Learn About Us
Are you new to breathing language? Discover the platform, our services, and who the educator is behind it all.
What Is breathing language?
breathing language is an online language education resource centre that offers a variety of services, including a diverse range of private ESL tutoring sessions for intermediate (B1-B2) to advanced (C1) English-language adult students, the provision of cultural awareness in the Anglo-sphere, language learning tips and resources, and much more.
Services
English Tutoring
We are currently accepting intermediate (B1-B2) to advanced (C1) adult students of the English language.
We base our teaching methodology on the following statement made by linguistic experts: language learning is as natural an ability to human beings as is breathing; it is not a skill reserved for the rare genius.
As such, we believe that learning a language should be approached in the same manner in which we approach breathing–naturally, instinctively, without shame. To achieve this, we offer a judgment-free environment, where patience and understanding amid mental health struggle is provided, so that students are encouraged to make mistakes as they explore the language at their own pace. This means that we tailor our tutoring sessions to each student’s individual needs and interests. In doing so, we create an intentional, personal and immersive learning experience, which fosters motivation, healthy habits, long-term memory development, and, above all, fun.
Our lessons build on foundational skills previously learned by the student, such as speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Advancement in these areas are supported through a dynamic use of metalinguistic and intercultural language learning strategies that structure the immersive experience, creating a deeper connection between the student and the language.
Blog
New blog posts every Tuesday and Friday.
Regardless of one’s reason for learning English, reading comprehension is an essential skill in language learning. It is required in both informal and professional written communication, such as text messages, emails, training materials, and more. Additionally, reading enhances one’s ability to listen, as it provides a visual mnemonic to recall in listening practice, and as input feeds output, it also enhances one’s ability to write and speak.
This is why we have created a blog, a place where English language learners can read a diverse selection of English content that is specifically tailored to their reading level (A2, B1, B2, C1, C2). Each blog post will clearly indicate which level it aims to serve best.
To keep things interesting, we diversify our blog content. We have entries focused on vocabulary, phrasal verbs, idioms, common mistakes (among learners and fluent/native speakers), cultural content (as it pertains to the English language and Canada), book recommendations, TV show and movie suggestions, advice on what songs and podcasts to listen to, and more. Each blog entry focuses on how and why these items can help improve your English language skills.
Additionally, interaction among learners is encouraged in our comment section. This is where users can practice what they have learned in the blog post (e.g. new vocabulary, grammar, etc.) by creating their own sentence examples and responding to other learners’ posts that they find interesting.
BookTube Videos
New videos every second Thursday.
A fun way of enhancing your listening comprehension is by watching YouTube videos of people speaking English naturally. By watching BookTube videos (YouTube videos about bookish content) you can also find interesting novels and non-fiction books to help improve your reading comprehension.
breathing language posts a new BookTube video on its YouTube channel every week. There, you can expect a variety of videos: book reviews, book recommendations, book discussions, book hauls, reading challenges, LIVE reading events, and much more!
The purpose of our videos is to inspire you to read, to engage with a positive English-language community, and to provide you with another avenue where you can practice your listening comprehension skills.
Events
Our online events are free to attend and watch.
As part of making language learning more interactive and engaging, we host various live events on social media throughout the year.
Each event will differ depending on the topic being discussed. Some events will include our educator, Josh, as host or as guest to another ESL professional. Together, they will discuss a pre-defined topic (e.g. differences between English dialects, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, culture, etc.). Other events will feature Josh alone, either discussing English topics or hosting a reading event.
These events act as an opportunity for English learners to participate in an informal or formal LIVE conversation, practicing their listening comprehension and writing skills. The writing occurs in the live chat that accompanies the video. There, learners can chat among themselves and ask Josh and the other educator questions about the topic.
If you are unable to attend a live event, don’t worry. You will still be able to watch a recording of the event later.
Resources
There are endless resources for learning the English language. We give you an idea of where to look first.
Knowing where to go and what to use when you want to practice English can sometimes be challenging. So, in addition to the recommendations that are included in our weekly blog posts, we also provide a list of our favourite resources and materials for learning and practicing the English language. These recommendations vary from printed and electronic books to websites, apps, and other software. They are also organized according to different language skills: grammar, reading, writing, vocabulary, listening, and speaking.
Incubator
We are planning a lot of new exciting things!
We intend to provide more services for English learners than those which are currently available on our website. From future site features to new services and even products, our Incubator is a great place to see what is coming soon to you on our platform.
If you have an idea of what you want to see, we are also open to your suggestions.
Who Teaches At breathing language?
Josh Douglas, Founder and Educator of breathing language
From Hollywood industry professionals, Korean lawyers and Chinese businesspersons, to French athletes, Colombian IT specialists and Brazilian physical therapists, Canadian-born language educator Josh Douglas has taught a variety of English-language students over his decade-long career in ESL (English as a Second Language) education.
With an extensive background in language study–English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Swedish, Arabic, Hebrew, and Khmer, just to name a few–in addition to a multi-disciplinary and multilingual language education degree from the University of British Columbia, as well as certificates in New Media Communications, English-Spanish Translation, and Short Story Writing, Josh has used his language knowledge to help countless adults from more than 50 countries around the world to speak the English language confidently and fluently, assisting them in achieving their professional and personal language goals and supporting them in their immigration journeys.
Awards In Language Education
Top 1% of English Educators (2023)
Awarded by italki.com, this award is given to the ESL Educator that ranks within the top percentile of the nearly 6,000 ESL Educators employed on the italki platform. The recipients of this accolade demonstrate evidence of superior English language pedagogy. They maintain among the highest student conversion rate and the highest student rating among all other educators in the department. The largest amount of individual lesson plans organized, including the highest number of positive student reviews, referrals, and global range are also considered.
Shortlisted for the Lieutenant Governor Medal For Inclusion, Democracy and Reconciliation (2020)
Recognition awarded by the Canadian representative of Queen Elizabeth II of England, this honour acknowledges an individual’s dedication to the promotion of social diversity and inclusion, as well as the collaborative efforts made by said individual in the advancement of fundamental human rights at a local, national or global level.
Invitation As Linguistics Research Presenter (2016)
Invited by the International Student Conference in association with the University of British Columbia, this honour is issued to individuals who have made a notable contribution to research in their field of expertise.
Student Testimonials
“I’m very glad to have met Josh… I feel very comfortable talking with him. He is attentive, supportive, and interested in my personal goals and needs. Lessons are very helpful for my vocabulary, my grammar, my pronunciation, and my knowledge about Canada. Josh is very friendly and I appreciate that. I recommend him.”
Nurse, France
“Josh is professional and supportive and very versatile. He always knows what questions to ask, what topics to discuss, and what explanations to use, so you’re in the right hands. I would love to recommend him to any ESL student.”
Software Engineer, Ukraine
“Being an immigrant can be challenging, and at times stressful, but I was very fortunate to find Josh. If someone wants to improve their English language skills, Josh is your man. I’ve had many lessons with him and he is always prepared, fun and supportive. Thank you, Josh.”
Physics & Chemistry Student, Pakistan
“I love having lessons with Josh! He helps me feel more comfortable and confident to express myself in work and daily life. He encourages me to write a composition each week. Then, we review it together during a lesson. This process allows him to correct my grammar and teach me how to use different tenses to make my writing clearer and more interesting. When I was in school, my grades were good, except for in English. I was so afraid of English. But I am not afraid of it now. If I had had Josh as my English teacher, my English wouldn’t have been so bad. I highly recommend Josh to be your English educator.”
Data Analyst, Taiwan
“Josh is very supportive and patient. He clearly explains his methods and encourages the conversation. He shows me when I make mistakes, in a kind way, without being rude. He also shows interest in what I am saying, which makes me feel comfortable talking without embarrassment.”
Yoga Instructor, Brazil
“Having had Josh as my tutor for two years plus, I couldn’t be more satisfied. He’s a delight to talk with and a knowledgeable, highly experienced educator. Being an avid language learning himself, Josh understands the challenges of learning a second language and makes use of various techniques to make this process fun and engaging. His background in linguistics allows him to explain everything in a way that makes sense to his students, which has been key in my learning process and has led me to better understand my own native language and become a more confident English-speaker.”
Flight Safety Investigator, Portugal
“Josh has been a great tutor who has helped me when I felt frustrated about my English. He showed me that making mistakes is natural. Every mistake means a small step forward with my English. His encouragement, explanations, honesty, and guidance have been superb.”
Electrical Engineer, Slovakia
“Josh’s constructive feedback always helps me be more aware of what I should focus on in the language. He always cherry-picks a wide range of useful vocabulary and expressions. I appreciate how he breaks down the way English-speakers express themselves. This helps me have a deeper understanding of the language, which I prefer than just memorizing vocab.”
Accountant, Japan
“Josh has the spirit to make us comfortable and at peace. The conversation runs smoothly as if we were longtime friends. Technically speaking, I am always impressed by how Josh can introduce new subjects in each and every class. I feel more confident to speak since my vocabulary has been enlarged. It is gratifying when someone tells me that I talk more naturally now.”
GIS Analyst, Brazil