The Trouble With Tonals Posted by Malachi Rempen on Apr 5, 2017 in Archived Posts
Learning a tonal language is both frightening and very tempting. But which one to choose? Man, I’m so glad I haven’t learned a tonal language yet. Actually, I’m both glad and sad. I’m glad because from what I can tell (my brother Erik, who lives in Bangkok and speaks fluent Thai, and has learned some…
Are you taking advantage of Transparent Language’s free resources? Posted by Transparent Language on Apr 3, 2017 in Archived Posts
Yes, we’re in the business of training languages for professionals and motivated individuals, but that doesn’t mean we don’t love a good freebie. As we all know, one resource won’t make you fluent, so we want to make sure you’re taking advantage of our many free language resources. Word of the Day Receive a new vocab…
Language Learning: the Useful Art Posted by Malachi Rempen on Mar 29, 2017 in Archived Posts
What does language learning have in common with bread? More than you might think. As the Greeks (and Italians, and Spaniards, and North Africans, and really anyone from any country bordering the Mediterranean) know well, bread is the perfect combination of art and utility. It can be a work of creative genius – fluffy, salty-sweet, decorated…
The Importance of Self-Efficacy for Language Learners Posted by Transparent Language on Mar 27, 2017 in Archived Posts
I believe it is President Teddy Roosevelt who is credited with saying “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” For language learners, this couldn’t be more true. One of the most powerful language learning tools is not something you can find in a book or online, it’s internal. Self-efficacy is a person’s belief about their…
Why Being Complimented is Basically the Worst Posted by Malachi Rempen on Mar 22, 2017 in Archived Posts
People are just trying to be nice, sure. But even well-intended statements don’t always go over well. There’s nothing like a compliment to put me down in the dumps. I’ve been living in Germany for several years now, and my German is far from perfect. It’s actually far from great, even. It’s admissible. Whenever I speak…
New Typing and Spelling Activities in Transparent Language Online Posted by Transparent Language on Mar 20, 2017 in For Educators, For Learners, For Libraries, Learning Feature Updates
What’s new in Version 2.2 of Transparent Language Online? New typing and spelling activities! Master the alphabet with Typing Tutor and Spelling Inspector, which are now available as Practice Activities for languages with alphabet courses. Learning to type in language is critical in today’s world of texts and emails. Being able to “write it down”…
There Are No Gatekeepers in Language Learning Posted by Malachi Rempen on Mar 15, 2017 in Archived Posts
Many jobs, hobbies and skills have a high price of entry, limitation, equipment or permission that must be granted in order for you to pursue it. Not so with language learning! I don’t like having to ask for permission. When it comes to my interests, hobbies, work and skills, I prefer not to have to…