Category: Language Hacks


My First Week Speaking, Reading and Writing Chinese

My First Week Speaking, Reading and Writing Chinese

written by Benny Lewis

It’s the end of week 1 of what has definitely been the mission that has stirred up the most interest and discussion since I started the blog! I can confirm that after this initial exposure to the language, I have not quite been “humbled” into saying what I’m attempting is impossible just yet, despite what […]

My study material

Language Mission: Mandarin in 3 months!

written by Benny Lewis

Note: This mission has ended – I reached a lower intermediate level of Mandarin after 3 months and used it to successfully travel China and interview people! This video shows the level I had just before leaving Asia. As explained in the video, I was in Taipei, Taiwan, and this was day one of my […]

Quechua: Quick overview and Benny speaking it with natives

written by Benny Lewis

So here it is! Ending the year on a positive note of another successful language mission completed! 😀 I had only aimed to learn the basics of Quechua in the few weeks I was here, and I think this video shows that I did indeed get something out of my experience with it! Like with […]


Language:

Reading time: 2 minutes

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What does Quechua sound like? Traditional fabric/dyeing presentation in “runasimi”!

written by Benny Lewis

My mission to learn a little Quechua (a.k.a. “Runasimi”, the language of the Incas) has been so fascinating!! I’ve recorded lots of video footage about my experience here in the Andes, including my four day adventure hike towards Machu Picchu that I’ll edit to share some time in January, and even footage of me using […]


Language:

Reading time: 2 minutes

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The “flow” of fluency: How to freestyle rap in a foreign language

written by Guest Author

While many guest posts here are from people I’ve met in my travels or been in touch with online a lot, occasionally I’ll be sent a topic so damn interesting that even if I don’t know the person yet, it’s definitely worth sharing. Today’s is an excellent example of such a topic, which takes a […]


Language:

Reading time: 13 minutes

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How much time does it take to learn a language?

written by Benny Lewis

One understandable misconception from people when they first arrive on this site is that I would think it takes exactly three months to learn a language. To me the question and answer “How long does it take to learn a language?” “X months/years/lifetimes” is ludicrous, as it leaves far too much undefined and only caters […]


Language:

Reading time: 6 minutes

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Language Learning Tips For Couples

written by Guest Author

Erin and Simon are a British couple who I had been talking to for some time, and following their really cool blog “Neverendingvoyage.com” until a year ago when I actually got to meet them in person and hosted them as my Couchsurfers in Medellín! I’ve used the advice on their blog about eating vegetarian to […]


Language:

Reading time: 8 minutes

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Is long-term solo travel… lonely?

written by Benny Lewis

Whether or not I feel lonely in travelling by myself for such a long time is one of the biggest questions I get asked when people hear about my lifestyle of over eight years of solo travel, and something I’ll tell you all about today. What you read may surprise you!


Language:

Reading time: 9 minutes

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Language Hacking success story: Marcus speaking Portuguese in Brazil

written by Guest Author

There are many people out and travelling the world, and luckily more and more are trying to speak the local language when they see it isn’t so hard. Every day I’m hearing/reading more and more success stories from others, and I thought today’s one was among those worth sharing! This guest post is from Marcus, […]