It's been one month since I revived my investment in learning Dutch, and it's certainly humbling. Many of you reached out to me with one question: "Why Dutch?!" What I hear behind that question is, "How do you have the energy to learn a new language when you don't even need it?" Since I've failed at this half a dozen times, I know it sounds heroic to get into the arena again. But the most valuable thing to address at the get-go before learning a language is the 'why'. I was super efficient...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Dear Reader, A couple of years ago, people started telling me my French was unusually good. So I started sharing what I did and it resonated. But I've been avoiding a question ever since: was that the method — or was it just me? There's only one way to find out - I'm learning Dutch. If I get to conversational fluency in a language I have zero cultural pressure to speak, no survival instinct pushing me forward, no debt to payback and no job to hunt for — then the method gets the credit. Not...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hey there, I've hesitated to talk about this online, but here goes. Last year I hit one of those classic France curveballs: I applied to renew my work permit… and the prefecture never replied. Fast forward a few months, and I was leaving Paris with just one suitcase, unsure if I can come back to my apartment I'm paying for. Not fun — but here’s the upside: it taught me that in France, knowing the language isn't enough. As a foreigner, knowledge = power. If I’d known the system better, I...
9 months ago • 1 min read
Hey Friends, Since the last time we spoke, I'm on holiday in India and have been meaning to spend more time on my Dutch. With the best of intentions and free time, I've not been able to spend as much focused hours like I did during my French learning days. The difference is desperation in that, I'm not! This 'new' way of learning a language (My Dutch journey) is super different from my French journey which was all hands on deck, try different exercises, fail fast and keep making progress -...
over 1 year ago • 1 min read
Hello there, Last week a bunch of you took the FrenchMesh Snapshot, and I'm glad you did! it helps me see what you're struggling with when it comes to your learning journey. You can still participate here 👉 Record my Snapshot — (2 minutes) The 2 largest issues you guys said you faced were organising Speaking practice and Hearing Colloquial French. This coincides with my experience of learning Dutch too, it's the most intimidating and yet the most rewarding. I've captured this truth in the...
over 1 year ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Welcome to FrenchMesh! 🎉 I’m excited to have you on board as we begin this journey to mastering French together. Before we dive into tips and resources, let’s talk about some common Myths that hold us back: "I’m too old to learn a language." "I’m not good at learning languages." "I don’t have enough time." "I need French friends to learn." "I don’t have the money for expensive classes." "I’m too stupid for French." "I’ll forget my English." "I’m a visual learner, and I need to...
over 1 year ago • 1 min read