Busted: 6 Common Myths About Polyglots and Language Learners
There are plenty of language learning myths out there. Find out what it really takes to speak multiple languages - you may be surprised!
Category: Fun
We Asked, You Answered: Why Learn a Foreign Language?
Language learners from all around the world share their answer to the question: "Why learn a foreign language?"
LOL International: Txt Spk Around the World
Have you ever wondered how they "lol" in China, France, Israel or Brazil? In this article, we'll show you how to text in Spanish, German, French, Chinese and many other languages.
Swear Words in Six Languages, Explained Carefully
Recognise swear words in six languages with clear context on meaning, register and why learners should use strong language carefully.
What English is Missing: 5 Features from Other Languages that ‘We’ Should Borrow
Expressing yourself in other languages can turn out to be more efficient than English. Here, an experienced language learner gives great examples
Here’s why other countries think you’re weird
Have you ever wondered what other countries think of you? This post shares some interesting perspectives on that!
Ridiculous translation blunders that cost millions of dollars (and why you should learn a language for better business)
In the 1960’s, Pepsi took its “Come Alive With the Pepsi Generation” slogan to China, which was not well very well received. The reason? In Chinese, this translates to “Pepsi brings your relatives back from the dead.”
Clairol and Canadian Mist’s German Blunder
Canadian Mist, a brand of whiskey, failed in German markets because “Mist” in German means “manure.”
The same happened to Clairol when it attempted to sell a curling iron called the “Mist stick” to German markets. Who wants to put a shit stick into their hair?
Coors Spanish Blunder
5 crazy ways to get over shyness immediately, no drink/drugs required
My philosophy in language learning is, always has been, and always will be to Speak From Day One.
But for many people, this is terrifying! And because I have been talking so much about how effective I’ve found using video calls and language exchange websites, or in-person meetings early on in a language project to chat with native speakers right away, I’ve been asked a lot of questions about what to do if you’re too shy to speak from day one.
So today I’m going to answer these questions.
24 quirky cultural tidbits about Japan from this Westerner’s perspective
After almost eleven years of travelling the world, I finally had the time to learn some Japanese and visit this unique country. I had a whirlwind adventure over several weeks, and am right now in as opposite a culture as I can imagine, in Texas (to launch my book Fluent in 3 months when it […]
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