So you want to learn a new language...

Today is the United nations world English Language Day So I've decided to share the many methods I used to learn italian, that should apply to learning any language (even English).

First of all before even considering the list below, hands down the best way to learn any language is to live in a country and with the people that speak that language.

Here a list of what I use to learn languages:

• Babbel: costs a little but offers a comprehensive course for many languages at all levels, i got a super cheap membership with so random GroupOn deal, anyway moving on.
• Duolingo: its completely free! this app is great to practise the basics, you can even compete with friends. 
• Grammar books: the back bone of learning grammar is practise, find a textbook like this just full of simple exercises.
• Dual language books: in my opinion utterly useless, but I didn't stop me using them for many years. 
• Skype language exchanges: Tandem is particularly good, also heard about Hellotalk.
• Blogs: there are absolutely millions of language blogs, you have to sift through them to find a good one like this and this, best of all they are completely free!
• Podcasts: this coffeebreak series by radiolingua is incredible and again freeeee!

You dont have to spend any money to learn a language it only requires dedication and of course hours of practise practise practise.

I found this book really helped, Fluent Forever by Gabriel Wyner.

Spotlight Barcelona

After spending all Easter in Barcelona city, there is no doubt in my mind that Barcelona is one of the coolest cities in the world.

I'm going to dedicate the next few posts to the Catalan capital itself after a glorious week in the sun. Before visiting any city I really recommend learning some of the lingo, just the basics. Having some knowledge of the language will help you get on well with the locals and make finding your way around alot easier.

Hello   hola (ah-la)

Good morning   bon dia (bon dee-ah)

Good afternoon   bona tarda (bona tarr-dah)

Good night   bona nit (bona neet)

Goodbye  adéu (ah le ooo)

Please   sisplau (ses plow)

Thank you   gràcies/merci

Thank you very much   moltes gràcies

Excuse me   perdoni (pear-dough-knee)

I'm sorry   ho sento (ooo sen-too)

Beer cervesa (sir vess sah)

Toilet   els serveis (el sir vays)

Where is….    On és… (on ess tah...whatever)

I don't understand   no ho entenc (no on teng)

How are you(formal)?   com està (come ess sta)

Fine thanks, you?   Bé gràcies, I tu? (beh gra-see-as)

Yes no   sí no (sea no)

Do you speak English(formal)?   Parla anglès (parla un-gless)

My hovercraft is full of eels   el meu aerolliscador està ple d’anguiles