Connor Kane

If you’re reading this, you probably want to understand native Spanish speakers.  Maybe you’re close, maybe you’re a ways off.  Either way… there’s something that might be holding you back.  It’s difficult to avoid (I still catch myself doing it).  But it’s a critical comprehension mistake to avoid because it zaps your motivation faster than … Read More

So you need practice speaking Spanish…. But you’re not the most extroverted person. Or maybe just the idea of speaking Spanish turns you into an introvert.  A foreign language can exacerbate feelings of shyness (speaking from experience).  Doesn’t exactly make you thrilled to speak.  And it’s hard to get better at speaking without… speaking.  In … Read More

One of the best things about learning Spanish is discovering a new, parallel world to the one you’re used to. One with different cultural references, habits and quirks… And different humor, celebrities, politics, food and art. At least for me, that keeps me engaged and motivated to keep improving my Spanish after so many years. … Read More

Most conversations are unpredictable. We don’t know exactly where they’ll take us.  It’s part of the challenge when learning a new language: We can’t prepare for all possible scenarios.  But many scenarios are very predictable.  Extremely common.  So common, in fact, that we often forget about them until we’re in the moment, grasping for words we should know.  It’s … Read More

You’ve seen it around:  Phrases like espero que tengas, no creo que pueda, or es como si fuera…  It’s the… [insert Jaws music]… Subjunctive!  On top of all the other conjugations, there’s this whole other “mood” to learn, with its own set of verb endings.  It is kind of a pain… But it doesn’t have to drive you … Read More