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#Portuguese365 Update 7: Language learning playlist for studying with music

portuguese music playlist

This week was slower in terms of my foreign language study challenge. Although I am making progress, a bad cold prevented me from doing as much as I’d hoped. So here’s a quick list of my favourite music in Portuguese. It helps me get through slower days like these, and still feel that I’m doing a little bit to get that foreign language practice. I hope you enjoy the selection, and that you’re able to add to my playlist!

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#Portuguese365 Update 6: fast and flexible language learning?

language study muscle, how to get fast and flexible language learning?My one-year adventure with studying Portuguese is becoming a more grown-up thing now: I need to fit language study around my work! Doing this requires good time management but also (crucially for polyglot wannabes) setting priorities. So how to get your foreign language habit alongside your busy life?

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BRAVE Blog

#Portuguese365 Update 5: Noticing and memory training for language learners

portuguese memory training

It’s funny how much can happen in language learning – even when, on the surface, not a lot has changed. Today’s Portuguese update is just about that. Can you actually learn a language without effort? And if not (obviously) – what’s going on in language study that you’re not fully aware of?

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An Extreme Time Management Post

Every time I open a new tab in my browser, this is what I see:

It’s a brilliant extension (download it here for free; works on Chrome only). The clock never stops and it’s ridiculously detailed. This is the difference between telling myself “I’m 32 years old” and seeing that a tenth of a second passes away as I wonder whether to check Dilbert or Garfield next.

On a related note – a very interesting talk with Marta Dziurosz today, with a key question: “If you only had 48 hours to FAKE being really driven and motivated and competent at something – what would you do?” It’s interesting how easy it was for us to come up with quite detailed and hyper-intensive plans – and how hard it is to make sure that what we wanted to do in 48 hours becomes a good 48 weeks instead.

If you only had 48 hours to fake being keen, driven and motivated by something, what would you do?

Now take a look at this list. How can you make sure that you fill 48 weeks with what you wanted to do in 48 hours?

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#Portuguese365 Update 4: Glossaries and Extended Reading

I’m working on my Portuguese even on a busy week like this one. Two problems have been on my mind this time. The first one was about basic Portuguese vocabulary: how to ensure that I can get by with the simple requests and communication strategies? The second one was more connected to input: where to find good, extended reading in Portuguese? I’m happy to share the findings with you!

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5 Things You Will Get From Good Life Coaching

1. Help in setting precise goals. A good coach will not stop until your goals are precise, valid and ready to rock.
2. A constant source of good questions. This is how you learn to find your own answers, and trust your own decisions. A good question is worth 10 mediocre pieces of advice.
3. Help in finding the best resources. Expert coaches know where else to look for help – and they will enable you to find all the tools, time and people you need.
4. A long-term, supportive conversation. Perspective is the ultimate difference: working with a good life coach means that more things get noticed, discussed and used.
5. Lessons to help you after coaching. There is a difference between “losing a client” and “leaving a client with the skills they will need.” Good coaches know the difference and will work to teach you how to cope without them.

(BONUS: 5 Things You Probably Won’t)

1. Medical assistance or treatment. Good coaches won’t claim to cure you. If you have a medical condition, doctors are the experts you need.
2. Quick fixes. Sure, lots of coaches will claim to solve all problems with a quick miracle session. But good coaches know exactly when to use these methods – and they know it because they take their time.
3. Advice. What good is another person telling you what to do?
4. Keys to the minds of others. Life coaching is not manipulation. And life coaches are not propaganda wizards.
5. Freedom from responsibility. Ultimately, your life is your job. A good life coach will make you do the work, and be there when support or reckoning is needed. Did you ever see Muhammad Ali’s coach enter the ring to fight for him?