Archive for March, 2017
Language Learning: the Useful Art Posted by Malachi Rempen on Mar 29, 2017 in Archived Posts
What does language learning have in common with bread? More than you might think. As the Greeks (and Italians, and Spaniards, and North Africans, and really anyone from any country bordering the Mediterranean) know well, bread is the perfect combination of art and utility. It can be a work of creative genius – fluffy, salty-sweet, decorated…
The Importance of Self-Efficacy for Language Learners Posted by Transparent Language on Mar 27, 2017 in Archived Posts
I believe it is President Teddy Roosevelt who is credited with saying “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” For language learners, this couldn’t be more true. One of the most powerful language learning tools is not something you can find in a book or online, it’s internal. Self-efficacy is a person’s belief about their…
Why Being Complimented is Basically the Worst Posted by Malachi Rempen on Mar 22, 2017 in Archived Posts
People are just trying to be nice, sure. But even well-intended statements don’t always go over well. There’s nothing like a compliment to put me down in the dumps. I’ve been living in Germany for several years now, and my German is far from perfect. It’s actually far from great, even. It’s admissible. Whenever I speak…
New Typing and Spelling Activities in Transparent Language Online Posted by Transparent Language on Mar 20, 2017 in For Educators, For Learners, For Libraries, Learning Feature Updates
What’s new in Version 2.2 of Transparent Language Online? New typing and spelling activities! Master the alphabet with Typing Tutor and Spelling Inspector, which are now available as Practice Activities for languages with alphabet courses. Learning to type in language is critical in today’s world of texts and emails. Being able to “write it down”…
There Are No Gatekeepers in Language Learning Posted by Malachi Rempen on Mar 15, 2017 in Archived Posts
Many jobs, hobbies and skills have a high price of entry, limitation, equipment or permission that must be granted in order for you to pursue it. Not so with language learning! I don’t like having to ask for permission. When it comes to my interests, hobbies, work and skills, I prefer not to have to…
Can borrowing words from other languages unlock new thoughts and feelings? Posted by Transparent Language on Mar 13, 2017 in Archived Posts
Guest Post by Sean Fitzsimons – linguistics graduate, writer and researcher. Every language has its limits. Languages cannot simply stretch their semantic fields to describe what others can in remarkable detail. By learning new languages, we can not only enrich our communication skills and cultural understanding, but also tap into thoughts which we previously had no…
Your Unique Language Learning Journey Posted by Malachi Rempen on Mar 8, 2017 in Archived Posts
Life isn’t fair, and neither is language learning. In a lot of life’s pursuits, your cultural background doesn’t matter. Sports, for example – it’s not important where you’re from. All that matters is that you’re faster, stronger, more accurate. While culture of course influences art, it doesn’t necessarily affect your drawing, photography or singing skills. It also…