Tag Archives: language learning
Pandemic Inspired Vocabulary Posted by Bridgette on Mar 23, 2021 in For Learners
Pandemic Inspired Vocabulary I always tell people that language is “living” since it is constantly adapting and growing, and this year was a perfect example. We have seen our personal vocabulary grow to include words that were no doubt uncommon in our language arsenal before this: social distancing, personal protection equipment (PPE), quarantine, community spread…
Non-profit Partnership Adds Four Native Alaskan Languages to Transparent Language Online Posted by Gary Locke on Jul 9, 2019 in Company News, For Learners, For Libraries, Learning Material Updates
Sometimes, when you look at the world, it can be easy to despair at the passage of time and the things we lose along the way. Luckily, there are those who make an effort to change the course of what seems to be an inevitability. With dedication, resourcefulness, and teamwork comes success. And so it…
Language Learning is Cultural Learning Posted by Jakob Gibbons on Jan 9, 2017 in Archived Posts
Language learning is cultural learning, from the cradle to the foreign language classroom. It’s an often-repeated cliché in language learning that learning about foreign cultures is just as important as learning their languages. But what does that really mean for language learners? Already as infants each and every one of us finds ourselves navigating the…
Bringing Indigenous and Endangered Languages Online with Local Content Posted by Jakob Gibbons on Nov 14, 2016 in Archived Posts
The world is going global, and with it so are languages. The effects of globalization on the world’s linguistic diversity are a concern not only for those who want to preserve our human heritage, but also for ensuring equitable, sustainable development in the world’s poorest (and often most linguistically diverse) regions. Imagine tomorrow you, your family, and your…
Parental Advisory: How Language Parents Help You Learn Like a Kid Again Posted by Jakob Gibbons on May 18, 2016 in Archived Posts
I’m a big believer in learning a language on your own. But even learning a language independently, you can’t do it all by yourself: all of us can benefit from some on-the-fly coaching from those who’ve been in the game for years and know it well. Entrepreneur and language coach Chris Lonsdale argues that one of…
Verbal Typos, Foreign Language Anxiety, and Why Native Speakers Don’t Notice Your Mistakes Posted by Jakob Gibbons on Apr 4, 2016 in Archived Posts
We all struggle with foreign language anxiety. I speak three languages most days of my life here in Medellín, Colombia, and I still get nervous about conversing in the two foreign ones just about every day. I learned both of my languages, Dutch and Spanish, pretty fast, and got used to speaking and using them in…
Why You Should Definitely Be Watching TV for Language Learning Posted by Jakob Gibbons on Nov 16, 2015 in Archived Posts
Have you ever spent an entire Sunday binge-watching your favorite Netflix shows, only to end the day feeling like a useless lump? Now imagine if you could waste away for six hours in front of the TV and instead call it ‘study time’. For language learners, the television can be more than the mind-melting piece…