Maria Inês Teixeira - Speechling Official Blog

Top 5 Language Learning Mistakes and Myths Debunked

Like any other activity that requires time, effort and skill, language learning is saturated with strong theories and opinions about what can or cannot be done. "Move abroad, otherwise you won't learn the language." "Forget your native language, otherwise you won't be successful." "I am

Language Learning

3 Steps to Master Pronunciation in Any Language

Pronunciation can take its toll on our self-confidence. The awkward silences and the way our tongues just seem to be against us when it's time to actually talk! And all because of a couple of sounds...how frustrating is that? Well, great news! Pronunciation does not have to be your

Spanish

The No-Fuss Guide to Teaching Yourself Spanish

Teaching yourself Spanish has never been easier. But isn't it ironic? Getting distracted, feeling overwhelmed, losing track and choosing inefficient methods for learning Spanish has become easier as well, especially if you do not start with the right strategy for becoming fluent! Teaching yourself anything requires focus, discipline and a

Spanish

Which Version of Spanish Should I Learn?

I want to learn Spanish: which Spanish dialect is better for me? Well...you have come to the right place! If proof is needed that Spanish has had a major influence throughout History, consider the 20 countries that keep using the language as their mother tongue today. Colored with local

Spanish

A Beginner's Guide to Christmas in Spanish

Celebrating Christmas and learning Spanish at the same time? No problem! Get ready for your Christmas celebrations with this short guide to Christmas in Spanish-speaking countries and our list of top 10+ words you can't do without. How do you say "Christmas" in Spanish? The word for Christmas

Language Learning

The Truth About Why You Can't Learn a New Language

Bored, tired and overwhelmed. Learning a new language can be exhausting. Comparing yourself to that amazingly fluent student in your language course? Feeling so bored you can't even picture yourself writing a simple sentence, let alone conjugating verbs? We've all been there. Language learning is a game of the brain.

English

How to Prepare For the TOEFL: Top 13 Expert Tips for Success

So you've got your mind set on taking the TOEFL. You dream of studying abroad, working abroad, getting a better job, being up for the challenge and taking over the world with your mad English skills! But now is time to get ready for it, and we don't blame you

Spanish

5 Spanish Words With No Direct English Translation

There is one thing all language learners eventually realize: language is a window to human behavior, and Spanish is no different! Perhaps it is one of the greatest pleasures when exploring the deepest corners of the Spanish language and its variations. There are simply too many words and expressions that

Spanish

5 Spanish Horror Movies That Will Get You Hooked

Romance. Parties. Dance. Sun and fun. Spain and Spanish culture are often associated with these concepts. Rarely would anyone think of Spain as a go-to source for horror films to keep you up at night and haunt your dreams! Spanish movie for Halloween? Sounds strange. However... Spanish horror movies have

Language Learning

3 Benefits of Thinking in Your Native Language

Raise your hand if you have been told this in the past: "If you want to learn a new language, you have to stop thinking in your native language!" or "Stop thinking in your mother tongue, that's why you are struggling!". Well, things might not actually

Spanish

Top 8 Fun Spanish Songs for Learning to Speak Spanish

Relax, we are not about to tell you to endure "Despacito" for the 50th time! Music remains one of the most popular ways of exploring, absorbing and understanding a new language. Scientifically, research suggests that music learning could be intimately related to learning languages more easily. How awesome

Spanish

Loving in Spanish: 5 Romantic Expressions Beyond "Te Amo"!

So you find yourself entertaining the thought of having a Spanish-speaking lover, or simply wanting to diversify the language in which you declare your feelings to your loved ones! You've heard "Te amo" a million times, and you're ready to upgrade your lingo. Keep reading for the most

Spanish

10 Embarrassing False Cognates in Spanish

When you come across a text in Spanish containing the words actor, animal, central, chocolate, editorial, familiar or oriental, you are likely to come to the accurate realization that Spanish and English have a lot more in common than we give them credit for! However... False cognates - or, as

Language Learning

5 Problems Only Language Learners Will Understand - and How to Fix Them

Sometimes you could swear your brain is your worst enemy. You keep forgetting words, getting stuck when you try explaining yourself, or failing to understand native speakers after studying for months. The good news? There are several things you can do about it. Hop in! 5. I Can't Memorize New

Language Learning

Learning a Foreign Language? 10 Steps Guaranteed to Step Up Your Game

Learning a foreign language could be the challenge of your life. It requires focus, consistency, discipline, courage to put yourself out there and expose yourself to the target language. But what happens when you seem to have hit a plateau? What do you do when new words just seem to