How to Easily Learn a New Language
Countless foreign languages are spoken all over the world. Of course, the most commonly spoken language in the United States is English, with 82 per cent of the population speaking English as their native language.
English is the common language of business and everyday life. Close behind English as the second most popular language in the United States is Spanish. Approximately 12 per cent of Americans speak Spanish as either their first or second language.
However, on the whole, Americans do not speak enough foreign languages. Approximately 370 million people speak English as their native language; whereas, approximately 1.5 billion people all over the globe speak English as a second language.
English speakers are focused in the business and tourism industries, so Americans can usually get by. But in an increasingly globalized world, learning to speak a foreign language can take your connections to a higher level.
The benefits of learning a foreign language
There are a lot of advantages to be gained by being able to read and converse in a foreign language, both practical and fun. From a more practical perspective, it is quite important to know how to deal with others in their own language so you can network with people from all over the world.
From a more fun perspective, whole new cultural worlds are opened up to you when you learn a foreign language. After all, learning the foreign language that underpins a foreign culture is often the only way to truly experience what it is like to be a part of that culture.
It is obvious that learning a foreign language can be an amazing, and challenging, experience. The challenge is what makes it so much fun; you will get a real sense of accomplishment the first time you speak a whole sentence, the first time you read a newspaper in a foreign language, the first time you converse with a native speaker.
Learning a foreign language
The very best way to learn a foreign language is likely already not a possibility: start young. In order to be completely fluent, to treat the language like a native speaker would, it is usually important to learn the foreign language from a very early age, the younger the better.
If this is no longer an option, you can still succeed with formal or even informal lessons. Some people have an amazing capacity to pick up foreign languages just by immersing themselves in the foreign culture. No matter what you do to learn a foreign language, the key is practice and repetition.
Try to use the foreign language as much as possible and speak to native speakers of the foreign language as much as possible. Things will also be easier if you pick a foreign language that is related to a language you already know.
If you know English, for example, you will be able pretty easily to pick up the general idea of a story in a French newspaper. If you look at a newspaper written in Thai, however, you would likely not even know where to begin; of course, for some people that just makes the challenge more fun!
Steve Dolan is a European who has travelled extensively across Europe and understands the value of languages. Find out how to learn a foreign language quickly and easily at http://www.foreignlanguageslive.com and for Spanish try http://www.foreignlanguageslive.com/spanish
The New Language of Construction Safety
From electrical wiring and scaffolding to a wide variety of lethal chemicals, hazards are common on construction job sites. Are workers with limited English proficiency another danger on today’s multicultural construction projects?
Predictions are that Hispanics will comprise more than 50% of the construction workforce within the next five years. The accident and fatality rate for Hispanics in construction is already much higher than it is for either African-Americans or Caucasians. What’s the reason for this disparity?
The answers are both cultural and linguistic. The workplace in Latin America is a hierarchy with a well-defined chain of command. Workers go up the ladder with ideas or suggestions to their immediate supervisor. To many Latinos, a “good” employee trusts his supervisor implicitly- without questions. Asking questions can be seen as a threat to the supervisor’s authority instead of a desire for clarification.
The cultural barrier to communications is just as serious as the language barrier where safety is concerned. Even though many Hispanic workers are learning English, for many it is a Herculean task. For average Hispanic adults, the learning curve to speaking English fluently can take up to seven years and sometimes longer.Consequently, implementing training policies that are spoken and/or printed in English only will be ineffective and potentially dangerous.
There are many questions concerning how to deal with the potential dangers associated with non-English speaking workers in the construction industry. There’s no doubt that job sites will always pose some risks, however employers bear the ultimate responsibility for making the workplace as safe as possible.
Cultural diversity and Spanish language training for supervisory personnel will continue to provide some of the answers to this complex 21st century construction issue. A change in awareness may provide others.
Think about the ways you can create a new language of safety on your job site. When translators are not available, speak slowly, be direct using short simple sentences, and when possible use demonstrations. Show specific safety techniques and have all employees practice them. This practical training and facilitated communication is an important aspect of the new language of safety.
How to Break the Language Barrier
1. Speak slowly. Non-native English speakers need extra time to process what you are saying. Translating from one language into another isn’t automatic.
2. Be direct. Use short, simple sentences, especially when giving instructions. People learning English get lost in long sentences with complicated grammar.
3. Use a normal speaking voice. Don’t speak in a loud voice. Your employee doesn’t have trouble hearing you. They have trouble understanding you.
4. Use bilingual employees wisely. They are one of your company’s biggest assets. Group non-English speaking employees with bilingual ones. If possible, group people from the same countries together. Their language and accents will be the same.
5. Color. Identify bilingual employees with a brightly colored hard hat. When seconds count in an emergency they can be found quickly.
Myelita Melton is the author of the SpeakEasy Spanish TM series. She is a nationally recognized speaker and expert in language and cultural diversity. Her high energy programs will engage your mind and foster a climate for understanding. http://www.speakeasyspanish.com.
Language of Choice, Making the Right Moves To Communicate with the Masses
Have you ever pondered over which language you should put your mind to learning? Or perhaps which new language you should advise your middle school child to register for next school year? Sitting next to a family of four (mother, father, high school son and middle school son) and mercilessly eavesdropping, I was flabbergasted by the conversation taking place about which foreign language to study and the various reasons why. All were in agreement that the boys needed to complete two years of foreign language study prior to the end of high school; the disagreement that ensued was about which foreign language to take and why.
I am not much of a stats geek, however I do study the trends as I like to keep informed in the educational genre of our society as a mom and as an educator. According to the U.S. Census Bureau and the 2007 Statistical Abstract there are more than 265 million people age five and over in our country, and 216 million of them speak English in their home. The family involved in this nearby conversation clearly never read the rest of the report, tends not to listen to the languages being spoken around them in their community or simply does not care which language would be found most useful and practical as the boys travel through our United States of America.
According to this stats abstract the Spanish language was a huge second place finisher with more than 30 million people speaking Spanish followed way behind by Chinese with 2.3 million. Now, granted, the high school son was very vocal expressing how he did not like his last semester of Spanish and was changing next school year to German or maybe French.
I almost slipped a beverage napkin onto their table with the link to the site stating German was way low in the population count of this abstract stating 1 million people in the U.S. speak German in their home lagging just behind French who touts 1.3 million people speaking French in the home.
Our decisions to study one language or another need to revolve around three strong considerations:
The potential future use of the target language in your future. Perhaps this boy sitting next to me planned to marry a girl of German descent or travel to Germany to work in some export business tied to the U.S. Do you have future plans of working with a specific company who deals specifically with particular countries?
Current resources available within your geographic and monetary means. Is there a language course available in the target language? Do you have the motivation to study and learn this new language? Is the course affordable or is the program you are looking to purchase approachable?
History or connection with the target language. Perhaps you have an ethnic tie to this new language. Did you grow up hearing this target language spoken in the home of a relative? Do your parents guide you gently in your decision based on their understanding of the current global needs?
We all see the need to expand our horizons beyond speaking just English. Now we need to give strong and thoughtful consideration to just what that new language of learning should be.
Beth Butler is the creator of the BOCA BETH Language Learning Series for young children. Find out how fun and easy it can be to introduce Spanish to your child. Sample the BOCA BETH bilingual music and movies for free at http://www.bocabeth.com
Call toll free 1.877.825.2622
Learn Mandarin Using Phonetic English
By using English phonics, you can eliminate many of the complications of learning to speak Mandarin. Native English speakers no longer need to trudge through the old fashioned and ineffective Wade-Giles method, or struggle with the current, but just as difficult Pinyin Chinese to speak Mandarin. There’s an easier way! Words and phrases can be sounded out exactly the same way we learned to read and speak English in grade school.
The Romanization of Chinese Characters
Mandarin Pinyin is called Putonghua, or The Common Language, and is widely used throughout China. Its four tones, level, rising, falling, and high rising, distinguish many words and syllables with the same consonants and vowels but with different meanings. It deciphers the Chinese characters and symbols into a Romanized alphabet, eliminating the abstract strokes completely unrecognizable to foreigners.
Prior to the use of Pinyin, westerners depended upon the Wade-Giles Romanization system that was initially invented to simplify Chinese characters into their English counterparts. British scholar Sir Thomas Francis Wade created the method, and it was later modified by Herbert Allen Giles in 1912, and it became the preferred transliteration method among scholars. But what it truly gave the western world was a systematic and consistent method of butchering the Chinese language through mispronunciations for more than a half century. Why did it fail so miserably? Learners of Mandarin relied upon the pronunciation guide, but were seldom educated properly on how the system worked. Inevitably, most words were grossly mispronounced.
Other attempts were made to integrate a Latin alphabet for the Mandarin language during the 1920’s and 30’s, but most were unsuccessful. Finally, in 1985, the Pinyin Romanization system officially replaced the Wade-Giles method. The Chinese government’s commitment to promote a standardized Latin alphabet for westerner and the country’s minorities promoted the adoption of Pinyin Putonghua, and it is used extensively throughout the country.
Unfortunately, native English speakers who study Mandarin quickly discover that many of the vowels and consonants used in Pinyin are pronounced differently than their English counterparts. This means that English speakers, who have been trained since primary school to sound out words phonetically, first need to learn Pinyin in order to speak correctly and clearly in Chinese.
A Better Way
The good news is that there is an easier and faster way of learning Mandarin. Native English speakers can by-pass Pinyin and immediately concentrate on reading and speaking Chinese by using the familiar English phonics system. For example, the Chinese word for ‘next’, when written in Pinyin is: xi ay i ge. Using English phonetics, you would say: shee-ah ee guh. Congratulations! You have just pronounced the word correctly! So as you can see, if you are searching for a simple way to speak Chinese effectively, the English phonetic system makes the learning process an easily attainable goal.
Timothy Green is the co-author of SPEAK E-Z CHINESE In Phonetic English. You can find fun and easy Mandarin lessons, as well as great travel and culture tips about China at http://www.CathayCafe.com. In China, visit the authors at http://www.CathayCafe.net.
Consider Using Audio Books To Prepare For A Holiday In A Spanish Speaking Country
Are you thinking of going for a holiday in a Spanish Speaking Country? If tha answer to that question is yes, you need to consider learning the Spanish language. It is very important to be able to communicate with the people that you meet, from the airport to the hotel you will be staying at, and even just getting around.
Don’t think you need to learn the language? Well if so, you need to know that almost everyone you meet will be speaking the language. Not being able to understand nor speak it can spoil the fun of the holiday for you.
So yes, you should really consider learning the Spanish language before you embark on your trip to Spain.
Oh… you are thinking of travelling next week and so won’t have enough time to learn it?
Don’t worry about that. Just getting your hands on the right audio book about learning the Spanish language, and it can teach you the language within a very short time.
Impossible?
Not really.
There are many audio books that teach the Spanish language, but my favorite is - “One-Day Spanish: Teach Yourself”.
This incredible audio book is ideal for anyone that wants to go holidaying in Spain. As the title implies, it is really a one-day Spanish crash course that can teach you the language faster than you can imagine.
It contains no grammar, no studying, just fast and entertaining real-life speaking practice. And guess what? It works wonders in teaching you the Spanish language.
Still think it’s impossible?
Now, let me ask you. In the English language, did you know that there are basically just about 50 to 100 words that if you can learn, you will be well on your way to understanding and probably speaking the language?
For example, this entire article won’t contain more than 50 to 100 words. Most words are always repeated when we speak, whether in the English language or any other language.
This is the same thing with most other languages, Spanish inclusive.
This audio book, which is only around 1 hour and 15 minutes, will help you learn the 50 most needed words in the Spanish language. You will be able to speak holiday Spanish in only one day!
If you’re going to a Latin American country where Spanish is the main language spoken then you should know that Latin American Spanish varies greatly from European Spanish. Be sure to search for “Latin American Spanish” so you can get the perfect opportunity to hear and practise the language before you go.
When the phrases are kept short and simple, by listening two or three times, you can pick up the essentials of the language.
Eddie Lamb provides an abundance of information on a range of topical subjects. We believe better understanding your area of interest helps your decision making process immensely. You’ll find a host of useful information about digital downloadable products at http://www.DigitalAudiosDirect.com
What are Polyglots and How Are They Categorized
Ask anyone on the street to give you the definition of the word “polyglot” and he’ll mutter out something about “a person speaking many languages”. Still, if we go in depth we will find out that a polyglot is much more than this and they can be categorized through various means.
Strictly put, the dictionary definition of a polyglot is “someone that has a high degree of proficiency with several languages”. But being a polyglot is in itself a cultural and social status and this is undeniable. Knowing many languages isn’t just helpful for career or traveling purposes, it’s also heightening to you as a person in society and the views of others towards you will be undoubtedly changed for the better.
But let’s see what different types of polyglots are there and how you can “earn” your place in one of these categories. Take note that when counting the number of languages one speaks, you always consider his native tongue as well. Still, a person that only knows one foreign language (thus can speak two languages fluently) is not considered a polyglot. Instead, he is considered a “bilingual speaker”. There’s a debate on whether or not people speaking three languages fluently should be called polyglots or simply trilingual speakers, but it’s generally acknowledged that a person is only considered a true polyglot when he can fluently speak 3 foreign languages or above, plus his native tongue.
Still, how do you define a person as “speaking a language”? Knowing how to say “Hi my name is Joe” in 8 different languages won’t mean you can speak those languages and it will definitely not make you a polyglot. In order for you to be considered a speaker of a certain language you need to have a moderately solid base of vocabulary as well as an average grip on grammar, spelling, pronunciation and other similar elements of that language.
Another problem that appears when dealing with this “language counting” phenomenon is the lack of clarity towards how you separate languages. For example, Scandinavian languages are quite similar to one another and a Norwegian speaker for example can usually understand a Swedish speaker without putting too much effort in it, so learning both languages is easy once you know one of them. This way, your language counter goes up 2 steps although you had an easy job. On the other end, a person learning the two major Chinese dialects of Cantonese and Mandarin will spend much more effort into them (the two dialects differ heavily and they are quite large and complicated, thus a pain to learn) and still get a single buff to their language counter.
Obviously, this is all just theoretical talk, since no one will really keep count of the languages you can speak. However, they will most likely be impressed when they’ll hear you talk in 3 or more languages on different occasions or when they’ll notice you can fluently talk both Chinese dialects or 3-4 Slavic languages.
Increase your foreign language vocabulary at http://www.InternetPolyglot.com by playing online games and become a true polyglot.
Becoming a True Polyglot
When hearing the word “polyglot” you probably think of some fancy upper-class genius speaking 6-7 or more languages. Unfortunately this idea that being a polyglot is an “unreachable” is way too common nowadays. Technically, you can be considered a polyglot if you can fluently speak 3 or more languages. Well 3 or more languages isn’t that hard to achieve, considering one is your native one and the other two can be studied in a matter of years. Still, being a true polyglot requires much more and it requires you to know a higher number of foreign languages than just 2. The following article will try to give you some general tips on how to learn a foreign language with ease and a few ways of easily attaining the status of “polyglot”.
If language count is all you’re after or if you want to become a specialist in a specific geographical area, all you need to do is focus on a single language in that area or language group and study it thoroughly until you’re fluent. The other languages in its family will prove to be a lot easier to study, since you’ll already hold most of the basic rules and a great deal of the vocabulary. For example, if you study Russian, you’ll have an easier time studying other Slavic languages such as Ukrainian afterwards. Whereas Ukrainian will be very similar to Russian, there will be a few other Slavic languages such as Bulgarian, Serbian, Polish, Croatian and so forth, which won’t be quite as closely resembling but they will still be easier to learn once you have a solid grasp on Russian. The effect is similar from the other perspective as well, so if you know any of the above mentioned languages, it will be easier to study Russian.
This does not apply only to Slavic languages though. Latin languages share a lot of common patterns and rules and becoming a Latin language polyglot is quite easy once you grasp firmly on these rules. Some Latin languages are closer to one another, such as Portuguese to Spanish or Italian to Romanian and vice versa.
Another way of becoming a true polyglot, not necessarily relying on the “related languages” technique is to study a few general rules that are at the base of a larger group of languages and then build upon them. For example, most European and American languages share the same grammar and structure rules, whereas certain similarities can be found in Asian languages. Study the basics and from there on you can build in any direction you like, learning the vocabulary associated to a particular language. Further more, combining this technique with the related languages one will prove to be even more effective and that sought after polyglot status will soon be yours.
Increase your foreign language vocabulary at http://www.InternetPolyglot.com by playing online games and become a true polyglot. The site contains thousands of lessons in different languages from English, Spanish, French, Russian to Dutch, Portuguese, Arabic and many others.
An Audio Book In Spanish Is An Educational Opportunity
Many books that come out in print now come on audio tapes or disks at the same time. These items are available at reasonable prices, and the local libraries quickly stock their shelves with these popular items. Many of the titles are also coming out in foreign language versions quickly as well. Audio books in Spanish are particularly popular because Spanish is so widely spoken in the United States and around the world. They are popular with those whose native language is Spanish and with other who are trying to learn Spanish.
Spanish audio books have the same appeal as their counterparts in English. These audios are great for those who spend time commuting to work. Some workers spend as much as three hours a day on the road on their way to and from their job sites. These trips are necessary, but hours on the road can be very tedious. Audio books make a significant difference to many of these people. A Spanish audio adds an extra dimension to the titles available as audio books and they have increased in popularity so the number of titles available has increased with the demand.
Audio Books in Spanish Are Entertainment for a Wide Audience
There are many people who love books but do not have the time to sit down and read. Audio books have provided an opportunity for people to vacuum the floor and listen to a story at the same time. Spanish audio books offer even more opportunities for people to multitask and enjoy an interesting story as part of the activity. People can also use the audio books to learn new information. Audio books in Spanish can help people to learn a second language or increase their knowledge of a language.
The increasing popularity of audio books has led to the increase in audio book sections at the local library and at the local bookstore. There are now many titles available at these facilities in English and Spanish. The titles come from the latest best sellers written by the great authors that wrote them. One can very quickly get an audio book in Spanish with the latest Harry Potter story. There are books available at some senior citizen centers and at other social organizations. People who love audio books often share theirs with others to spread the titles around and keep the cost to a minimum.
Eddie Lamb publishes an abundance of information on a range of topical subjects. We believe better understanding your area of interest helps your decision making process immensely. You’ll find a host of useful information about digital downloadable products at http://www.DigitalAudiosDirect.com
What Is The Quickest Way To Learn Spanish
To be honest the quickest way to learn spanish is to use the method(s) that resonate most ideally with you. Everyone has a different way of learning so choose the way that suits you best. You’ll probably need to do some research beforehand to determine which is the easiest and quickest way for you yo learn spanish.
So How Do You Find The Right Way To learn Spanish?
The best way to learn Spanish for you will depend on what makes you comfortable. Here are five advantageous alternatives that people have used successfully to understand Spanish:
1. Check the newspaper for advertisements - there would be any amount of language institutes, which teach Spanish in your vicinity. Check your newspaper to find when and what their terms for enrollment are. Keep in mind that the place should be as close as possible to your residence so as to cut travel time and costs to the minimum.
2. Check out for books for learning Spanish - There are a number of books, which can help you learn Spanish in easy steps at home. Look out for books, which have pictures, are bi-lingual and have a good teaching structure. Check out with the sales people about which books they would recommend for whatever level you need. Also, ensure that you have a very good dictionary Spanish-English (your native language)-Spanish.
3. Check the Internet - Internet is the greatest boon to humankind in these modern days. You can find anything you want with the help of the Net. There are any amount of online courses, which you can enroll in and understand Spanish at your own pace from the comfort and convenience of your home. You can compare prices; you can compare how long the courses are; you can also find the level of the language you want to gain knowledge (basic, medium, advanced) and so on.
4. Read a lot - I cannot emphasize enough on this matter. This is definitely one of the best ways to understand Spanish (or any other language) because this is the only way you can increase your vocabulary and learn about to use the words in the right context. You will find that the more you read, the more you will be able to think in Spanish and hence, your conversation will become fluent.
5. Check out for a tutor - you can always have a regular tutor. However, here I am suggesting you to get an online tutor - a friend (you can check out MySpace since there are so many people out there who would love to handhold you during this process) who can guide you. This will make learning Spanish very interesting as well.
Probably the most idealway to know Spanish would is by using one of the above or a combination of several different methods. Try some or all of them out and see what works for you and what doesn’t. You’ll find that the best way to learn Spanish is the method or combination that makes the knowing easy, quick and thay you find the most fun. Of course you may have to tailor the methods to suit your lifestyle and available time too, but in the end you’ll find your ideal method to understanding Spanish!
Steve Dolan is a European who has travelled extensively across Europe and understands the value of languages. Find out how to learn Spanish quickly and easily at http://www.foreignlanguageslive.com/learnspanish and for other languages try http://www.foreignlanguageslive.com
Spanish Courses in Salamanca Teach Castillian - the Purest Form of the Language
Some very good Spanish courses are available in Salamanca, in Spain, which can help you to learn Spanish quickly. You will be immersed in the Spanish language and culture, while you enjoy life in one of Spain’s most captivating cities. Language immersion courses are known to be the most effective way of learning a second language. Immersion involves learning a second language by listening and talking, rather than by studying the language itself.
Salamanca is very popular among people who want to learn Spanish, because the purest form of Spanish - Castilian, is spoken there. People come from all over the world to learn Spanish in Salamanca. Salamanca has the ambiance of a village and you can meet people in the Plaza Mayor, which is one of the most beautiful squares in Spain. Salamanca offers you a variety of cultural activities and excursions to the mountains, villages and lakes, which often result in many opportunities to practice speaking Spanish.
Spanish Schools in Salamanca
A few of the schools, which offer Spanish courses in Salamanca, are mentioned here. A wide range of Spanish courses are offered in Salamanca, by don Quijote, which has impressive certifications and offers money back guarantees. More than 70,000 students have learned Spanish with don Quijote, which offers a choice of eight locations in Spain and Latin America.
Universpain offers a range of Spanish courses in Salamanca. The school is located on the banks of the River Tormes, in the heart of Salamanca. You can learn Spanish at more than one location, if you want. You can combine your course at Salamanca with classes at Malaga and Santander, if you want to see different parts of Spain.
More than 30 different courses are offered by the Abanico Spanish Language School, for learners of all levels. These include courses in Spanish for business people, seniors, DELE preparation etc. DELE (Diploma de Espa
