Archive for the ‘learn spanish online’ Category

Teaching on the internet

Tuesday, April 6th, 2010

After teaching live for decades, I was  a bit nervous about starting to teach online. Body language, minimal facial expressions, intimacy would all be changed radically. I feel pretty comfortable with technology and computers, but I was concerned about establishing rapport and maintaining a strong connection with students.

It has been a great adventure. I was surprised to realize that the voice is actually much more important than the picture.  (This is even more so in a language class of course.) The video is just a pleasant addition, but it is the audio connection which is most important.

It is also great fun to have all your computer resources available instantly: the internet, photo files, etc. It actually… Continue reading

A Quick History of a Linguistic Journey

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

My linguistic journeys always begin because I fall in love with the sounds and the culture of a new language.

I started studying foreign languages in France at the age of ten.  My parents expected me to begin learning English and Latin at that time.  I resisted but had no choice in the matter. “Sigh”.  Two years later, German was added to the list.  When I moved to the US at the age of thirteen, I immediately realized the importance of knowing English and quickly became fluent. (How else could I join a rock group?) I began to study Spanish in High School as well.  In college I added Italian to the list.

Then came my true love… Continue reading

Focus Language Online Classes

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

FOCUS LANGUAGE is proud to offer online language instruction.  As the world changes, online classes are becoming a vital addition to education.  We hope you will come study with us and learn a new language.

Fast: Online language classes are simple to set up and they save you time.  They let you learn on your own schedule, at home or at work; but you retain all the advantages of studying with  a quality private instructor.

Easy: With Focus Language, you can set the pace and the timing of your instruction.  Tell us what you want: we will listen.  All you need is a webcam and Skype.  We will help you set up Skype in 5 minutes… Continue reading

Playing with Language

Sunday, February 21st, 2010

Although it is important to be serious about learning a foreign language, the ability to play and enjoy the process is equally vital. I have been a lover of languages for most of my life.  I teach French, English, Spanish, Mandarin, Italian, Hindi and Punjabi, but I have also studied German, Latin, Arabic and Urdu. As you see, I have studied many languages through the years, but two common themes have emerged in my own success.  The first is a deep and lasting desire and motivation to master each of the languages I have studied.  The second is that I love to play as I learn.  So when you begin, first play with the new sound system.  Imitate, mimic, copy the… Continue reading