Throughout his book, Atomic Habits, James Clear makes the point that small actions can, over time, have a major impact on outcomes. Developing good habits is more important than focusing on long term goals.

Some people say we need to “focus on the basics” when learning a language. However, we acquire various aspects of a language naturally, in an order that we don’t control. It is futile to try to master the basics, some of which will elude us for a long time.

YouTuber Veronika Mark speaks excellent English and now she is studying Spanish in Mexico City. I caught up with her and discussed her studies and how her English has improved since we last spoke.

There may be many reasons why language learning, or bilingualism, is associated with a delay in the onset of dementia. Obviously, it is a form of exercise for the brain, creating new neural networks, but it also gives older people a strong sense of purpose.

Do you enjoy answering comprehension questions about content in your target language? Many teachers and writers of language learning textbooks seem to think these questions are vital. I couldn’t disagree more.

Challenge yourself in 2023 and start a LingQ Language Challenge. We have a 30-day and 90-day challenges as well as the Streak with Steve challenge. Stay on track, motivated and learn from content you’re interested in and you will make a breakthrough in your target language.

In the coming year I want to follow my own advice and make sure I enjoy my language learning activities without worrying about how much I am improving. That’s my major New Year’s resolution.

We shouldn’t penalize people for getting things wrong in language learning. Maybe we congratulate them instead and encourage them to keep on getting things wrong, because eventually, with enough exposure, they’re going to get it right.

I find it easier to learn things that are different from each other in a new language. Take colours for example. If I can space the colours or connect them to something else, like a plant or a shirt, and I come across them in different situations, then eventually I assimilate them. I start to learn them. But if I try to learn them as a list, I find that very difficult to do.

Stefani is fluent in five languages, intermediate in three others and learning two more. She is yet another outstanding polyglot who proves that you can grow up in a monolingual family and become an accomplished speaker of many languages.