The last six months have given many their first experience with remote e-learning. To say that it's been a mixed bag would be a cliché. But understanding both the pros and cons will help you get the most out of it, and also avoid some pitfalls along the way. First a...
Research-backed insights for language learning
You’re my people. Marco Polo + Parley Blue
Marco Polo + Parley Blue Connect with fellow language learners on the Parley Blue + Marco Polo (video chat app) channel. Meet new friends! In-English support from fellow language learners. Daily language learning motivation Tips, tricks, and best practices Daily...
Are You Excited to Engage with Spanish Each Day?
Do you have a language learning goal? If you said, "yes", that's awesome. Keep reading. If you said "no", feel free to move on. This is for people who are serious about learning a new language. Ok, next question, for the happy few that are still with me: Do you have a...
Language Learning Plateaus – How to Beat Them
Hi! If you’ve previously spent time learning languages, you know what a language learning plateau feels like. If you are just starting to learn another language, you’ll know soon enough. Basically a language learning plateau is when you stop learning the language as...
Podcast Recommendations for People Learning Spanish
Hola, Podcasts are a great way to supplement your language studies. When I was learning Spanish in college, I almost always listened to a podcast or music in Spanish while I walked to class. It's a great way to take advantage of those in-between moments and get lots...
Can You Learn a Language Without Speaking with Anyone?
Is it possible? Could you learn to understand and speak a language without actually speaking to anyone? It's a question worth asking, so let's explore the possibility here. First, there are some real challenges we have to deal with before we can say "yes". Most...
Why Language Learning in the US is Broken
If you're going to do something, do it right. Unfortunately, language learning is rarely done right. In the United States, it's especially broken. Billions of dollars and millions of hours spent a year with very little to show for it. High school classes, free mobile...
Language Learning Success = (Invested Time x Motivation) / Inhibition
The famous Hungarian polyglot Kató Lamb came up with a useful formula to evaluate your language acquisition success. Result = (Invested Time x Motivation) / Inhibition I think this is a great formula. Throughout the years I’ve always gone back to this formula because...
Deliberate Practice: Parley Blue’s Uncomfortably Satisfying Secret Sauce
When I first started re-learning Portuguese with Parley Blue, it was an interesting mix of uncomfortable and satisfying. The discomfort came from constantly being stretched beyond my current abilities. In calls with my coach, I struggled to understand and formulate...
80/20 Rule: Reach Fluency Faster With These 3 Steps
The Pareto Principle Picking up a giant 800-page dictionary in your target language at the start of your fluency journey is a sure-fire way to make yourself feel discouraged and defeated before you’ve even begun. How will you ever...
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