Why Language Learners Should Prioritize Declarative Memory Posted by Lorien on Mar 25, 2013 in For Learners, Learning + Usage Tips
One of the things that differentiate Transparent Language from many of our competitors is the method we employ to teach adult language learners a new language. We are firm believers in the declarative method. To oversimplify, your brain learns things using two complimentary systems: declarative memory (facts) and procedural memory (skills). For languages, the declarative…
Language-learning Online: How One School Cut Spending and Boosted Student Outcomes Posted by kristen on Mar 12, 2013 in For Educators
It’s no secret that public school districts are strapped for cash. Budget shortfalls are commonplace, and administrators are looking for solutions to cut costs without compromising the educational experience. Recently, one school found a way to cut costs and improve student outcomes. East Kingston Elementary School, (EKES,) located in East Kingston, NH is saving money…
You can’t learn a language “naturally” with software Posted by Evan Quinlan on Mar 4, 2013 in Archived Posts
If I want to learn a second language, can I turn to my computer? One would hope so, since I make such products for a living. And the answer is yes… but it’s a qualified yes. I can’t learn another language the way I learned my native language without moving to another country or investing…
Proper Study Has Its Own Rewards Posted by Sean Young on Feb 25, 2013 in Archived Posts
Have you ever watched people selecting fruit? Most look at its color and size. Some people smell the fruit, touch it, or even squeeze it. Still others weigh it, putting one piece in each hand to detect which is heavier with juice. What do you think they are doing? They are analyzing details, evaluating the…
The Business of Rescuing Languages Posted by Lorien on Feb 20, 2013 in Company News
Transparent Language has always supported the preservation of endangered and less commonly taught languages. Just because some languages aren’t commercially lucrative doesn’t mean they aren’t important for other reasons; language offers a window on culture and heritage, and you can’t put a price on that. The biggest danger is in delaying work like the digital…
Why Learn a Language if Machines Translate for You? Posted by kristen on Feb 11, 2013 in Archived Posts
Computers already facilitate communication, but will they someday allow real-time conversations between speakers of different languages? The Economist believes they might. In an article about machine translation, the author speculates that we may see computers doing this “Star Trek” kind of work someday soon. Still, this is a difficult feat for machines. They struggle with…
Top 10 Reasons to Learn a Language Posted by Lorien on Feb 6, 2013 in Archived Posts
There are actually a lot of really good reasons to learn a foreign language besides “it’s a school requirement.” Let’s explore some of the key benefits to learning another language. We’d love to hear your reasons in the comments. 1. Good for the Brain “Training your brain” is all the rage these days, and there are lots of…