Archive by Author
Teaching Yourself a Language? Then Act Like a Teacher! Posted by meaghan on May 21, 2014 in Archived Posts
When you’re learning a language on your own, you have to play both roles: student and teacher. The problem is, while we’re all fairly familiar with being a student (for better or worse!) most of us aren’t too familiar with the other side of the equation. This imbalance can lead you into an ineffective language…
Summer is Coming: 15 Fun and Effective Ways to Learn a New Language over Summer Vacation Posted by meaghan on May 14, 2014 in Archived Posts
That’s right, summer is coming, which means it’s time to soak up some sun, sleep in late, head to the beach, and laze around. But it’s also the perfect time to start learning a new language. With three-ish months of freedom from school and projects and exams, you’re sure to have plenty of time and…
Get the Slang of It—A Sweet Sampling of Foreign Language Idioms Posted by meaghan on May 7, 2014 in Archived Posts
As important as it is to learn proper grammar in a new language, it’s equally important to keep up with how people actually speak. If you ask me, there’s no better form of colloquial speech than idioms. So, eager language-learning beavers, let’s jump in feet first, swing into action, and get waist deep in some…
Why Learning Languages Gets Easier Each Time Posted by meaghan on May 5, 2014 in Archived Posts
Ever heard that less is more? That may be so when it comes to applying makeup, but not when it comes to learning languages. The best way to become a great language learner is to learn more languages. For those of you learning your second language from scratch right now, this probably sounds extremely discouraging…
9 Ways to Raise Globally-Minded Children at Home Posted by meaghan on Apr 23, 2014 in Archived Posts
Our children will inherit a far more diverse and interconnected world than the one we live in today. Globalization is rapidly deepening international connections, not just in economics and business, but also in technology, politics, fashion, scientific research, security, disaster relief, entertainment, and beyond. Without the proper preparation, our children risk falling behind, failing to…
Small Talk is a Big Deal: Perceptions of Chit-chat Around the World Posted by meaghan on Apr 14, 2014 in Archived Posts
Whether you’re meeting with a business partner or just trying to fit in with the locals on vacation, how you approach small talk is an immediate indicator of your cultural knowledge. The first few sentences you exchange may set the tone for the rest of your conversation or meeting, so it’s important to start…
Train Your Brain: 10 Memory Boosters for Language Learners Posted by meaghan on Mar 26, 2014 in Archived Posts
The chorus of naysayers who claim their “memory is too bad” to learn a language is about to be silenced forevermore. Our memories naturally decline as we age, and some of us are just pretty darn forgetful to begin with. At 24 years old, the only phone number I have memorized is 867-5309. Shameful, I…