Bjorn's Language Learning Blog

The Reality of Maintaining Multiple Languages: A Personal Journey

As someone who grew up in Norway, Norwegian has always been my mother tongue. Alongside it, English naturally became a part of my life through school and everyday use, allowing me to maintain a high level of proficiency without much deliberate effort. However, it was only as an adult that I ventured into learning other languages, which has given me a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards that come with this pursuit.

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Mastering Language Learning with the Laddering Technique: From Italian to French

Learning a new language can be both challenging and rewarding. One effective technique that polyglots often use is called "laddering." This method involves using one foreign language to learn another, which can be particularly useful if you already have a good grasp of a second language. In this article, we'll explore how you can use laddering to transition from Italian to French, with specific steps and tips to guide you along the way.

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How much time does it take to learn a new language?

When it comes to the specific hours needed to reach fluency, using the Foreign Service Institute (FSI) difficulty rankings are essential. They rank languages based on difficulty and list the exact hours needed to learn them. Their table rankings are shown below, and are based on the difficulty for an English speaking person.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Polyglot

Becoming a polyglot, or a person who speaks multiple languages fluently, is an exciting and rewarding journey. Whether you're just starting or looking to add more languages to your repertoire, understanding the fundamentals is key. Below are some frequently asked questions to help guide you on your path to multilingualism.

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The Definition of a Polyglot

Becoming a polyglot means mastering several languages, but what exactly qualifies someone as a polyglot? Definitions can vary, but a consistent theme is the ability to speak several languages fluently. Here's a summary of what various sources suggest about the requirements to call oneself a polyglot, supporting the conclusion that a true polyglot speaks four or more languages fluently.

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How to Measure Your Language Level with the CEFR Scale

Embarking on the journey of learning a new language is exciting, but how do you measure your progress? Enter the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, or CEFR. This scale is the gold standard for assessing language proficiency. Here’s why it’s invaluable for language learners.

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How to Stay Motivated While Learning a New Language

Learning a new language is an exciting but often challenging journey. Maintaining motivation throughout the process is crucial to achieving fluency. Whether you're just starting or have been learning for years, here are some effective strategies to keep your motivation high and make your language learning experience enjoyable and successful.

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