers in Language Learning Posted by Malachi Rempen on Mar 15, 2017 in Archived Posts
Many jobs, hobbies and skills have a high price of entry, limitation, equipment or permission that must be granted in order for you to pursue it. Not so with language learning! I don’t like having to ask for permission. When it comes to my interests, hobbies, work and skills, I prefer not to have to…
Your Unique Language Learning Journey Posted by Malachi Rempen on Mar 8, 2017 in Archived Posts
Life isn’t fair, and neither is language learning. In a lot of life’s pursuits, your cultural background doesn’t matter. Sports, for example – it’s not important where you’re from. All that matters is that you’re faster, stronger, more accurate. While culture of course influences art, it doesn’t necessarily affect your drawing, photography or singing skills. It also…
Choosing the Right Tool for the Job Posted by Malachi Rempen on Feb 20, 2017 in Archived Posts
When you go camping, you’ve got to bring the right gear for the trip. And language learning is no different. Always pack the right gear for the trip you’re taking. You don’t want to go on a camping trip with your TV, and you don’t want to go to a European campground with anything but…
How Others See Your Language Learning Posted by Malachi Rempen on Feb 13, 2017 in Archived Posts
Your language learning will be received differently around the world by different people. How is it for you? As much as I like to paint cultures and people with broad strokes in my comic Itchy Feet, for satirical purposes of course – the fact is that people are people, and people are different. Everyone’s going to…
Are You a Language Jet-Setter or Hitchhiker? Posted by Malachi Rempen on Feb 6, 2017 in Archived Posts
Some language learners are ultra-prepared and dedicated. Others are more passive, preferring to let the language find them. Which one are you? In my experience, I’ve found there are two kinds of language learners: jet-setters and hitchhikers. Jet-setters know exactly where they’re going, and they’ve packed exactly what they need to get there. Maybe they’re learning French…