We humans are social animals. If you have high status within your social group (your tribe), you generally feel better. Youíll enjoy all kinds of privileges that those lower on the social ladder can only dream of. You even get sick less and live longer. No wonder everybody wants high …
Hi Yabla Subscribers, have you played Scribe yet? Look at what the Internet TESL Journal (Teachers of English as a Second Language) say about dictation as a language learning tool: “Dictation helps to develop short-term memory. Students practice retaining meaningful phrases or whole sentences before writing them down. Dictation can …
Many years ago, on my first trip to Venezuela, in particular the little seaside town of Adícora — I was talking with the local baker. I use the word “talking” loosely because I really knew very little Spanish. Luckily for me he spoke little English, and nothing builds language skills …
I took French classes for several years before moving to Paris for a French Language program at the Cours de Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne. However, after I received the results from my placement test I was was really disappointed. I tested in just above a novice level! I was …
With more than 350 languages spoken in the United States, many children grow up speaking two different languages. Children raised learning dual languages face unique challenges, but they likewise benefit from certain special advantages, ones that far outweigh the disadvantages of learning more than one language. Disadvantages Let’s analyze some …
Starting from scratch. Back to the basics. Square one. When learning a new trade or skill, including adopting a foreign language, the beginning will always be the most difficult part of any learning process. When we first spoke our native language, we had to begin with small goals, the building …
Out of all customs and traditions we’ve nurtured over the centuries as humans, making a toast before drinking alcohol is one of the oldest. It’s origins date back to pre-history, so we’re still not entirely sure how it came to be. It’s worth noting, however, that the pervasive idea that …
Does anybody speak Latin anymore? What about Gaelic? Or Navajo? Languages change rapidly and are quietly disappearing all the time. So here are some languages you might be surprised to learn are still alive and well. Latin Many of us know Latin as the godmother of romance languages, which include …
Overcoming your initial fear Overcoming Your Initial Fear Will Lead to Consistent Gains When you’re just starting out of sounding silly, weird, or plain old wrong can be challenging, but once you get past that first hurdle, you open up a path to increased confidence and regular improvement. We have …
Get your bucket list ready. For any world traveler, the goal is always to find those not-to-be-missed, once-in-a-lifetime, can’t-get-anywhere-else experiences. Local street festivals are the perfect places to find those moments. A city comes together to celebrate a national holiday, exciting new music, a cultural tradition, or maybe just a …
