Archive for June, 2017
Learning a Foreign Language Is Not Obsolete Posted by Transparent Language on Jun 28, 2017 in Archived Posts
In 2011, Michael Sinanian claimed that “translation technology will evolve within the next five to ten years to make the process instantaneous and transparent to the end-user, rendering foreign language competency effectively useless.” It’s not the only claim of its kind, though it is one of the most audacious. Well, it’s been 6 years and we’re…
Can You Speak Before Understanding? Posted by Malachi Rempen on Jun 26, 2017 in Archived Posts
When you learn a language, you generally are able to say less than you can understand. But is that always the case? I got a fair amount of pushback on this comic. I guess it’s not as obvious to everyone else as it is to me that when you’re learning a language, you first understand…
8 African Languages You Can Learn with Transparent Language Online Posted by Transparent Language on Jun 21, 2017 in For Learners, For Libraries, Learning Material Updates
Here at Transparent Language, we believe in the value of every language, regardless of the number of speakers, the economic value, or otherwise. That’s why we offer 100 languages in Transparent Language Online and continue to add new ones each year. For those interested in learning African languages, we currently offer courses and learning materials…
8 Rules of Language Learning Etiquette for Non-Language Learners Posted by Malachi Rempen on Jun 19, 2017 in Archived Posts
Etiquette is very important, but not often written down. Is there etiquette for language learners, too? Seeing this vintage comic of mine made me wonder if there is a kind of etiquette for language learners. Are there rules for how to behave, and how not to behave, when learning a new language? After thinking about…
Where Language Meets Food Posted by Malachi Rempen on Jun 12, 2017 in Archived Posts
There are lots of reasons to learn a new language. But one of the best, no doubt, is the excuse to stuff yourself silly. If there’s one thing I love about language learning, it’s the food. What? Well, think about it: when you learn a new language, what are the types of things you learn…
Can foreign languages make America safer? Economically speaking, yes. Posted by Transparent Language on Jun 7, 2017 in Archived Posts
In earlier installments of this series, we’ve looked at the role of languages in keeping America safe diplomatically and medically. Today, let’s get down to business. When you consider your safety, you likely think of your physical well-being, but you might also consider your financial well-being. American’s economic prosperity directly impacts our daily lives—our ability…
The Curse of the Lingua Franca Posted by Malachi Rempen on Jun 5, 2017 in Archived Posts
Life is hard for native lingua francans learning new languages. But why do they do it at all? I mean, the reason for this should come as no surprise. English is the current lingua franca of the world, and so any American, Brit or other native English speaker that wants to learn a foreign language is essentially doing…