Subscribe:
RSS feed
All about language learning
How about this for a New Year’s resolution? Learn a Language!
Still wondering what to choose as your 2015 New Year’s Resolution? Let me humbly suggest – yes, you’ve guessed it – learning a language or brushing up on one you already know. Here’s why. 1. It’s tangible. “Be more organised” or “be on time” are (in my experience) not only doomed to failure, they are […]
Posted in: Uncategorized
Reasons to Learn a Language, #1402: It’s Attractive
February 14, 2014
In a recent BuzzFeed quiz (“which Disney character are you?”, if memory serves), the following question was asked: “Which random thing turns you on?” Not sure about random, though. I mean, take this as Exhibit A. Happy Valentine’s Day.
Posted in: Uncategorized
Reasons to Learn a Language, #926: Indulge Your Other Obsessions
January 31, 2014
When I switched on my DVR today, I found that something new had recorded: Little Manhattan. I muttered something about how I already have that, you silly machine, but before I deleted it I hovered over it just long enough to notice that it had recorded in Spanish. So I kept it. This is a film […]
Posted in: Uncategorized
Language Learning and Me: American Sign Language
January 18, 2014
When we talk about language learning, it’s easy to forget that not all language is oral. Around half a million people in the U.S. and Canada use American Sign Language. Laura is one of them, and now works as an ASL interpreter in and around Washington, DC. Why American Sign Language? When I was 13 […]
Posted in: Uncategorized
Reasons to learn a language, #823: Google Translate is not enough
January 12, 2014
I know, I know: I’ve said it before. Google Translate is no substitute for real translation, and even less so for learning a real language. You don’t have to take my word for it, though: Nataly Kelly of the Huffington Post explains why computers will never be perfect translators in this piece.
Posted in: Uncategorized
Reasons to learn a language, #419: emotional well-being
January 10, 2014
Watching the film Julie and Julia over the Christmas holidays, I was reminded of an important aspect of language tutoring, or at least of my language tutoring. In the film (recommended if you like France or food, a must if you love both), Julia Childs is frustrated that a French woman won’t let her take cooking lessons. At her […]
Posted in: Uncategorized
Resources for learning and teaching Arabic
January 7, 2014
Originally posted on Literacy, Languages and Leadership:
This semester I am involved in a Calgary Board of Education (CBE) pilot project to teach Arabic in a blended learning course at the high school level. I’ve been working with a fantastic team of educators comprised of an instructional designer, a curriculum development specialist and a native…
Posted in: Uncategorized
December 31, 2014
0