Archive by Author
Language Learning in the Movies Posted by Malachi Rempen on Apr 27, 2015 in Archived Posts
This one is a pet peeve of mine. Now, I admit it’s only a pet peeve because language learning is something I do, and I don’t like seeing things I do misrepresented in the movies. But really, who hasn’t felt that way? I’m sure lawyers are constantly rolling their eyes at the way trial proceedings…
The Genuine Joys of Procrastination Posted by Malachi Rempen on Apr 20, 2015 in Archived Posts
I remember reading somewhere about a study (now I can’t find it, of course; where do these things disappear to?) where researchers discovered that, of the writers they queried, 100% procrastinated. The conclusion? Procrastination is just a natural part of the writing process. As a creative, this was the best (and possibly also the worst)…
How to Say “Paris” the Correct Way Posted by Malachi Rempen on Apr 13, 2015 in Archived Posts
Once upon a time, when I was living in Los Angeles, I saw a stand-up comedian, and like most amateur stand-up it was teeth-clenchingly awkward. At one point during his routine, however, he said something that has stuck with me ever since. I don’t remember the exact words (or indeed even this guy’s name), but…
There Are No Rainy Days in Language Learning Posted by Malachi Rempen on Apr 6, 2015 in Archived Posts
Many aspects of our lives are ruled by that which we simply cannot control. Try as we might, our fervent honking has no noticeable influence on traffic jams on the way to work; shouting at the television does not, in fact, sway the football match in our favor; and as our unfortunate would-be weekender in…
Not Improving? Wrong. Posted by Malachi Rempen on Mar 30, 2015 in Archived Posts
My stepfather, Stan Hirsch, is a professional blues guitarist. His story is so classic it’s almost cliché: when he was ten years old he mowed lawns and raked leaves to save up money to buy his first guitar, and when he got it, he decided he wanted to be brilliant at playing it. He wanted…
What’s the Greatest Topic of Conversation Ever? Posted by Malachi Rempen on Mar 23, 2015 in Archived Posts
As language learners, we hope to find ourselves in conversations on a wide variety of topics. That’s really the point of all these conjugation tables, vocab flash cards and grammar drills, isn’t it? Sure, reading a foreign newspaper is great, watching TV shows and movies in their original language is rewarding and all that, but for…
You’re Just Too Polite for Your Own Good Posted by Malachi Rempen on Mar 11, 2015 in Archived Posts
I have a bad habit that I often fall into when I speak a foreign language: I try to please the listener, at my own expense. Come to think of it, this might just be a bad habit of mine in general, in any language. Who doesn’t want to be seen a good light by the person…