Thoughts on negative self talk and language learning confidence Being able to speak a language is how we often frame the ultimate goal of language learning. But we don’t often–at least not in my experience–explicitly address how we speak about our language skills. Ma
Thoughts on travel and identity In six months I’ll be leaving for China to visit a close friend. When I leave, it will have been almost three years from the time I was last in China. As I think about my journey, I’m reflecting on how this trip will be different from others. It’l
Preparing for the inevitable on a journey abroad Last week I wrote about how to offer emotional support to friends who are living abroad. But it’s just as important to prepare your own homesickness plan before you head off on a grand adventure. When I was younger I assumed that
Turning an email into a loneliness antidote One of my closest friends is leaving for a long trip abroad tomorrow. I was on my way to meet her today to say goodbye, and my bus was late. I stood for 20 minutes in the rain, wearing inappropriate shoes and wondering whether I should final
My new favourite language learning tool In one of my first posts for this blog, I shared some ideas for using chinese dictionary apps and in a way that ensures strong and continued language learning. And while I’m still all about the paper dictionaries, I recently discovered the
Chinese TV shows have been great for my brain I like TV. I’ve been told that it’s bad for your brain, but if you’re like me and like to unwind with a good (or terrible) crime show, then I say harness the power of television for language learning as well. Listening comprehension has al
Why everyone should read this book I’ve never been the biggest fan of graphic novels, but a while back I picked up a bilingual copy of Gene Luen Yang’s American Born Chinese, and I’ve been totally enamored with it ever since. Why learners of Chinese should pick it up The bilingual ver
Is spending money on TESL or CELTA really worth it? My short answer Yes. My long explanation If you don’t have any formal teaching experience, then getting some sort of certification is a crucial. You may be able to get a job without a TESL or CELTA accreditation, but walking into a c
An unconventional listening comprehension strategy This weekend I did the Grouse Grind—the infamous hike that takes you straight up the side of Grouse Mountain in North Vancouver. On a Sunday in late August it was packed, and we were walking in step with dozens of other people. Amid t
Cats, grammar, and the internet as language playground I love my cat. Every day, I tell him how happy his paws and his fur and his ears make me. As I type this, he is sitting on my lap and occasionally nudging the edge of the computer with his head. I’m not alone in my love of all thi
