Frequently Asked Questions


  • At its core, Ludens (from the Latin word for "play") is a methodology I’ve developed through years of teaching and learning based on the understanding that human culture and learning are fundamentally rooted in play.

  • To learn effectively, the brain requires a specific chemical balance. If you are bored, your brain disengages. If you are stressed (as many are in traditional classrooms), cortisol inhibits memory consolidation. The state of "play" exists in the perfect middle ground: high engagement (norepinephrine) without high anxiety.

    Ludens is the practice of curating that environment. It is a serious approach to language acquisition that prioritizes curiosity and immersion over rote memorization, ensuring that the learning process is as efficient as it is enjoyable.

  • Many believe learning languages just isn’t something for them.

    That’s never true. I’ve never had a student who didn’t have the potential to be a hyperpolyglot.

    The issue isn’t “being bad”; it’s being bored, or stressed!

    Most traditional schools force you to memorize grammar tables until you hate the language. That’s like reading a manual for a video game without ever actually picking up the controller. At Ludens, we focus on Comprehensive Input (the "Magic Sauce") If you can enjoy a story, you can learn a language.

  • Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.

  • You can schedule time with me via e-mail over at matt@ludenslearning.com or schedule a 30 minute one-on-one session via Calendly!

  • What about homework? I’m busy!

  • Currently, I offer courses in both English and French.

    Whether you are looking to polish your English for professional reasons or dive into French literature and culture, the principles of Ludens apply to both.

  • Remember: every pro has once been a rookie.

    • For Beginners: We focus heavily on "Comprehensive Input"—finding easy, engaging content (like stories or visual media) to build your intuition before we worry about complex output.

    • For Advanced Learners: We treat you like the "Hunter" keeping his skills sharp. We dive into nuance, culture, and complex expression.

  • I know that sometimes life (or a glitch in the matrix) happens.

    • Rescheduling: You can reschedule a session up to 12 hours in advance without penalty.

    • Cancellations: Late cancellations (less than 24 hours) or "No Shows" are counted as a played session. This rule helps us both respect the time invested in the game.