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Livemocha Blog

The Conversation A blog from Livemocha

Latest Posts by Kira Fickenscher

Active English Classroom has Arrived!

Ready to finally master English? Our certified English teachers know how to get you there.

Try out the new virtual classroom for fast, effective English instruction led by a real teacher.

You already know that instruction from a teacher is most effective when combined with directed self-study practice. That’s where the virtual classroom comes in. Every lesson perfectly complements Active English, so you can develop your language skills quickly with targeted practice and answers from an expert. BONUS – for a limited time only, our special introductory price of $9.95 per lesson includes 30 days of access to our award-winning Active English course.

Lessons are tailored to your skill level. Best of all, there’s no commitment – you pay as you go…  read more

Funny Language Blunders from Livemocha Members

Yesterday, we asked the Livemocha community on Facebook to share memorable personal experiences with language – anything from an embarrassing language mishap to a breakthrough moment in speaking or understanding the language. We got some hilarious stories in response!

Although we’re all a little afraid we’ll say something foolish when we try to speak a new language, making mistakes is actually a VERY good thing. If you make mistakes, it means you’re actively trying to speak the language. Of course, that also means laughing at yourself is an important part of learning to speak a language.  So, in the spirit of embracing awkward situations, check out these language fumbles!

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I’m learning Spanish and currently living in Spain. A few months ago, our…  read more

Instant Replay: Interview with linguist Michael Erard

Yesterday’s interview with Michael Erard was fun, informative, and lots of other adjectives besides.
He’s a linguist and author who has written about language in the New York Times, Slate, Wired, Science, the New Atlantic and more. He recently released his second book, “Babel No More: The Search for the World’s Most Extraordinary Language Learners”, an investigation into super-learners who speak a whole slew of languages – 6, 12, or even 50. Yep, that’s a thing, unreal though it may sound.

I asked him questions from our members – a mix of language enthusiasts around the globe, including teachers, linguists, monolinguals aspiring to learn their first language, and polyglots working to improve their fluency in several. Michael shared some fascinating insights into…  read more

Guest Post from Aaron Myers – The Benefits of Writing Practice

A big thank you to language-learning guru Aaron Myers for these tips on how to get the most out of Livemocha’s writing exercises!

One of my favorite features of the Livemocha community is the ability learners have to write and to get feedback on their writing.  Writing is an overlooked and often underutilized part of the language learning journey.  Most learners just want to be able to speak the language and don’t see the value in writing.  But writing offers some great benefits for language learners.

First, writing allows you to practice creating in the target language.  You are forming the words in your mind and producing them on paper but it is essentially the same process as speaking – only…  read more

Meet the Author: Michael Erard

Join us for a free Webinar on April 12!

Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at:

https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/374244910

Meet Michael Erard, PhD, a highly accomplished linguist and author. He’s an expert in all things linguistic, from the psyche of language learners to the intricacies of rhetoric. Not only is he skilled at illuminating the complexities of language, but he’s done so in such publications as The New York Times, Science, Wired, Slate, The Atlantic, and New Scientist.

He practically wrote the book on hyperpolyglotism. No, wait – he DID write it.

Erard’s second book, “Babel No More: The Search for the World’s Most Extraordinary Language Learners”, is about the rare birds who speak 6 or more languages and the upper limits of…  read more