Blog - How to Improve Competence

Language Acquisition: How Many Words Do You Need?

15 September 2020

Learning a second language is quite a different challenge to learning your native language. When you are gradually developing your native language skills, you are also learning a myriad of other things – but learning a second language as an adult is a completely different experience because you are translating what you already know into a new way of communicating and understanding.

In this article, we consider just how far you need to take this process by asking the question: How many words do you need to learn to ‘get by’ in a language?

Boost Your Vocabulary to Fast-track Your Language Learning

14 July 2020

Getting to grips with a host of unknown words is a part of the language-learning journey, but there are plenty of ways to improve your vocabulary without too much stress and struggle. This article introduces some effective vocabulary-building techniques that you can use to fast-track your language learning experience.

10 Facts About English Language and Culture You Didn’t Know

05 May 2020

English is the global language of business, the most widely spoken language in the world, and the native language of some of the most inventive scientists and engineers the world has ever seen – but it can also be tricky to learn until you master some of its golden rules and irregularities.

In this article, we explore English language and culture via cups of tea, irregular verbs and a trip to the seaside.

How to Keep Your Language Learning on Track While You’re Remote Working

25 March 2020

We are still here, still working, and still offering language learning to our clients – but right now, we are having to do things a little differently.

2020 Trends in Language-Learning Technologies

03 March 2020

Language learning has come a long way from ‘repeat-after-me’ audio solutions and learning vocabulary by rote – now the experience is far more fun, interactive and connected to other learners. In this article, we look at today’s language-learning technology landscape to see what is happening now and where the future might lie.

20 Facts About French Language and Culture You Didn’t Know

12 February 2020

France, one of our nearest neighbours, is a prosperous country – and it may be a key source for future business opportunities if and when our trading relationships change after Brexit. French is also a popular language to learn around the world, making it a desirable second language for opening global communication channels.

This article shares some interesting facts and figures about French language and culture – and adds a splash of food and wine in, too!