Cognates: A Language Learner’s Best and Worst Friends Posted by meaghan on Jun 16, 2014 in Archived Posts
Just starting to learn a new language? Well, what if you I told you that right now, you already know dozens (if not hundreds!) of words in that language? Depending on the language, it’s true! What is this sorcery I speak of? They’re called cognates, and they are your best friend right now. Cognates are…
5 Interesting Careers for Language Lovers (Beyond Translators and Interpreters) Posted by meaghan on Jun 11, 2014 in Archived Posts
When thinking of foreign language-related careers, the first options that come to mind are probably translator, interpreter, and foreign language teacher. Surely, none of those are bad options for a language lover. But linguaphiles aren’t limited to such narrow career paths, and often have interests beyond language learning (blasphemy, I know!) In fact, studying languages…
Get Your Head in the Game: 2014 World Cup of Languages Contest! Posted by meaghan on Jun 9, 2014 in Archived Posts
Imagine if the Super Bowl lasted an entire month, featured teams from every corner of the globe, received more than 3 billion views worldwide, and only came around once every four years. That, friends, is the FIFA World Cup™, with less American “football” and a whole lot more fútbol. Even if you aren’t a fan…
Why on earth would you learn THAT language? Posted by meaghan on Jun 4, 2014 in Archived Posts
Learning a less common language? Chances are someone (or practically everyone) has asked you, completely bewildered, “Why on earth would you learn that language?” Here are a few replies you can choose from. Or, heck, send them all of these fine reasons to learn whatever language your heart desires: 1. I’m making gains with my…
Protecting Alaskan Languages: the Doyon Foundation 7000 Partnership Posted by Transparent Language on May 29, 2014 in Company News, For Learners, For Libraries, Learning Material Updates
Remember last year when we launched the 7000 Languages Project to bring our world-class web and mobile technology to the world’s other 7000 languages? Today, we’re excited to announce the launch of the Doyon Foundation 7000 Partnership, the latest initiative of the 7000 Languages Project. Though we may be donating our technology for this project…
5 Things for Adults to Keep in Mind when Learning a Foreign Language Posted by mtaulier on May 28, 2014 in Archived Posts
We’re all familiar with the famous adage “Children’s brains are like sponges.” People often make this reference to children in the developmental stages who are learning a language for the first time. It’s always amazing to see a child pick up a language just by listening. It’s even more amazing to witness children who live…
The Benefits (and Drawbacks) of Looking Foreign Posted by Malachi Rempen on May 26, 2014 in Archived Posts
As you can see from my profile picture at the bottom of this post, I’m relatively Germanic-looking: blonde hair, blue eyes, pasty white skin. This means I often get confused for an actual German person, usually by Germans. They’ll approach me on the street selling this or that or asking directions, beginning with a veritable…