Learn Out Live! » Language Learning

Ebooks, Cooking and Travel: Why I’m Learning Another Language

Henry Fitzgerald — Thu, 10 May 2012 06:47:53 +0000

When I graduated from college in December, a part of me thought that my time as a learner was over. I had this great consulting position in Seattle, with plans to make a move after the holidays, and was ready to leave the role of “student” behind. Yet, I am finding more and more that education is ongoing, especially when it comes to learning languages. Now that I am living so close to the Canadian border and have a little more time on my hands to dedicate to recreational learning, I intend to learn French through online tutoring and language courses.

Learning a Language for Travel

Why learn French? One reason is because I want to travel, especially since I live so close to Canada. One of my college buddies just recently hired the best movers Calgary had and packed his bags for Alberta. I plan on visiting him, especially now that I live within a day’s drive of him, and many of the communities around Calgary speak French. To make the most of my opportunities and to experience some of the local culture while I visit, I want to know conversational French.

E-Books in Multiple Languages

Now, with just a click of the mouse or push of a button, you can purchase a book in just about any language for your Kindle, Nook or other e-reader. While translations of popular international works are available, some of the essence of the work is lost when it’s translated.

I suspect I’m not the only one following this trend. In a study that ended December of 2011, around 43 percent of Americans age 16 and older indicated they had read something whether it be a book, magazine or newspaper, on a digital device. While not all of these individuals owned e-readers, and some were reading on a tablet, regular computer or even cell phone, this statistic shows a growing trend in the popularity of digital reading material.

I suspect that even more people are going to jump on board the e-book revolution as prices continue to decrease. Some may find that learning another language opens the door to even greater reading experiences.

Broadening Culinary Experiences

In addition to reading, I love to cook. I think that learning French will help me as I try to whip up dishes like Blanquette de Veau and Confit de Canard. Knowing French may not improve my culinary skills, but it will improve my pronunciation of these fabulous dishes.

These are my reasons for learning a new language. Yours might be different. Yet, I dare say that in today’s global world, you can, and should, consider adding a foreign language to your list of skills. It’s easier than ever with the rise of online learning options.

img: Some rights reserved by Kristina Schuster

About the author: Henry Fitzgerald is a technology consultant located in Seattle. When he isn’t geeking out over the latest social media platforms and Apple gadgets, he enjoys spending his time sailing and attempting to cook. Follow him on Twitter or read more about the latest tech news at technected.com

How to Ease the Culture Shock of an International Move

Henry Fitzgerald — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:01:37 +0000

An international move is both exciting and scary. Whether you move for work, pleasure or school, you will face culture shock. Consider lessening the impact of culture shock when you learn the language, make logistical decisions and adjust to the culture before your international move.

One of the greatest challenges of and international move is the language barrier. Even if you only plan a temporary move, learning at least a few phrases of the local language can ease culture shock. Start by learning key phrases that help you navigate your new town. Consider learning conversational phrases that enable you to introduce yourself and find out about other people. You will want to know how to ask for a bathroom, food, water or taxi, and you may also want to learn phrases that will enable you to negotiate purchases at the market. Additionally, learn manner phrases like please, thank you and you are welcome.

If you are moving for a job, learn phrases that convey greeting or respect for coworkers and clients. Ask the Human Resources director to prepare a list of words or phrases that would be helpful for you to learn before your move.

Because everyone’s situation is different, make a list of words and phrases you would like to learn, and check them off as you master each phrase. Consider enrolling in Learnoutlive, an online language learning center. While you most likely will not be a fluent speaker before your move, at least start the language learning process and then continue your lessons after you settle into your new home.

In addition to learning the language, you will need to handle logistical details before you move. Apply for the appropriate Visa and a passport. Receive a medical exam, pack prescription medications and purchase medical insurance. Decide how much money you need to take for income and housekeeping. Secure a place to live, and obtain information about applying for a driver’s license. Hire experienced and reliable long distance movers to help make the transition smooth and hassle-free.

Take several additional steps to prepare for a different culture. A new climate, food, friends, home and even street signs can throw you off course. If possible, attend local cultural events and start adapting to the changes before you move. Find festivals, restaurants and shops in local international communities where you can explore the sights, sounds and smells that will soon be your reality.

Join an international club or online chat room where you can talk with others about your upcoming international move. Your new friends will share helpful advice and guide you to books, movies, museums, blogs and other resources that will help you prepare for the culture in your new home.

After you arrive at your international destination, immerse yourself in the local culture. Treat yourself to a meal in a local restaurant. Indulge in a familiar dish while saving the more unusual fare for after your taste buds and stomach adjusts to the cuisine. Visit local shops to get a feel for the artisanship and people in your new town. Contact a local university, religious group or civic group and start building friendships. At the very least, hire a guide to show you around town and offer helpful pointers for your first few weeks.

An international move is a great experience. Lighten the impact of culture shock when you learn the language, handle logistical decisions and prepare for new cultural experiences before you move. While you will face additional culture shock after you arrive in your new home, preparation in these three areas helps you process the overseas move and start your adventure on solid footing.

 img: Some rights reserved by katerha

The Cure to Culture Shock: Eat Local!

Henry Fitzgerald — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 12:27:22 +0000

Learning a language through an online classroom is the first step in beginning to understand and appreciate another culture. But in order to truly appreciate the lifestyle and traditions of another people, people must get up and go to that country and immerse themselves fully in the culture. Taking this big step can be scary for anyone, and often results in culture shock — a symptom many travelers have where they feel out of place and alone in a new culture but are still often excited by the new things they are learning and discovering. One of the best ways to begin to adapt to a local culture is to eat local in that country. Below are three reasons it benefits a person to eat local when they are traveling abroad.

1. Language immersion

Restaurants provide a great opportunity for the language student to practice their skills. They must first greet their waiter or waitress in the native language, and then utilize reading skills to look over the menu. It forces the student to not only read, but also speak, a language. It invites conversation as well. The student might consider asking the waiter to help him or her with difficult words, or perhaps teach them a new phrase that one might only learn through general conversation. Whether you’re chatting up sommeliers about the regional vintage or discussing restaurant supplies with the owner of the establishment, conversations over food are often the most illuminating conversations, not least because a relaxed atmosphere loosens the tongue.

2. Supporting the economy

It is a sign of respect and appreciation when a traveler goes out of his or her way in order to eat at local dining spots. This is a huge boost to the local economy. Everything from the food purchased from local farmers, butchers and other local businesses, to the supplies that are purchased from area residents, is impacted when travelers make an effort to eat at locally owned restaurants. Many restaurants in many other countries are working to be more eco-friendly by utilizing goods and services produced at the local level, so it is much appreciated when travelers help to boost the local economy as well.

3. Appreciation for culture

Ultimately, a traveler is going to find the dishes at local restaurants to be much more authentic than the ones they might find at a corporate chain restaurant that exists in many different countries (though there is something to be said for Japanese McDonald’s restaurants as they relate to other global locations). It gives an opportunity for the student to chat with local residents, while also getting the best of the local cuisine and culture. Perhaps the waiter or waitress will teach the student about traditions that they have in that part of the world, or tell them a bit of history about a new dish they are trying. This is one of the biggest benefits to dining local in a foreign country, and often completes the traveling experience.

Traveling to a foreign country can really make the language learning process come full circle, but that’s no secret. Flexing your linguistic muscle in an environment where you must put your acquired knowledge to use is one of the most rewarding feelings any polyglot can have. By immersing yourself in a local culture, and dining at local restaurants trying favorite dishes of the native people, you will quickly come to have a better understanding of the language, the local people and even yourself. The benefit is two-fold. Not only will you be bettering yourself as a student and a person overall, but you will be helping to boost a local economy and showing respect to a group of people that you have been learning about.

img:  Some rights reserved by Julien Menichini

6 Tips For A Modern Study Space

Henry Fitzgerald — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:04:19 +0000

1. Learning On the Go

Once upon a time, the student trudged to a big brick building where he sat secluded away from sights, sounds and mocha lattes. There he buried himself in books, note cards and oversized reference materials.

Fast forward. Think of today’s study spaces. Can you picture just one? Of course not, because we are a mobile society. Today’s technology empowers all students, including online learners and educators. An effective study space can be created wherever a student or teacher goes. All it takes is a little creative thinking and a few quality tools.

2. Select A Workspace

About one-third of students pursuing higher education take at least one online course. Online education means creating your own online work environment. Select a workspace that fits your needs and personality. Are you someone who needs absolute silence to work or is a bit of background noise more conducive to your studies? Every great workspace also needs good lighting and comfortable seating. In addition, the space should have ample electrical outlets to support your computer and other electronic devices.

3. Equipment essentials

Students taking online classes may prefer a good laptop versus a traditional desktop computer. A laptop offers mobility. The student on the go needs to transport his laptop safely. Invest in a sturdy laptop case/bag or sleeve. Most laptop bags are versatile with storage spaces for your laptop charging cord, notebooks, pens and other essentials such as a candy bar to satisfy a sweet tooth snack attack. Find your perfect laptop bag or case, checking out styles from the traditional briefcase to messenger bags, backpacks and even funky earth-friendly bags such as the Mobile Edge Eco-bag.

4. Noise issues? No problem

The coffee house or student union can be a convenient place to set up your mobile workspace. Either location typically offers sustenance during marathon study sessions as well as a social environment to keep you from losing your mind amid the pages of your online data. However, sometimes the frenetic atmosphere can be distracting. When you need to block out the world and focus, consider a pair of headphones. Beats headphones by Dr. Dre are available in over-ear or in-ear styles. Good quality headphones can help shut out noise and distractions even in the busiest environments. They even come in fun colors!

5. Accessory or essential?

While many coffee shops, student unions and other public venues offer free Wi-Fi, the mobile student may encounter times where a wireless Internet plug becomes an essential. Depending on your budget and needs, you may opt for 3G or 4G. This handy technology gives users a personal mobile hotspot allowing access to online classes, research and networking.

6. Let there be light.

“Turn a light on,” mom always nagged. Mom was right; you need proper lighting for a good workspace. Look for a place to work where you can combine both natural lighting and artificial. This combination may be less harsh on your eyes, helping you to avoid headaches. A good workspace has an ideal balance between soft light that can make your eyes work too hard and the harsh glare of a fluorescent lighting. Even when your workspace has perfect lighting, be sure to take frequent breaks from staring at the computer screen to avoid eyestrain.

Mobile learning offers versatility for students of all ages. As online schooling continues to grow in popularity, students need to be able to create a study space that works wherever they are, even if there are no walls, windows or blackboards.

img:  Some rights reserved by purprin

Online Teaching Platforms: Why We Don’t (Really) Need Them To Make A Living

André Klein — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 11:52:08 +0000

The blogosphere has been on fire for the last few days, ablaze with articles, comments, rants and promises, all regarding this simple question: If it’s really possible to make a full-time living teaching online, why isn’t it working out for so many?

It was almost as if a wormhole had opened up in time and space, because as this fiery debate was unfolding over various blogs and platforms, I was busy addressing the same issue working on the re-release of a book about exactly this topic originally published in May 2011.

Spurred on by the impression that this question was still a pressing one, I kept on writing and enjoyed the discussions from afar.

It all started with a simple question by one of my colleagues who posted that he was looking for alternatives to a well-known online teaching platform in order to make his teaching activities economically viable.

Kirsten Winkler dedicated an article to this question, titled The Ant and the Grasshopper – Why (most) Teaching Platforms fail in which she wrote:

I said it a thousand times: the key is to build your own brand on your own turf. Get a domain, start your own website and online shop. Lead social media efforts to your own home, not to your platform accounts, they come and go.

To many teachers starting out this seems tough. And, well… it is. You’ll have to learn to build a (semi)-professional homepage, create something appealing and set up a way to handle lessons and payments, but even if you’ve done all that technical stuff, the real work only begins: attracting students and promoting your service.

And yet, whatever work you invest into this process, you own it.

There’s No Easy Way Out

If you sign up for a teaching platform, they will never force you to grow. Instead, they will tell you to drive traffic to your profile on their site, because their business models are built on the commissions they receive from students taught through their platform.

Teaching platforms promise an easy way out, based on (at least) three false claims:

you’ll get lots of students by teaching on a platform: It is true that you might “get” more students, but many of them were lured into the platform by offers of free or highly discounted lessons, as Kirsten points out in her article. Even if some of them are willing to pay, it will be tough to accumulate enough to to pay the rent, especially if you live in the Western world!
they’ll do marketing for you: They don’t. They will market their site as a whole. In fact, they couldn’t care less about you as an individual. At least this is the feeling that I had when working on several of these platforms. You’re just a number, generating commissions, an exchangeable gear in a complex machine.
you can use their classroom technology: almost all virtual classrooms I’ve seen up to this day are running on Flash and are either highly complicated and/or buggy. In other words: you don’t need them. If you want to make a living online, it’s best to focus on 1-1 sessions and handle all of this through a free Software like Skype.

Starting The Journey Or Delaying It Indefinitely

Now, to be fair, if you want to experiment with online teaching, experience a virtual classroom session or do voluntary work, these platforms are interesting. But if you need to make a living by teaching online, it will be hard to pay the rent by relying solely on these platforms. Due to the competition of teachers from all over the world, prices are in a rush to the bottom, and in order to make this viable, you’ll have to teach so many hours per day that it won’t be worth it.

Becoming an independent online teacher is not easy. As Kirsten pointed out in yet another article:

If you start building your brand right now (or after you finish reading this post) it will probably take you at least six months of hard work every single day (no weekends) before you’ll see any kind of relevant traction.

No matter how long it takes, you’re not working for a company that doesn’t care about you! Instead, you’re investing into the future with each line of code, each blog post you write. And it’s so much more than just being a teacher. It’s the beginning of an adventure, a completely new lifestyle which first of all pushes you to grow and secondly opens up endless opportunities.

To give you an example, when I started out as an online teacher I had no clue that I would one day write books and produce language learning materials that would sell in major ebook stores all over the world.

I had no clue that I would write a blog with a growing followership which would open up all kinds of interesting connections and opportunities.

Little did I know that with the experience gained along the way I would one day help people build their own businesses and websites.

And if I had continued searching my luck on a teaching platform, I would still be searching and wouldn’t have stumbled onto any of this.

img:  Some rights reserved by HikingArtist.com

About the author: André Klein was born in Germany, has grown up and lived in many different places including Thailand, Sweden and Israel. He has produced two music albums, performed and organized literary readings, curated an experimental television program and is the author of various short stories and non-fiction works.

Online Learning: The Future Has Arrived

Henry Fitzgerald — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:23:02 +0000

You already have some idea of how valuable the Internet is for learning new languages. The latest technologies like Skype allow you to master a language from a native speaker instead of reading a lesson and listening to the accompanying tape over and over. However E-learning does not stop with foreign languages. Nowadays, you can take full advantage of the Internet to complete entire degree programs, even while working full-time.

Benefits of Online Programs

• Designed for the Working Individual. You can access most lectures and other course materials and complete your assignments at any hour of the day or night. Depending on your personal habits, you may prefer to study early in the morning, on your lunch break or on weekends.

• Relevant Training. Your program should provide the training and skills you need to be an entrepreneur in your field. An online MBA program, for example, might teach effective communication using the latest technology, marketing strategies and negotiation techniques.

• Easily Accessible. All you need is an Internet connection and basic software which means you can do your coursework on the move, whether you are traveling for business or spending time at home.

• Flexibility. E-learning allows you to focus on your interests. Choose a program that offers the range of courses you want. You may want a program with a global focus that lets you develop and use your language skills and knowledge of different cultures.

Keep Up and Excel

The incredible freedom of online programs permits you to study while working and caring for your family. Still, you want to be careful not to let this freedom become a disadvantage. These simple tips can help you keep up:

• Make and follow your own schedule. Determine when you will devote time to your studies, and record the times in your personal agenda. Think of them as mandatory appointments.

• Focus. Avoid distractions, such as email, text messages and phone calls. A shorter amount of focused, dedicated time is more valuable than extra hours of studying when you are sidetracked by multitasking.

• Be Flexible. This may seem contradictory to the schedule you set, but you need to be flexible if you want to maintain your sanity while going to school and working. Life can and may get in the way of your plans. You may need to work late to finish a project for your supervisor and be unable to study in the evening, as planned, or you may need to pick up your daughter early from school, so eliminating your lunchtime studying. Don’t let small setbacks throw you off track. Just be flexible and go back to your usual schedule as soon as you can.

• Communicate. Stay in contact with your professors. They are likely to allow you to turn in work late or postpone an exam if you let them know as soon as possible that you are having unexpected difficulties at work or home. To avoid accidentally missing deadlines or getting behind on your work, regularly communicate, via email or telephone, with one or more of your classmates in each class.

• Plan Your Program. Many online degree programs have some degree of leniency in the number of courses that you take each semester and the amount of time you have to complete your degree. Think ahead to make sure you know what classes to take to finish your program when you want.

E-learning is clearly here to stay, and you can take advantage of virtual higher education opportunities. An online program allows you to complete your degree while working as long as you stay focused and are committed. Choose the program that suits your needs, and embrace the training that will help you adapt to the modern business world.

img:  Some rights reserved by Domiriel

Housing Swap: Learn A Language By Immersion

Henry Fitzgerald — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 15:41:44 +0000

Ask any foreign language teacher, and they will tell you that the best way to learn a language is to become fully immersed in it.

You can only learn so much from reading, writing and speaking the language for short amounts of time. First hand experience, day in and day out, is an incredibly quick and effective way to master any language!

But most people don’t have the money or time to hop on a plane and live abroad for a few weeks. The solution?

House Swapping

English is a difficult language to learn. While you were probably lucky enough to learn it as an infant, many people don’t share the same luxury. Being immersed in English is a great way to learn the language, meaning that a lot of people are just like you! They’re wishing for an opportunity to live abroad and become an English speaking pro.

Swapping homes with similar persons in the country whose language you’d like to learn provides the best opportunity for both. Maybe you’re living in Chicago, but you’d like to become more proficient in German? No problem. There’s probably someone in Frankfurt who’d love to live in Chicago, immersed in English on a daily basis!

You just have to find them.

Getting Connected

Using an accredited site like Home Exchange, you only have to pay a small fee and you’ll have access to a database of users who would love to swap homes with you. In short, while you’re living in Frankfurt at Franziska’s house, she’ll be squatting at your place in Chicago! Be sure to find a site with a good track record, read reviews of other’s who’ve used the service and contact your potential swappers to see if you think it’ll be a good fit.

If you have any reservations about loaning your place out to a specific potential house swapper, don’t do it. Only swap with people with whom you feel totally comfortable.

Being Responsible

Hold out until you find a match that you really feel compatible with, and when the time comes to make the switch, treat their place with the same level of respect you’d expect at your house.

Take an initiative to compile a list of places you’d like to see, things you’d like to learn, and cultural activities you want to check out. Learn all you can while you’re there and ask the homeowner to leave a list of suggestions for you. You can return the favor by leaving a to-do list of suggested activities to help your guest get a feel for the city!

Use the housing swap opportunity to your full advantage! Speak the language as much as possible while you’re there and immerse yourself fully in the culture! You’ll learn more than you ever thought possible.

 Some rights reserved by tpmartins

5 Quick Ways To Bring Languages To Life

Henry Fitzgerald — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:44:22 +0000

Most of the fun of learning a language is the hope that you’ll one day be able to use it to communicate in another country. Having a goal in mind when learning makes the work seem more meaningful and more alive.

If you’re looking for ways to help bring a language to life for your students and get them excited about learning, check out these few suggestions!

Cook A Meal: Everyone likes to eat, especially students! Connecting over a meal is a great way for students to get to know both the classmates and the professor. Choose a meal that truly represents the country whose language you’re learning and be sure to have everyone pitch in. Encourage students to use their language skills to the best of their abilities while they’re cooking and eating the dinner.

Visit/Move To Country: Tell your students to do everything in their power to live in or at least visit the country whose language they’re learning. Traveling to the country is especially important for students that plan to live there one day permanently and wish to speak the language fluently. It’s as important as finding a job, arranging moving companies, getting a visa or finding a place to live. Though it’s expensive, tell your students to make it a priority, and do whatever they can to make the trip!

Start A Club: Starting a club with other people learning the same language is helpful for developing a student’s comprehension and speaking abilities. Encourage students to get together and start a weekly culture club that meets to watch movies or listen to music in the language they’re learning, speak the language, watch news or read blogs.It’s a great way to learn about the culture and learn the language simultaneously. They can act out certain scenarios like ordering food, shopping for clothes, hailing a taxi and giving directions or getting around a city.

Connect With A Native Speaker: If possible, have your students use social media to connect with someone who has spoken the language since birth. Using Skype, Facebook or Twitter can help your students learn to use the language the way it’s used by native speakers instead of how it’s used in a textbook. They’ll also learn helpful tips about the country, in case they ever decide to travel or re-locate.

Teach Someone Else: The true test of knowledge is whether or not your students can re-teach what they’ve learned. Do they have a friend family member that’s always wanted to know the language they’re learning? A younger sibling or cousin? Encourage students to share what they’ve learned with others. They’ll reinforce what they’ve learned and spread the goodness to others in the process.

These tips can help the language feel more alive to your students, making it easier to learn, and easier to retain. Bringing the language to life isn’t hard to do, but your students have to be motivated enough to follow through.

img:  Some rights reserved by zinjixmaggir

Use Your Kindle To Learn A Foreign Language

André Klein — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:22:37 +0000

On many people’s wishlists this year was probably one (or even more) of the many different Kindle devices. Americans might have scored a Kindle Touch or Kindle Fire while the rest of the world had to make do with the entry level devices.

But politics aside…

While many people know that using an e-reader with e-ink or similar technology does improve the electronic reading experience (no glare!), not many people are aware that their Kindle can be a real power-house when learning a foreign language.

1. (Foreign) Language Dictionary

Every new Kindle comes with a built-in dictionary in English and (correct me if I’m wrong) depending on your location, another one for your native language if you live in one of the “Kindle Countries” (UK, US, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.)

It’s a well-known fact that reading in a foreign language is one of the best ways to extend your vocabulary, see grammar in action and simply have fun.

By using the built-in dictionary you can easily move the cursor to the beginning of a new word and you’ll see the definition directly on screen.

So, if you’re learning English as a foreign language, you don’t need to do anything, at all. Just start reading one of the thousands of free classics and use the built-in function to look up new words.

But what if you’re learning French, Spanish, German or another foreign language?

Also not a problem. Here’s how it goes:

You’ll need to get a dictionary file for your language. You can buy one or check out this list of free ones. (Please note that all of these dictionaries are one-way (Eng->German, German->Eng, etc.), so make sure you get the right one!)
Transfer the file to your Kindle into the documents folder. (If you bought one this happened automatically)
Press Menu, go to -> Settings, press Menu again and select Change Primary Dictionary
choose your dictionary and start learning!

2. Kindle Notes

While opening any Kindle book (dictionaries, too) you can highlight words and sections or even add notes. Your notes are saved in a file called Name-of-Book.mbp (read-only). The notes also go into another file called My-Clippings.txt.

There are many ways to use this, but one of the most obvious is to create vocabulary lists.

After reading you can go to clippingsconverter.com and convert your notes into Excel or Word format, PDF and even post them to Evernote.

This way you can easily print or edit your notes for further study or exercises. A good idea for example is to use the new words from your clippings by building sentences from them in the foreign language you are learning.

3. Foreign Language Learning Materials

Now, the Kindle shop offers a huge variety of bestselling top titles for lazy afternoons and holiday reading. But did you know that there also many different publications on Kindle specifically aimed at foreign language learners?

Yep, there’s actually a huge variety of non-fictional works that can be useful, besides the already mentioned dictionaries for Kindle. Here are some ideas:

textbooks & workbooks: Search the Kindle Store for “Learn Hebrew” and you’ll find a little booklet published by my colleague that includes 5 Hebrew dialogues with transliteration, translation, vocabulary lists and exercises. This is just an example, of course. There are many such materials available for other languages as well.

flashcards: Something not as obvious is to use Kindle as a Flash Card browser. Yes, really. Here’s how it works: Each word occupies one page on your Kindle; by clicking next and previous page on your device you can “flip” the words and see the translation, just as you would do with flashcards on paper. Here’s an example.

Note: Although Kindle officially only supports a handful of languages, there are many publications in the Kindle Store for other languages as well. Since Kindle doesn’t display Hebrew, Arabic or Cyrillic letters, for example, these books use images as a workaround.

You won’t be able to use the dictionary function, but until Amazon supports more languages natively this is better than nothing.

If you buy ebooks in PDF you won’t have any problems on your Kindle, either, by the way – no matter what language.

Happy Reading and Learning!

img: tutorial screenshot via rekindle, photo by mwkelley

3 Teaching Ideas For That Last Lesson Before The Holidays

Henry Fitzgerald — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:45:34 +0000

Whether you’re planning to cover a few last minute lessons before finals this semester or planning for next year, including an international holiday study into your curriculum is fun, educational and useful.

While the entire semester is filled with lessons of conjugating verbs, learning vocab and grading exams, the holidays are the perfect time to pack in a special learning experience. Use the time leading up to finals to focus on holiday cultures in other countries, celebrate American culture and have a glass of eggnog.

Here’s what to include in holiday language lessons and how to make it relevant for your course and your students!

Terminology: Compile a list of must-know holiday vocabulary for whichever language you teach. Be sure to include traditions, food, decorations, greetings, common gifts, religious terms and even popular winter or holiday activities. Encourage students to read holiday-themed blogs in the language they’re learning to learn more about holiday jargon.

Culture and Traditions: The web is the best way to learn about culture, especially around the holidays. Everything from winter styles, to Christmas music to favorite desserts can be easily found on the Internet. Find out about holiday traditions in other countries and try to find recipes to re-create foreign holiday goodies. Learning about Germany’s Christmas markets or nativity scenes in France is great for European languages and represents much of the Christmas culture. Learning about New Year’s traditions is also another great holiday lesson. Find out which movies are most popular during Christmas time and have a look at the holiday favorites! Movies are always a great peek into culture, especially animated flicks!

Real-Life (Or World) Application: Using your newfound skills in real-life, or world, in terms of other languages, is part of the fun of learning a new tongue! Most sites and postal service providers offer cheap international shipping over the holidays, so that might be the perfect time to order some foreign goodies. Find out what the country is known for around the holidays and place an order! Be careful when ordering anything perishable or fragile and be sure to place your order early enough so that you’ll receive it before finals. If possible, communicate with someone in that country about the holidays, their favorite memories, traditions and celebrations. Even if it’s just over Skype, it will be great for students to hear first hand! Have your students share about their favorite American holidays as well to create en excellent dialogue.

These holiday lessons will keep your students interested clear up until finals, a feat that’s not often easily accomplished. You can still work in your regular curriculum with these lessons and test students over whichever material you deem necessary. This lesson will be especially useful for students that have friends or family who are international, or who will spend a holiday abroad!

img:  Some rights reserved by stopthegears

4 Tips To Learn The Language of Love

Henry Fitzgerald — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:43:47 +0000

Teaching and learning a language is a difficult, but exciting undertaking. Whether you’re a student or a teacher, there are certain aspects of the journey that will be fun, and some that won’t be so great. This principle rings even more true if you’re learning or teaching a language for couples that don’t speak the same language.

Being in love always raises the stakes for learning quickly and effectively. For teachers, the bar can be even higher. Instructors need to deliver relevant lessons with real-life application.

If you aren’t quite sure where to start teaching or what to expect as a student, check out these few tips for learning to speak the language of love and start a relationship off on the right foot.

Start with Common Words or Phrases: Every language teacher knows that you can’t always dive right into the thick of things. Starting with the basics of learning a language is typically the best way to go, but in the case of learning to speak to a significant other, it might be a good idea to start on a necessity basis.

Begin by learning the most important words or phrases to carry on a relationship. Words or phrases that have to do with dating, family, making plans, living arrangements or traveling can be given a priority. For more advanced relationships, you will need to know phrases like engagement, engagement rings, marriage, visa or wedding.

Learn Colloquial Terms: Usually we learn and teach languages, as they should be spoken in the most formal settings, and remain in the dark when it comes to everyday terms and colloquial speech. You’ll want to know slang, figures of speech, and the daily vernacular. You can purchase or incorporate a slang guidebook into your curriculum, to help understand the language as its spoken in the actual country of its origin on a daily basis.

Learn the Culture: Being a part of a relationship means that you’ll probably meet family and friends at some point. You’ll not only want to communicate with them, but you’ll also want to respect their customs and culture. Many language courses are now involving aspects of understanding culture into the curriculum, and this step is certainly necessary for those in a serious relationship. You’ll want to avoid offending others with either speech, gestures, phrases or behavior and often, we don’t know if we’re being offensive. Learn about the language as you learn about the culture and you’ll definitely come out ahead.

Help, Not Hurt: One the best ways to teach and learn a language is to encourage positive and constructive face-to-face interaction as often as possible. While it can be easy to laugh at misuses of words, this action will not help either party. Remain helpful and instructive, just as you’d want someone to be patient with you. Instructors can encourage students to use Skype, Facebook or other social media to promote real-life application and out of class learning.

These few steps will serve as a great basis for learning to communicate with a significant other. Your relationship will grow and blossom just as your language skills will do the same!

img: Some rights reserved by HikingArtist.com

4 Quick Ways To Use (Social) Media In Foreign Language Teaching

Henry Fitzgerald — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 07:38:00 +0000

Sometimes, taking a class to learn a language isn’t quite enough. For people that are moving to a new country and want to learn the native tongue of the land, a class or textbook might leave you in the dark when it comes to slang, idioms or figures of speech.

For instance, students learning English may learn English as Shakespeare would have spoken it, and may be completely confused by terms like “quitting cold turkey” or “right off the bat.” Likewise, students learning French, German, Italian or any other language will need to venture outside of the textbook to have a full grasp on the language, and the Internet can be a great learning tool.

Guidebooks

Your foreign language curriculum probably doesn’t include a vast study of slang or commonly used improper grammar. Your students will certainly learn the language the way it’s meant to be spoken, but when they move to or travel to the country, they might be a bit lost by the more colloquial speech. Suggesting a slang guidebook to help familiarize your students with the idioms of the language will help them recognize figures of speech that aren’t included in your formal curriculum.

Tumblr, WordPress or Social Media

If you’re teaching an online French course, incorporating blogs, Facebook pages or Twitter accounts that are written in French into your curriculum is an excellent way to help students recognize figures of speech and learn how they’re used in every day life. Try to find pages or blogs that are less formal. Fashion blogs, shopping sites, community pages, personal blogs and Twitter accounts are an excellent way to start picking up on commonly used slang. Reading through Facebook comments or discussions will provide even more exposure to slang and everyday vernacular.

Movies, Music and News

Reading and aural comprehension don’t always come hand in hand when learning a language. Even if your students can recognize written slang, they might not be able to understand it in every day speech. Foreign movies, music and news are a great way to get the ear used to hearing the language spoken in daily life and these mediums, especially music and movies, contain plenty of everyday jargon and will quickly familiarize students with the most common figures of speech. Additionally, movies, music and news will help familiarize students with the culture, which can help ease a transition into a new country. Keeping up to date with current news, popular music and classic movies of a country are a great way to learn slang and culture all at once.

Skype or Video Chatting

Once your students learn to recognize slang, they should also learn to use it. Having students type or chat with one another student in the language they’re learning will help establish and informal setting and will make using the slang seem much more natural. They can also learn to mix the more formal version of the language with the informal and become used to switching back and forth with ease.

With these tools, your students will be able to learn the language well enough to communicate both formally and informally. For students than plan to move or travel to another country, these experiences will be excellent preparation for successful communication and mastery of another tongue.