How 150 freelance linguists help us train tens of thousands of language professionals Posted by Transparent Language on Feb 26, 2019 in Company News

We talk a lot about how technology is transforming the way we teach and learn language. But we don’t talk enough about the transformation in how we create language learning content—and the team that helps us do it. The content challenge is different for professionals In contrast to many language learning companies, we primarily support…
Transparent Language Online Wins Fourth Consecutive Platinum Award Posted by Transparent Language on Jan 15, 2019 in Company News, For Libraries

We’re feeling very fourtunate to receive our fourth consecutive Platinum Award in LibraryWork’s 2019 Modern Library Awards! Providing language learning opportunities to library patrons must really be our fourte. (Okay, that’s all of our number puns… four now.) The Modern Library Awards are special awards because they are voted on by the librarians with whom we…
2018 Transparent Language Year in Review Posted by Transparent Language on Dec 31, 2018 in Company News, For Educators, For Learners, For Libraries

Practice what you preach, right? For professional linguists and casual language learners, we preach reviewing early and reviewing often, so we’re taking our advice and looking back on our year. What have we been working on? CL-150 Updates CL-150 Cohorts: To help professional linguists sustain and strengthen their language skills, we’ve expanded the CL-150 Cohorts…
It’s time to spend less time on alphabet learning Posted by Transparent Language on Nov 5, 2018 in For Learners, Learning + Usage Tips, Learning Feature Updates

Alphabet learning is like the “accessory work” of language learning. A Crossfit athlete, for example, cares mostly about the big movements: squats, cleans, snatches, muscle-ups, etc. To improve these movements, dedicated athletes will do accessory exercises like hammer curls, rows, or glute bridges. Less fun to spend lots of time on, no doubt, but necessary…
Listening is the Black Sheep of Language Learning Skills Posted by Transparent Language on Jul 30, 2018 in For Learners, Learning + Usage Tips

When learning a language, there’s one skill that’s more neglected than the others. It’s underestimated both in terms of its complexity and its utility. It’s less glamorous than speaking, and more difficult to master than reading. Listening, unfortunately, is the black sheep of language learning. A recently-posted discussion thread on Quora began with the question…
Learn Latin with Transparent Language Online Posted by Transparent Language on Jul 16, 2018 in For Learners, Learning Material Updates

If Latin is a dead language, why is it still so useful in modern life? In an educational system that prioritizes STEM and hard skills, where spoken languages can be swapped out for coding languages, it can be hard to drum up interest in Latin. But the so-called “dead language” complements nearly any skill set…
Designing Language Technology That is “Worth It” for Educators Posted by Transparent Language on Jul 2, 2018 in Class Management Updates, For Educators, Lesson Authoring Updates

Educators’ confidence in digital tools is increasing, but legitimate concerns remain. Not all ed tech is designed or implemented equally, so how can language teachers find the right tools to meet their needs—and the needs of their students? A 2015 report by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation found a shift in the perception of…