Category Archives: Learning
“How can I get fluent faster?”
I’ve been in Singapore since 2006. Before moving here, I had taken classes in Dutch, English, German, French, Ancient Greek, Latin and Spanish, and the first thing I did in Singapore was signing up for a full-time Mandarin course. No … Continue reading
Filed under Learning
For certification, don’t count on your language school
Before joining a language school, many language learners ask whether the school provides a certificate. While most schools do provide certificates of attendance and level, it is better to separate the teaching and certification. Because bear for rare exceptions, school … Continue reading
Filed under Language, language school, Learning
Swiss German is like Singlish
If you are thinking of looking for a class to learn Swiss German in Singapore, don’t. You may have done some research and have found out that the Swiss speak several languages, depending on where you go, but that their … Continue reading
How intense is your desire?
I have spent as much time learning French as I did learning Spanish. Yet I feel a whole lot more comfortable when I’m on Spanish speaking territory than when I need to speak French. I took French in secondary school. … Continue reading
What’s your ideal study environment?
In my secondary school time, I loved studying with the radio on. Every evening after coming home, I’d spend 2-3 hours in my room doing homework and studying. And most of the time, the radio would be on my favourite … Continue reading
Imperfect English is no disaster
English is my second language and I am really comfortable using it. But there will always be words for which I wouldn’t have the English version ready. Continue reading
In Focus: New Concept Mandarin
New Concept Mandarin (NCM) is a language teaching organisation with headquarters in Hong Kong and many branches across China. Many of New Concept Mandarin’s students take one-to-one classes, often sponsored by their companies. They also provide small group lessons. NCM … Continue reading
Filed under Chinese, In Focus, language school, Singapore
Most difficult languages to learn
As we have different mother tongues and are just generally different people, we will all have different opinions on what would be the most difficult language to learn. Here are a few languages that are often cited as difficult to … Continue reading
The fastest way to learn new things
My laptop is being repaired, so since yesterday I’m working with my wife’s Macbook. While I hear so many raving words about anything Apple, it’s been annoying for a hardcore PC user like me. But after a day, and after … Continue reading
In Focus: French Toast Language Center
Who would think that a French architect could become a language school principal in Singapore? I am sure that even Remi Malachin of French Toast Language Center himself wouldn’t believe the story. Yet that is what happened. Wanting to experience … Continue reading
Filed under French, In Focus, language school, Singapore
