Fluentish

"The beauty is in the progress, not the perfection, especially when it comes to language learning."

This is a planner, habit tracker, and journal, written and designed by Jo Franco, who is a polyglot and serial language learner. I love the layout of this book. It goes into detail about the importance of planning, recording, and regularly assessing your language learning journey. I'm a language learner (and language teacher), and I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is interested in learning a language on their own.

It has space for planning your goals each month and tracking them. This is so important, because as you learn more, your goals will grow and change with your abilities. There are sections to keep track of new language things (like new vocabulary and expressions or new grammar rules and structures). It also has space for regularly assessing your progress, which is vital to keep your motivation up. The last part of the book is a journal, with prompts for varying language levels, and space to write each day.

This is a great planner and journal combination for anyone who is interested in learning a language primarily on their own. Whether you are a beginner or a more advanced learner, whether you've done this before on your own or not, this journal has something for you.

[Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!]

This is an amazingly good journal for learning languages. I love the title, and I love her explanation of it, I think that everyone who is learning languages or anyone who is a polyglot can relate to it. A lot.
And I like that she talks about the process of learning languages, giving some background to this journal, in a concise but concrete way. The big chunk of the book is the journal part, but the introduction is interesting, and I love that the author keeps constantly in mind that language learning is, for a big part, a personal process: not everything works for everyone, but this journal is quite flexible and it keeps that in mind, and you can see it in its versatility. It would help you structure your learning, but it is also quite flexible and you can adapt to your ways.
Also, there are a lot of prompts that you can use (or totally ignore, if you prefer) and I really enjoyed them!
All in all, I think this is an amazing tool to have in your arsenal for language learning!

Every multilingual or polyglot or language enthusiast should get this journal for their language journeys. I only wish I had received a physical copy but the book looks exquisite in the galley electronic copy as well. It has a seamless design and thoughtful structure which is very useful. I am sure this structured outlay will be an added advantage for ND readers and language learners.

This looks like an amazing tool for language learning, especially for folks like me who enjoy combining digital and physical resources. You can't beat some of the language learning apps out there, but keeping on track can be a challenge. Having a physical journal to to hold and see and be a reminder and guide sounds wonderful and I can't wait to get a hold of one. I don't think my library will buy something consumable, but I will absolutely recommend to anyone I know who's studying a foreign language.

Fluentish is a really handy language-learning journal, which is designed to better help people learn new languages and hold themselves accountable in doing so. Although this ARC was only a digital copy, it looked great and made me want to buy a physical copy so I can write in it myself! I loved the different sections on aspects of language learning, including the monthly goals and habit trackers, but my favourite part was the prompt section, as I found the questions to be very interesting and thought-provoking, and I’d like to work through these with my own language learning. I would recommend this to anyone learning a new language or trying to maintain their knowledge in a language, as it is a very well-organised book and I had a lot of fun reading through and imagining what I would write in each section.

I love love love journaling and I've been trying to become fluent in Spanish for over a decade now. If I had Fluentish years ago, I think I would be much closer to fluency at this point! It has so many helpful tools- ways to make yourself accountable, a workbook aspect where you can write out grammer rules and verb conjugations. There are prompts for writing and also blank spaces for writing your own notes. It also has places for you to write out your goals and help keep track of them! I think this is such a great concept and will help so many people with their language learning goals, myself included!

I read "Fluentish" by Jo Franco on NetGalley. The description gives a warning that the journal is meant for writing so not the full experience, but I could tell that this would be a great journal to use. The journal is intended to help you develop skills and habits with learning a new language.. The 2nd half of the journal has writing prompts. This is the best part in my opinion. I like to write, but sometimes coming up with ideas is hard, especially if learning a new language. This could be used in conjunction with any language learning program.

I have been attempting to learn Korean for a few years now on and off, and have been struggling to be constant with my practice, and honestly actually retain much from what I learn. I constantly doubt if what I think is correct is actually correct which keep my going over the same basic level of learning that I should be well past by now. Fluentish is here to help you if you are struggling to keep forward progress in your own language learning journey.

This journal has 7 main sections, as well as around 7 pages at the start to introduce the book, author and other resources that the author uses for language learning. The seven sections that you will use are as follows: Habit Tracker, Monthly Planner & Goal Setting, Monthly Self-Assessment & Check-In, Workspace, New Language, Prompts, and Journal. As you can probably guess from each sections title, a lot of thought has been given to how langue learning is a process that is ongoing, and not just a box to tick. As you continue with your language learning, you will find certain things are retained easier than others, which is why monthly check-ins and plannings are a good place to see how you are progressing.

The section that I personally have found the most use is the prompts and journal section, which are designed to work in tandem. There are 3 level of prompts, and some of the intermediate and advanced prompts can be used in a more limited capacity for lower levels. These prompts are an amazing way of getting your brain to use the league instead of just acquiring it. You could even verbally respond as well as write it to get some spoken practice in at the same time!

I received a digital copy, so I cannot give a fully honest opinion since I do not know the size of the pages and whether there is ample space provided. But what I could gauge is that for the size of journal, that there would be enough written space for most people.

I would recommend this journal to anyone who is serous about language learning, and I see myself using it for the foreseeable future.

I received a digital ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Fluentish is an amazing resource for language learners.

Equal parts workbook and journal, it does a great job of taking you through a language learning journey with a clean, easy-to-follow layout with plenty of space for the nuts and bolts of learning a new language (think notes, visual aids, grammar, vocabulary, expressions) plus tips and missions from the serial language learner author Jo Franco. What I appreciate about the framework she sets up are the monthly habit trackers, goal setting, and check-ins that look easy to use with any language learning program.

What really sets this resource apart from others though is that is is, in fact, a journal that includes prompts at beginner, intermediate, and advance levels so you can practice expressing yourself in the language you’re learning. I love journaling so this was exciting for me, as is the idea of connecting with a new language on a more emotional level than other resources and programs typically afford.

Since this is a digital copy, I haven’t been able to use it as intended, but I’m looking forward to getting my hands on a physical copy once it’s released!

As someone who loves learning, I get very frustrated at my lack of language skills. But this journal has given me hope in my language learning aspirations.

And it's a journal in every sense of the word, so don't expect a textbook telling you how to learn a language. There are beautiful quotes, a habit tracker and there's lots of space to jot down your new words and phrases and to respond to prompts in your target language. It allows you to be explorative and learn through self-discovery.

I especially love that it inspired me into action. To find a TV show in Welsh and start picking out words I understood and taking the time to look up the meaning and write it down. I highly recommend this to fuel your passion in learning a new language through active participation rather than merely being a passive learner.

Thanks to Nicholas Brealey US and NetGalley for sending this ebook for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

As someone who has been following Jo Franco since her early days on Youtube, and a member of JoClub for more than half a year, I had somewhat of an idea of what to expect from her debut book dedicated to language learning, but I was still blown away by how well-structured and well-researched this book is! Jo immediately sets the tone for the book by explaining her "Fluentish" method, describing how nuanced and varied the concept of true "fluency" can be, and encouraging readers to pursue something more akin to consistency instead. As such, the Monthly Goals and Monthly Planner sheets she's organized both work beautifully in tandem for adjusting goals for each month, with helpful "Tips" and "Missions" towards the bottom for how to vary your learning so that it's not dull and one-sided (and both her Tips and Missions also rather reminiscent of the "Challenge" portion of her 21-Day Language Learning Challenge, which I am also a part of at the time of this review!).

I love that Jo points out the mind-body connection that journaling in a foreign language can foster, as well as how journaling in a foreign language about topics that are more personal and introspective can help us feel more emotionally connected and motivated within our target language. The prompts are extraordinarily well thought-out, where even seasoned Intermediate and Advanced learners can easily find ways to answer each level of the prompts provided.

I can't wait to get my hands on a physical copy of this book! In fact, I may need to grab a few copies, since I can see this being a helpful tool in my language learning journey for the various languages I plan to study in the future. This is a fun, interactive way to spice up and keep track of your language learning journey, and I can see it being a helpful addition whether for personal study or for a language class taken in a formal classroom for school credit, etc.

Should this book be updated in the future, I wouldn't mind seeing a folder pocket on the inside cover or something similar to collect spare bits of scrap paper or notes, etc., or perhaps a little bit more of a visual component to the book if possible (perhaps some charts, some color coding, some country flags, etc.), or maybe even a bigger version with more blank journal pages, etc. if we intend to use this book for longer than a few months.

All in all, a fantastic and exciting new resource!!

First of all I want to thank NetGalley and the author for this free copy. This is a language learning journal by a language lover. I’m on my journey of learning my 5th language and I find this very useful. It’s full of prompts, habit tracker, planner, lots of space for note taking, a verb and conjugation dedicated area as well as words and expressions, every month has a goal that you can set and a mission with prompts. I really loved the space for the resources as well.
I can’t wait for it to be published so I can get my own copy.

A flexible language learning tool that changed how I thought about fluency, language learning, and journaling.

I’m someone who usually dislikes journaling and struggles with learning the languages that I’m trying to learn. But this journal completely changed my perspective on both of those things. It emphasises a very reflective approach to language learning — it makes you think of all the reasons you want to learn this language, when you’re going to learn, and how. And that’s super beneficial, I think, because if you don’t plan you obviously plan to fail, and this book really helps you plan in a way that will align with your own life and your own goals.

It also takes an interesting approach to fluency, asking how you define it. Which made me think — what will fluency mean to me? And that inspired me, because something that I think a lot of us don’t have while language learning is a concrete end goal in mind. When are we where we want to be with our target language? And this book really makes you think about that, think about where you want to end up and by what metric you want to measure your success with.

That being said, while this book makes you think, it also makes you do. There are a variety of flexible exercises and ideas for one to do to improve at grammar, vocabulary, etc. I didn’t try all of them, as I’m not that far into my target language yet, but they seem tried and true, and encouraging an enjoyment and understanding of the language rather than strict accountability and reprimands. Which works!

If you’re like me and languages don’t come easy to you, I think definitely pick this up - even if you, like me, don’t really like journaling. You’ll be pleasantly surprised - this isn’t your usual journal :)

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

I think this is a great resource for anyone trying to learn a language. While as a librarian, it might be hard to buy or recommend for the library, if anyone needs advice keeping track of language learning for themselves, I think this journal will definitely come up. The different sections are all useful for anyone trying to organize their thoughts in a whole new language.

In the old days of language learning you would go to night school and learn alongside a class of other people. You would be able to discuss problems, sound each other out, find out how you were doing in comparison to others. Your teacher would be keeping an eye on you and suggesting where you needed to concentrate, perhaps work a little harder.
Today language learning is a very solitary online experience. You have nowhere to reflect. Step back and analyse your progress. Nowhere to set future goals or celebrate achievement. Keeping a journal is the best way to keep track, and this purposely designed journal is perfect for the job. it contains habit trackers, goals, planners, monthly self assessment pages, check-ins to think about how you are doing against goals, note pages and pages to record new or tricky vocabulary and grammar. This could all be achieved with a blank notebook, but this notebook has it all ready. This would make a great gift for someone starting out on a language journey, or a treat for yourself to make the solitary experience a little more enjoyable.

"Fluentish" by Jo Franco is a fun journal to help you master a second language by journaling in your second language. The prompts help to push you to use more vocabulary, while the charts allowing you to track your language learning habits reinforce your practice. This is an excellent tool for anyone pushing themselves in their second language.

Fluentish is an interesting mix of journal practices intended to deepen your language learning. Each section of the journal in focused on different aspects from habit trackers & goal setting, monthly check-ins and vocab sections to a section to list resources you find such as podcasts, social media accounts, movies & blogs. I particularly like the inclusion of language tips at the bottom of each goals page but would have liked to have seen more of those throughout other sections too. As the arc I received was digital I can only speak to having looked through the content not to the practicality of using it myself but I have added it to my Christmas list so hopefully I'll have a physical copy to fill in soon.

“Fluentish” by Jo Franco is a helpful guide and worksheet book to help in the journey for learning a language. The useful sections of the book include habit trackers, goal pages, learning tips, daily missions, monthly planner, note pages, vocab pages, verb form pages, grammar rules, and journal prompt ideas.

I really like the workbook and can’t wait to use this book to learn the language I’m working on, Japanese. I do wish there were more note pages but other than that I thought the book was perfect. 5 out of 5 stars.

Though reading a journal in e-book format is a bit strange, I took away so much for my own current journeys of learning Japanese and Spanish. I answered the prompts in the notes section of my phone as I read through and discovered so many resources as a result of doing so. I am learning Japanese (my primary language learning focus right now) so much faster and with more intention as a result of the journal’s prompts and guidance. I especially appreciated the part of the journal that is intended to help the reader keep track of all their language-learning resources.

I have been wanting to journal in French, & I've looked up prompts (even from the author), but I wind up not doing them. I have ADHD & I think it's because the prompts are scattered around & in my rather hectic phone. I've learned a bit of Japanese using a workbook & I've found that if I have a book that tells me what to do I'm MUCH more likely to do it. This journal is a great option for that. Language learning is a journey & you need various materials. The author talks about that, as well as her experience becoming fluentISH. It has several steps to take, like goal setting, but the best part for me is the prompts. I look forward to doing them

I am absolutely thrilled to give Fluentish a resounding 5-star rating. My heartfelt passion for languages finds its echo in this book. Although I experienced it digitally, the promise of a full immersion experience has me eagerly awaiting the physical copy's release.

Jo Franco's approach is ingenious—using a journal as a vehicle for language growth. The first half is a toolkit for effective learning, from goal setting to habit tracking. The second half, with its thought-provoking prompts, is a playground for both self and language exploration.

I'm currently 8 months into learning Spanish so I'll try my best to make the most out of this journal with my digital copy until the release of the physical one.

Fluentish is a habit tracker, practice planner, resource guide, and all round language tool to aid in the learning of a new language. Got some vocab you've just learned - there's a section for that. Got a tricky intonation or conjugation you need to master? There's a section for that too.

There are frequent self-check ins, for you to assess your own confidence and proficiency of your language, and tips to maintain accountability to yourself. There are pages to track your practice, and monthly goal setting to help keep you on track.

This is a "mostly" blank workbook, for you to fill in at your own pace. I am currently learning Thai, and this will help me keep my notes organised and keep on track.

A highly useful resource to anyone starting on a language journey

~Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.~