Archive for August, 2017
The Best Language Learning Advice Isn’t Necessarily Language Learning Advice Posted by Transparent Language on Aug 28, 2017 in Archived Posts
We’re known for spouting off language learning advice on this blog, so you’re probably wondering what we mean by that title. Just hear us out. Researching how languages can be learned most efficiently and effectively is our wheelhouse. It’s why U.S. Government agencies rely on us to train employees whose jobs require language skills; it’s…
Portuguese ≠ Russian? Posted by Malachi Rempen on Aug 23, 2017 in Archived Posts
Does Portuguese sound like Russian, or the other way around? To be fair, this comic comes from a guest writer – I myself don’t speak much Spanish, and I don’t speak any Portuguese or Russian. But I’ve traveled a few (wonderful) times to Portugal, and I’ve always noticed that the language has a lot of…
Language Learning: Then and Now Posted by Malachi Rempen on Aug 21, 2017 in Archived Posts
Language learning didn’t used to be so luxurious. Once upon a time, before there was a global network of computers talking to each other, there was only one way to learn a language: immersion. Sure, you could study languages in a university classroom or pay an expensive tutor to patiently take you through years of…
Give Your Language Learning a Push with Daily Refresher Notifications Posted by Transparent Language on Aug 16, 2017 in For Learners, Learning Feature Updates
We’ve talked a lot lately about how to learn a language faster and more efficiently. The new Daily Refresher push notification applies what we’ve learned to improve your language learning experience. We’ve discussed how consistency is king. Learning in short bursts every day is more effective than cramming for a few hours every once in a…
The Words That Aren’t Being Said Posted by Malachi Rempen on Aug 14, 2017 in Archived Posts
So much of language learning is in between the words. In Italy, they say “mm-mm” (starting high and ending low) to mean “yes.” In English of course we say “mm-mm” with the same intonation to mean “no.” This is the kind of small thing you wouldn’t notice on your first trip to Italy, but let…
When Learning a Language, Don’t Take the Path of Least Resistance Posted by Transparent Language on Aug 9, 2017 in Archived Posts
“Welcome to the human condition. We tend to do that which is easiest, often to the neglect of that which is best.” –Thomas Oppong The path of least resistance may be shorter, or simpler, or more fun. For the casual learning picking up a few phrases for a vacation, that’s probably good enough. But when…
Language Learning Culture Shock Posted by Malachi Rempen on Aug 7, 2017 in Archived Posts
Can you get culture shock when learning new languages? Since moving to Germany six years ago, I’ve been back to the USA a number of times. Sometimes I’m visiting family, sometimes I’m going to a friend’s wedding, sometimes I just want to return to my home town and eat at my favorite local restaurant, the…