Break the Rules to Succeed Posted by Malachi Rempen on Aug 22, 2016 in Archived Posts
As language learners, it’s easy to get caught up in the rules: what can be done, what can’t be done, what is and isn’t allowed. But sometimes it helps to remember that in language learning, they’re really more guidelines than actual rules… The DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) is like how I imagine the American frontier…
3 Endangered Languages Being Revitalized in the US Posted by Jakob Gibbons on Aug 17, 2016 in Archived Posts
When we talk about language diversity, the United States isn’t normally the first country to come to mind, but its 325 million inhabitants speak more than just English and Spanish. Over 470 languages are spoken by Americans, many of which are dying out as younger English-speaking generations never or only partially learn their heritage languages. But…
Americans Speaking to Americans in French Posted by Malachi Rempen on Aug 15, 2016 in Archived Posts
What happens when you’re in a foreign country, trying out the language you’re learning, and you discover that the person you’re talking to is from the same country you are? Do you keep speaking the language, together but probably incorrectly? Or do you bashfully lapse into your native tongue? I have a pet peeve. I…
Is English the Lingua Franca of International Sports? Posted by Transparent Language on Aug 10, 2016 in Archived Posts
“American professional athletes are bilingual; they speak English and profanity.” – Gordie Howe The Olympics have three official languages: English, French, and the chosen language of the host country (unless, of course, they speak French or English). Why English and French? English may seem the obvious choice, as American broadcaster NBC owns the rights to the next umpteen…
Biting Off More Than You Can Chew Posted by Malachi Rempen on Aug 8, 2016 in Archived Posts
Sometimes we’re nervous about learning a new language. Sometimes we’re intimidated. But sometimes we just plow right in, not fully aware of what exactly we’ve gotten ourselves into… The comic above is a true story, from a trip to China long ago. I was a teenager, and along with a high school friend of mine…
Learn 100+ Languages On the Go with Transparent Language for iPad Posted by Transparent Language on Aug 3, 2016 in For Educators, For Learners, For Libraries, Learning Feature Updates
For language learners, time and place restrictions can be discouraging at best and extremely disruptive at worst. Mobile learning puts learners in control of when and where they learn, meaning downtime or periods of absence—from the daily commute to an overseas deployment—are suddenly more productive. That’s why Transparent Language Online is now available in full…
Stereotype It Up! Posted by Malachi Rempen on Aug 1, 2016 in Archived Posts
When speaking a foreign language, especially a “famous” one like French, German or even English, it may feel patronizing to really lay on a thick local accent. But if you don’t, you might not be understood at all… My brother lives in Bangkok, Thailand, where he works as an English teacher. He often finds himself telling his…