learn English blog

Autor: anthony paasaca pampa

  • 3 ways to deceive your brain to learn a new language

    3 ways to deceive your brain to learn a new language

    Learning a new language is incredibly satisfied and fun, but there are moments when our brain seems to work against us.

    Being a person who has learned to speak four new languages ​​from scratch, I know that there are concrete steps that you can follow to overcome a learning crisis and to make your learning more efficient.

    Here are three ways in which you can deceive your brain to learn a new language faster:

    1. Create a sense of emergency

    A complaint commonly met in the study of a new language? Lack of time.

    After a whole day at work or school, when you expose your brain to enormous quantities of information, your brain can refuse at any price to study a new language for a simple reason: it does not want to consume additional energy!

    So how to respond?

    Participate in a course with other people

    Any course. An online course, a person in person or a Saturday seminar. The aim is that someone will take you to take into account. The commitment to participate with other people, in particular with a class and a teacher, will give you a healthy pressure.

    Follow your progress … and share it

    Have you ever thought about recording audio or video to trace your progress? What would you say to distribute your last essay, the last letter or your favorite expressions on social networks? There is a huge learning community of foreign languages ​​on Twitter and several Facebook groups that will support you and from which you will have to learn.

    Do not give the brain the opportunity to get rid of the target language

    Listening to music while I go to school or work, watch Netflix movies or shows during the weekend, reading a magazine during lunch or publishing on social networks in your target language are all excellent ways to start learning.

    You can also tags objects at home with post-it notes in the destination language. In this way, you are exposed to a new vocabulary all day. The goal is to send to your brain the message you have to use this language … because it is everywhere around you.

    2. Make learning as much person as possible

    Our brain tends to forget the things we don’t need. Or things that seem not very interesting for us. In fact, most of us complain that we have a bad memory and do not remember the new vocabulary, for example, but it is natural given the amount of information with which our brain is bombed every day.

    Your mission? Praise your brain to believe that these foreign words are significant, necessary and personal.

    Use your photos

    The next time you create a sheet for the word «dog» in Spanish, French or German, it is easier for the brain to remember the word if you take a photo with your pet and then use it on an image card, rather than using the equivalent English translation, for example.

    And doing it on your smartphone is very simple: install a free Flashcard app, such as Quizlet or Ankiapp and upload your photos.

    Choose key expressions instead of lists

    Instead of memorizing lists of vocabularies, choose significant words for your life experiences, routines and relationships.

    For example, it is common to learn useful words to several jobs when you start learning a new language. Instead of memorizing the infinite lists of posts, start with the work of your partner, your parents or your best friend! It is more likely that you use what you have learned and therefore reminds them more time.

    Write on you as soon as possible

    Use a new vocabulary to talk about your life and to explain your feelings, opinions and personal history, rather than following the generic examples of textbooks. What you see in the textbooks is the starting point of your learning, not the final point: the final point is the use of the language in real life and in a natural and useful way.

    3. Learn to repeat in a way that really works

    Some people may remember live their entire tables of English or Spanish verbs who have learned in high school. However, ask these people to combine them, use them in the context or apply them while telling a story … and therefore you will understand why the repetition of the repetition is not always the best way to follow.

    While learning through repetition has its benefits, the secret is not to learn everything very quickly. But repeat effectively.

    Familiarize with a distance repetition

    In his book Flucent Forever: how to learn any language and never forget it, Polyglot Gabriel Wyner presents us to the technique of repetition for learning a second language. Instead of learning quickly, in a session, information and therefore never look at the study materials, the goal is to repeat the vocabulary from time to time, for a longer period of time and with longer intervals.

    The goal is to expose the brain to the target tongue just when it is about to forget it. As Wyner says, «in a period of four months, practicing 30 minutes a day, you can expect to learn and keep 3600 image cards with 90-95 percent».

    Be more visual

    Do you remember what I said previously on the personalization of learning using your photos with the images?

    Not only to use your images helps your brain to better memorize things, but the simple gesture of looking for a foreign word on Google images and saving one of the images on the phone to use them as a flashcard can really help memorize. Try using your custom cards with funny images, places you know, family holidays or loved ones. You will surely remember them better after some repetitions than to use only words!

    Repeat and put what you learn immediately immediately

    Remembering whole lists of verbs is not the same to know how to use them and our brain has more possibility to remember things once they have been used in real life conversations.

    The use of the things you learned to speak with a teacher, a classmate or a group is crucial, because the external reward supports our learning. You can also practice writing the same word in at least ten different sentences as soon as you learn: its repetition in the context will not only help you remember, but it will help you and understand what you have just learned.

  • Why study English in Canada

    Why study English in Canada

    Canada is not even one of the most sought after destinations of students interested in English (we refer to you, the United States and Australia!). However, it is a country that deserves to be on top of the list of places to learn English. Why are you asking yourself? This is why you should think about learning English in Canada.

    Multiple opportunities

    Do you want to study in an English university? The success graduates of our university education program have the guaranteed entry to the Institutes of international partners, also in Canada. Here, tertiary education is rigorous from an academic point of view, recognized internationally and led by world educators.

    On the other hand, participants who wish to acquire work experience (rather than studying on the tertiary level) can find opportunities through the partnership program for the work holidays: you just have to check if your country has an agreement with Canada.

    Less bureaucracy

    Do you want to follow a foreign language course for six months or less (not part of a longer program)? You shouldn’t request a study permit in Canada. In addition, international students who have completed their studies and want to stay in Canada and the work can be suitable for applying to stay. In fact, the Canadian visa and migration programs are generally easy to understand and without excessive bureaucracy.

    Good life

    Canada is a safe and stable country and has been classified in sixth place in the upper part of the safer places in which to live in the world with the global peace index. Large cities such as Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal are also among the first 50 study destinations in the world, in an evaluation that takes into account the accessibility, the positive perception between future employers and the diversity of programs.

    In general, Canada has a high quality of life, with a living cost based on other highly sought after study options, including the United Kingdom and the United States.

    Enjoy the four seasons

    The four seasons in Canada are just like an illustrated book for children and will prove particularly delicious for the participants in the southern hemisphere who have not experienced too many seasonal differences in their countries.

    When you are in Canada, you will experience hot summers, long picnic days, visiting tourist attractions, excursions and swimming. Caleidoscopic Autumn Fresh air, purple, yellow and orange leaves. In winter, although cold, it is fascinated with bright winters, frozen and sports such as skating, skis, sleds and missiles.

    Spring is the season of maple collection and is therefore full of festivals and opportunities to taste the miracle which is the real Canadian maple syrup.

    Natural splendor

    With 347 million hectares of forests (which represent 9% of the total world), a huge percentage of Canada is unpopular, leaving precious virgin forests and mountainous regions full of lakes, wetlands, wildlife and vegetation.

    During the study in Canada, be sure to use your holidays and weekends to explore as much as possible: skiing, excursions, fishing, trying to go with the kayak, take a cycling in the mountains, observe the whales or ride.

    The rocky mountains, Aurora Borealis, 47 parks and national reserves, in addition to Niagara Waterfall are other options to fill your time in Canada.

    Culture and many sports

    Maybe spending the time outdoors is not really like that? You will still love Canada. The locals like to have fun and the multitude of cultural and food festivals from all over the country – due to the long history of migration – is a test.

    Vancouver never ceases to celebrate (think of the theater, the arts for children, films and festivals), while Quebec is always ready to exhibit its artistic and French -speaking culture.

    In the meantime, Toronto is divided into 140 memorable neighborhoods, full of cultural and entertainment events.

    Add to the mixture The Speed ​​and Ice Theater which is the Canadian hockey (don’t forget to choose your favorite team!) And you will never stay without options.

    And I mentioned the friendly locals, with the most fascinating and relaxed accent? Yes, there is also that.

  • 7 interesting things about foreign languages ​​that will amaze you the blog

    7 interesting things about foreign languages ​​that will amaze you the blog

    The future of the way we communicate is a source of heated debates – here is our opinion if you are curious – but whatever it will be, we see and appreciate the extraordinary diversity and uniqueness of the almost 7000 languages ​​spoken by people.

    Here are seven linguistic aspects that will surprise you:

    1. The Basque language is a mystery

    The language spoken by about 700,000 people in the Basque country, a small territory south of France belonging to Spain, is so different and has no link with any other language that experts are not even sure they come from. However, it is believed that it is so old that it precedes all other European languages.

    2. There is a language with only 12 letters

    People on the island of Bougainville, near Papua New Guinea, speak a language that has only 12 letters, so I imagine that it is not very fun for them to play scrabble (or perhaps it is very easy).

    3. The distribution of scrabble letters is very different among languages

    That these are scrabbles, the distribution of pieces in the international versions of the table game tells us a lot about how these languages ​​operate: for example, in Poland, the fifth song is Z, while in third place between the pieces there are T and N.

    In the meantime, in Slovenian and Catalan, and it is the song that you will find most – as in the original version in English.

    4. Most languages ​​against most words

    Papua New Guinea is the country with most languages, for a total of 840. In the meantime, English has the greatest number of words – about 750,000 (with new additions every week).

    5. The United States do not have an official language

    Despite the fact that English is the first language of many Americans, not to mention the language of business, media and politics, is not actually the official language of the United States. Why? Since there is no one: despite the fact that it is the dominant language since the continent was colonized in 1600, the national language has never been legally declared.

    6. English and French are everywhere

    English is taught in every country in the world – but did you know that French is surrendering in every country? Despite this fact, the Chinese Manderine is the most spoken language in the world.

    7. There is a word for «The Twins» Speech «

    Sometimes, the twins speak their invented language, especially when they are young, and there is a word for this: it’s called Cryptophyse, a word that sounds like a walk in a Halloween themed park.

  • Because investments in your linguistic skills are the best thing you can do for your career

    Because investments in your linguistic skills are the best thing you can do for your career

    It is not a secret that the flowing speech of a second language can help you progress in your career. The effort to master English – Franca Global language – or another language, can be the basic stone you need to make the junior jump to the direction or even on an executive level.

    Open doors – for people and countries

    One of the main ways in which bilingualism or multilingualism can stimulate your career is the immediate improvement of the possibility of doing business or finding a job at an international level.

    Linguistic skills literally open doors for new opportunities. Talking about different languages ​​helps you better understand the global market, as well as to understand the wishes and needs of international customers, suppliers and partners. The ability to converse directly prevents potentially expensive misunderstandings and improves precision; Also save translation costs.

    At national level, studies have shown that in countries where a great proportion of work speaks a second language, a higher percentage of the gross domestic product (GDP) comes from international trade. This is particularly true in the case of Switzerland: due to the multilingual nature of the country-German, French and Italian are official languages ​​and are often spoken, it is estimated that multilingualism represents up to 10% of the country’s GDP.

    The monolinx countries that do not encourage language learning at an early age – for example the United Kingdom – can lose international opportunities and lose potential income, despite the advantage of native English. A study by the United Kingdom suggests that the lack of knowledge of the foreign language of the United Kingdom costs its economy up to 48 billion pounds ($ 80 billion) per year.

    Your winning potential increases

    Companies see the correlation between bilingual or multilingual employees and growth on international markets, therefore they are willing to invest in the hiring of personnel with solid linguistic skills.

    A study by the United States estimates that bilingual employees earn up to $ 3,000 per year compared to monolical people. A second American study has published the conclusions that German learning can increase revenue up to 3.8% in the United States, because, although German is rarely spoken, Germany is a key actor in European markets.

    And does not stop there; Euro London, a recruitment agency in the United Kingdom specialized in foreign languages, even estimate that being bilingual can increase your salary up to 15%.

    Makes you a more effective communicator

    Be bilingual or multilingual differentiates you. Linguistic knowledge is coveted by employers who want to develop a competitive company and are searched when they take interviews for the next step in your career.

    The fluidity of a second language can help you guarantee a respected job in an important international company. US studies have shown that the demand for bilingual employees has doubled in the last five years and that almost 40% of US companies intend to hire bilingual staff. When interviewers live candidates as qualified, they are more interested in taking the bilingual candidate.

    Everything is reduced to effective communication. Knowing a second language helps you effectively expand your knowledge network, allows you to make the most of opportunities and start potentially profitable conversations, both for you and for your business.

    And it is not just the immediate result; Being able to speak in the mother tongue of the host nation during the breaks is considered respectful and helps to build long -term relationships.

    In addition, it has been shown that talking different languages ​​increases skills such as an open mind, empathy and creativity: all important for the success and progress of the career, regardless of your level.

    Makes you a better leader

    These skills become even more important when it comes to management roles. The annual knowledge index of the English F has shown that employees with better English skills are promoted more often.

    An element of understanding of culture is required when a new language is master, so that managers who speak more languages ​​are often more able to relate to colleagues and communicate more efficiently – an essential skill when they have different cultures and environments.

    While we will climb the executive staircase, the importance of communication skills becomes even more pronounced. It is interesting to note that directors tend to speak English worse than employees at the management level; Improving English skills would therefore be particularly important for someone who leads a team of people who could speak English better than them.

    Makes you ready for the future

    As the Ef Epi report shows, a high level of knowledge of the English language is related to a higher GDP, a higher average income and a national innovation. In fact, the countries with more solid linguistic skills, especially in English, are stronger and more connected globally.

    But this is also valid on an individual level: not only that the future of work is international, but strong linguistic skills, together with strong communication skills, in addition to understanding how to overcome cultural differences will become even more important in a world in which robots and artificial intelligence take on automation activities and anything that does not require a human connection.

  • 5 Foreign languages ​​easy to learn

    5 Foreign languages ​​easy to learn

    Learning a new language is not an easy task. Requires commitment, determination and motivation. But some languages ​​are easier to learn than others. To simplify your journey for multilingualism, we have identified five easy languages ​​to allow; Approach them as the first step and then move on to Chinese or Finnish mandarin once you feel quite safe!

    1. English

    It is the most spoken language in the world, which makes practice possible. It has short words, without gender or agreement, and the verbs change only in the third person. There are about 360 million native speakers, but about two billion people speak it, that is, 30% of the world population!

    2. French

    The Frenchman has over 100 million native speakers and is – as an official language in 28 countries, spoken in almost all continents. This means that you can practice French almost everywhere you go. And you should do it: the French belongs to the family of romantic languages, which means that for English speakers, the vocabulary will seem quite familiar. Linguists estimate that the two languages ​​have more in the municipality of any other member language of this group and that up to a third of all English words have been influenced by French.

    3. Spanish

    It is strongly influenced by Latin and Arabic, spoken as it is written and has less irregularities than other romantic languages. It is also estimated that by 2050, the United States will become a bilingual state: English and Spanish. ¡Viva Los Estados Unidos!

    4. Italian

    Found in Italy, Switzerland, Malta and Argentina, as well as in 25 other countries, about 70-125 million people speak Italian all over the world. It has a grammar similar to other romantic languages, but less forms of verb compared to French or Spanish. And you already have an idea of ​​the language with spaghetti, pizza and Ferrari!

    5. Swahili

    Swahili is a Bantu language, strongly influenced by Arabic in particular, as well as by English, French, German and Portuguese. It does not use verbal conjugations, but is based on roots and posters to express time and verbal subjects. Over 140 million people speak it and are found throughout Eastern Africa (in particular Tanzania and Kenya). After Arabic, Swahili is the most widespread language on the continent; It is also considered a window for African culture.

    Learn one of the 10 foreign languages
    In over 50 best cities

    Find out more

  • 8 things that only international students will understand

    8 things that only international students will understand

    Participation in a study program abroad is a transformation experience. Not only will you earn self -confidence, you will learn new skills, you will explore wonderful places and meet new people, but you will be challenged to get out of your comfort zone. Although you can try to describe how extraordinary your experience has been, there are some aspects that only international students will understand as an integral part of this journey.

    1. Food is a universal language

    We are honest, food is a universal language that we speak fluently. Whether we talk about breakfast habits in various cultures, we share the secrets of the grandmother’s lasagna recipe or we commit to finding the best portion of carbonara pasta of RomeThe topic of food inevitably slips into every conversation. As an international student, it is guaranteed that you will discover new favorite recipes and tastes. You can also try an essential local preparation when it comes to your friend’s «home» package (as if to find vegetables from an Australian).

    2. Video call have become the new normality

    Family meetings Through applications such as WhatsApp or Zoom they become more and more common and represent the perfect framework to share your experience from abroad. It is something special in showing your grandparents your house room in Berlin or starting the room when you walk on the streets of Italy, even if the image is a little pixelated and the background can be noisy.

    3. Your friends come from all over the world

    As an international student, your circle of friends will most likely include people in various corners of the world. From your Brazilian friend who teaches you to dance, to your Swedish friend who introduces you to the Fika ritual – the world seems smaller and much more interesting when you have some international friends. In addition, once the study period is over, you will have destinations and friends to visit in the coming years.

    4. The most important thing in your backpack is a table of verbs

    Forget the textbooks: as a linguistic student abroad, the most precious tool in the bag is that table of conjugation of the verbs you can trust. Because to be honest, to face a foreign language without one being like trying to navigate in a labyrinth with tied eyes. Whether you believe it alone or if the teacher offers you one at the beginning of the semester, that table of conjugation of the stain, wrinkled and full of notes is your new best friend.

    5. The first page of the phone looks a little different

    Your phone looks a little different today. You may never have used applications such as Google Translate or XE for foreign conversion, but now they are essential as a rescue collar in a foreign country. From the interpretation of road indicators to the calculation of exchange rates, these applications have found a well -deserved place in the starting screen.

    6. There is always something to celebrate

    Diwali, thanks, Chinese New Year and San Patrizio. You have noticed all these events in your calendar and you know the meaning of each of these special holidays. The study experience abroad is as if I lived in a cultural mixture, so do not stop at the celebration of your cultural holidays or even those of your new country. Thanks to your international colleagues, you will also be able to embrace an entire world of holidays. We are talking about a party throughout the year!

    7. Recognize the accents

    With a global group of friends next to you, you have become an expert in distinguishing accents. From the British, to the Australians, to the South African – you can probably identify them. And you know that «chips» means very different things in the United States or in the United Kingdom. You can distinguish between the Spaniards in Spain and the one in Argentina, or between the north and the German south of the country.

    8. When you come home, everything seems … different

    There is a feeling of sweet and sweet when you come home after studying abroad. Everything is familiar, but a little different. You have acquired a new perspective and a deeper appreciation for your home, but also feel an ardent desire to start in another adventure. Your hometown may not feel exactly the same, but all these feelings are part of the experience and beauty of global travel.

  • 10 difficult words in English and how to write them correctly

    10 difficult words in English and how to write them correctly

    Together with the pronunciation and grammar, one of the greatest challenges for those who learn English is vocabulary. It may not be difficult for you with the new words when you speak, but when it’s time to put them on paper, your spelling skills are tested.

    Although it is a beautiful and completely wonderful language, it is not the easiest to write. Strange combinations of letters are crazy and the pronunciation is not always a faithful spelling indicator – so it is not to be surprised that some English students (and native speaker!) Sometimes it struggles to write correctly.

    I collected ten of the most complicated words in English and I prepared some suggestions that will help you not write.

    1. Necessary

    What annoying! This word is written with two «c» and two «s» or is it just a double? Solve the enigma imagining that you are trying to put a shirt with a sleeve. It’s not easy, it’s not true? Of course not – because it is necessary (necessary) For a shirt, have a collar (a COllar) and two sleeves (two SortLeeves).

    2. Stationary vs. stationery

    These two words have completely different meanings: stationary (Stationary) it means not moving, while the chancellery (stationary store) It refers to office supplies such as pencils, cancellations, paper and envelopes. But how can you remember which one is it? You can take -ery, the last part of Stionery as a suggestion: now remember that «and» is for AndTickets and notebookAnd – Two pieces of stationery (stationAndRY) Very common!

    3. Separate

    When we pronounce this word, it seems «SepAndEvaluate. «However, the spelling in this way is wrong, wrong, wrong! Now, so you never make this mistake, think of a mouse (rat) Large and hairy. This is an image that will not come out of your head for a while! Don’t forget: there is a mouse (Rat) in “SepplowingAnd «.

    4. Affection vs. effect

    These homophones – words that sound in the same way, but have different spellings and/or meanings – make devastations in the essays from all over the world! How do you remember which one to use? Look at the first letter of each word as a guide. Simulate (simulate) begins with «A«And refers AA Acement, while the effect (effect) begins with «And«And refers to a final consequence.

    5. Embarrassed

    Do you be ashamed of not being able to write this word? You are not the only one! This is another word in double letters that cause problems. This time, we must remember the double «R» and «S». To help your memory, imagine a child who is embarrassed by his sister’s terrible sound when he sings and thinks: «Hey goes REally Rand when he is his Sorthyster SortIings. «

    6. Congratulations vs. complement

    A compliance (compliment) is something positive that we are talking about another person, while a complementary thing (complement) is something that adds or completes something else (for example grapes and cheese are complementary). To remember which is, look at the middle letter: the opposite of a complimentIment is o ITired. On the other hand, a complimentAndment AndLeave something else.

    7. Accommodation

    UF, another difficult time for the double letters! To keep track of it Two double letters From this word, try to imagine being in a luxurious hotel room with two large beds. After all, the best accommodation (accormmOdation) are two beds double.

    8. Rhythm

    Ahh, ritm (rhythm). That complicated word, without voice and more «h» than usual. You are not the only one who thinks is strange to the eyes and difficult for memory. Now imagine a dance ring full of dancers who take place after the lust of their heart and be a professional in spelling with this easy mnemonic: «RITHMO HElps yOur TWo HIPS Mwhere «.

    9. Dessert vs. Desert

    «Desert» (dessert) is too similar to the «desert» (desert) for most English students – and for some native speakers! Which word does a double «s» have? Imagine that you are spoiled by a sumptuous chocolate cake, with the spit or a dessert of your choice. Do you want more? That’s how I thought! Prepare to add another «Sort«: When it comes to dessert (dessert), we always want a little Moreover.

    10. Dilemma

    With all these spellings of spelling, it is natural to learn this! Very often, people reduce the second «M» when they write this difficult word. You will never forget it if you remember that «Emma has a dilemma» (Emma has a dilEmma).

  • 5 important reasons why British and American English seems so different

    5 important reasons why British and American English seems so different

    Even if we tell him generically English, we can immediately see differences when we hear someone from the United States talk to someone in the United Kingdom. Everything, to put a Z everywhere to the words that are written in the same way, but that sounds completely different when you say them: there is an entire ocean of linguistic differences (plus a real ocean) between the two main Anglophon players in the world. But don’t be afraid! If you learn English in London and want to know what your attention differentiates from the learning of your friend in New York, that’s what you have to find out.

    ** 1. American English is older

    **

    This is not something you should tell a British, because England is the country that has given birth to America as we know it today, but this is true. When the first settlers left England in America, they brought with them the common language at that moment, which was based on something called Rhotic speech (when the sound r in a word is pronounced). In the meantime, in the rich cities of the south of Great Britain, the people of the new upper classes wanted a way to differentiate themselves from all the others, so they started to change their Rhotic speech in a soft sound, saying words like winter as «win-tuh». Instead of «win-refers». Of course, these people were elegant and everyone wanted to copy them, so this new way of speaking in which the British now refer as a pronunciation-depute for the rest of southern England. This explains why many places outside the southern England still have the Rhotic pronunciation within their regional accents. Basically, if you speak English in London, it seems more elegant.

    ** 2. British English recalls French

    **

    The French has influenced English in many ways of how much English speakers would like to admit. The first time was when William invaded the United Kingdom in the 11th century (more on the history of English here), bringing with him the French Norman with him and making the usual language used in schools, courts, universities and upper classes. He did not remain, but evolved into medium English, which was a combination of all the linguistic influences of that time. The second time was in the 1700s, when he became fashionable in the United Kingdom to use French -style words and spellings. Of course, the Americans were already experiencing their life on the Atlantic and did not take part in this trend. This is the reason why British English has more linguistic similarities with French compared to American English and also explains our obsession for croissants. Or maybe just mine.

    ** 3. American spelling has been invented as a form of protest

    **

    The American and British dictionaries are very different, because they have been compiled by two very different authors, with two very different perspectives on the language: the UK dictionary was compiled by scholars (not by Oxford, for a certain reason) who wanted to collect all the known English words, while the American was made by a lexicographic. Webster wanted American spelling to be not only simpler, but also more different from that of the United Kingdom, as a way in which America showed independence from the former British domination. Has given up the letter u of words such as color (color) and honor (honor) – that had developed from the French influence in England – to make them color (color) and honor (honor). He did the same with the words that end –While To make them –IzeBecause he believed that American English spelling should reflect the way they were said. Moreover, z It is a much more beautiful letter of writing, in agreement.

    ** 4. In American English, words are completely abandoned

    **

    Sometimes there are differences in American English that do not make sense for British English speakers, such as when Americans eliminate entire verbs from a phrase. When an American person tells someone who writes a letter, he says «I will write» («I will write»). When you ask an American if he wants to go shopping, he could say «I could» («I could»). In the United Kingdom, these responses would seem very strange, because I would say «I will write to you» («I will write TO You «) And» I could go «(» I could go«). Give up the verb could be because the Americans mean things faster or perhaps because the British like to explain exactly what they say. Nobody is necessarily right here, but if we were to declare a winner, British English, because, honestly, the American way does not make sense.

    ** 5. The two forms of words borrowed from different languages

    **

    It is clear that British and American English has evolved differently if we consider the cultural influences that have affected each of them independently and how they borrowed the words from those languages. For some reason, this is very common with words for food: examples include coriander: coriander (British, derived from French) e Cilando (American, derived from Spanish) and aubergines: eggplant (British, derived from Arabic) e eggplant (American, called this because it looks like a purple egg). There are many other examples, but the most important thing to remember is to use the words correctly in the country in which you study. After all, you don’t want to ask the British for a little aluminum sheet (aluminum sheet) and pronounce it Aloo-minnum. We don’t open this topic.

  • How to overcome the fear of speaking a foreign language

    How to overcome the fear of speaking a foreign language

    Learn a foreign language Open doors to new cultures, opportunities and friends. The best way to strengthen linguistic skills is the practice, but for many students, the fear of speaking a new language prevents their progress.

    This fear of being wrong or misunderstood can discourage even the safest students to practice and improve their linguistic skills. There is also a term for this: Xenoglosophobia – the fear of speaking foreign languages. Although it seems somehow discouraging, it is much more common than you might think.

    Do you study a foreign language, but don’t you feel comfortable to use it? We explore the reasons for this anxiety and some suggestions to help you overcome your fears, acquire confidence in your skills and enjoy the learning of a new language. Everyone makes mistakes; It’s just a part of the adventure!

    Causes of anxiety in the process of learning foreign languages

    Anxiety for learning foreign languages ​​can be fueled by many different factors including:

    Fear of being judged: Concern for classmates, teachers or native speakers who could criticize your skills, which leads to the performance and reluctance to speak.

    Fear of embarrassment: Anticipate that making mistakes could lead to embarrassing situations may make you not want to speak.

    The feeling of unprepared: The feeling of not being prepared for unpredictable interactions in real life can exacerbate this anxiety.

    Fear of a wrong communication: Especially for beginners, some students are afraid of the opportunity to confuse or offend someone.

    Too great attention on words or phrases: Concentrate mainly on words or phrases without practicing complete sentences can prevent your ability to form coherent thoughts. This, in turn, contributes to the general understanding of the word and involvement in conversations.

    Although these fears and hesitations are normal, it is also important to challenge them. Many native speakers are open to the opportunity to speak with someone who makes an active and respectful effort to know their language and culture. Errors and few doubts during the learning process are a natural part of the journey and something that everyone has a certain experience.

    How to overcome the fear of speaking a new language

    The overcoming of the fear of speaking a new language involves the construction step by step and the creation of a positive learning experience. Here are some suggestions that you can find useful:

    1. Start simple

    Start with basic and simple conversations and gradually increases complexity. This will help you reduce anxiety and control basic interactions.

    2. Interact with native speakers and teachers who support you

    The interaction with native speakers and teachers who provide constructive feedback creates a safe learning environment, helping you correct errors without judging yourself.

    3. Accept errors

    Try to perceive errors as a development opportunity. The celebration of small successes, such as the pronunciation or correct completion of a conversation, will increase your trust and motivation.

    4. Practice the use of complete phrases and interactions in real life

    Practicing complete phrases and real life interactions improves fluidity, preparing for the scenarios in the real world. If it is difficult for you during a conversation, don’t be afraid to slow down or think about the following words.

    5. Establishes realistic objectives

    Establishing realistic objectives and patience are very important for fluidity in foreign languages. Do not forget to recognize your progress and celebrate your goals once you reach!

    6. Talk to other foreign language students

    Speaking with other foreign language students, build friends and share common experiences, which make the general experience more pleasant.

    7. Participate in cultural dive activities

    Participating in cultural dive activities, such as watching movies or participating in events, will help you better understand your language.

    Are you ready to start practicing?

    Control of any new ability is a process that requires patience, perseverance and, above all, a positive mentality.

    When it comes to learning foreign languages, the more you practice with simple conversations and you start accepting errors such as learning opportunities, the more you trust. In addition, try new things, join the communities and participate in captivating activities will make your trip even more fun.

    Remember: to learn to speak a new foreign language takes time. With a constant effort and a support environment, you can overcome your fear and you will be able to enjoy more satisfaction offered by learning a new foreign language!

  • How to memorize the new vocabulary faster: 9 tips

    How to memorize the new vocabulary faster: 9 tips

    It doesn’t matter how good your grammar is, if you don’t know any word you can use, you will not reach your linguistic skills too much: the vocabulary opens the doors to the new worlds and makes learning fun and satisfactory.

    But the extension of the range of words you know is like a diet: you have to make an effort and there is no magic makeup, a secret or a single approach for everyone. Everyone must find what works for him; But to be patient, fixing realistic goals and rewarding you if you reach them is a good strategy that can be completed with one of the following points.

    1. Use memory techniques

    A popular way to memorize the vocabulary is the use of mnemotechnics, which are mental shortcuts that help you remember more complex concepts or words. For example, you can create associations between words: if you don’t know how to write the accommodation of words (consciousness), remember that it has two blankets (two COTS) who need two mattresses (two MTools). Or come with an acronym: for example, when you have to go to the shop to buy MZealina, Ardei, Gri, AMoons, zAhar, IAURT E Nhectare. The problem is, of course, you have to memorize the acronym, the song or the association, but with a little practice, you will create creative and useful connections. E: The more you think of the acronyms or associations, the easier you will remember the words that are related to them.

    2. Create an environment in favor of learning

    When you study abroad, you will listen to and read your language everywhere and you will learn much faster through immersion. But you don’t have to go abroad to slowly increase the number of words you know: you can create an environment that inspires you and favor learning, when: buy magazines or books in the language you want to learn, when you watch movies and when you cook (or even when you eat).

    3. Put the words in a context

    A good idea to learn as many words as soon as possible is to put them in the context: instead of writing random words, trying to form phrases with them. So, you will know how that word is used in real life. Also, if you come with funny phrases, it will be easier to store. Depending on how you learn, you can also make drawings or find images that will complete the sentences and put the words in their natural environment.

    4. Learn from real life situations

    By the way: films, TV programs, books, podcasts or songs are not only an excellent source for the most common words, but they can also help you memorize the vocabulary, because they are always associated with a scene, a person or an event in real life. So try reading books or watch the original movies (subtitles) and understand what words mean. If you see or listen to a phrase or sentence you don’t understand, you can write it, you can analyze it and therefore you can store it.

    5. Go to the next level

    If you want to learn foreign languages ​​at the next level, leave enough space for mental diagrams with words, synonyms or antonimi associates. If you want to make the most of the learning process, try not to translate the word into the mother tongue, but explain it and describe it in the language you are trying to learn.

    6. Find the tools that work for you

    Everyone learns different, so if you don’t already know what works for you, try the most different or a combination of them, as much as possible: flashcards, applications, lists, games or post-its are excellent ways to store words. The same goes to find the right time: some people want to practice at a certain moment, others learn more spontaneously. Regardless of the approach you choose, be sure to insert a sort of rhythm rhythm is the mother of the teaching, after all.

    7. Perform the interactive learning process

    Since you need to find the right tools that work for you, it is also important to make the learning experience as complete as possible: not only to read the words in cards or lists-listen to them, tell them out loud and write them (or digit them). The more you have an experience with words for all senses, the better. (Why not eat ice cream as you learn the various flavors?)

    8. Concentrate on useful words

    If you want to expand your vocabulary because you want to work in a marketing company abroad, you probably don’t have to read Shakespeare’s novels or focus on words that belong to the Middle Ages. The most practical and usual words in career, hobby and conversations in real life, easier are learning and you will be able to use them more often. (This can be like a game: you can reward yourself every time you have used a certain word in a conversation on real life.)

    9. Repeat, repeat, repeat

    Do not forget to repeat the current and old words, which you think you have already memorized. You don’t have to look at the words archived every time like the new vocabulary, but the more you use the words, the more easily you will remember them and you will use them more naturally.

  • How to become fluent in a year: complete guide

    How to become fluent in a year: complete guide

    Being fluent in a language is one of the most sought after and precious skills and the ability to communicate with people will always remain important. This is a certain thing.

    But there are about 750,000 words in English and Japanese or Chinese do not even use the same characters as European languages. Learn a foreign language It requires hard work and regardless of the language you choose, you will have to make a considerable effort. However, there are some strategies and tricks that can help you accelerate languages ​​learning.

    Here’s how you can become fluent in just 12 months:

    1 – 3 months

    Move abroad and surrounded by local culture

    There are limits within what you can learn in a class. To become really fluent, you have to use the language in any situation, always. Do you learn the Spaniard? Enter Madrid, Barcelona, Tamarind Beach or Buenos Aires. French? Time to spend a few months (at least!) In Paris OR Nisa. At the moment you will have to manage and find solutions to problems every day. In a short time, you will notice that the understanding of the language and the formulation of the responses become a second nature. This aspect is crucial if you learn a language with a completely different alphabet, such as Japanese or Chinese. You will develop a much better emphasis, you will practice daily without realizing it and, moreover, it is an excellent excuse to travel!

    Watch TV

    Try to look at the stories and dialogues of a series in a foreign language. The decoding of conversations while you see a scene helps the linguistic centers of the brain to understand new information in a more interesting way, similar to a puzzle, making you easier to learn what you have learned. Reading subtitles helps you to view the structure of the sentences and make sure you really understand what you feel. For example, looking at the series Friends It can help you improve your English (here are the others Perfect serial to improve your English), While Narcos On Netflix it will help you quickly improve your Spaniard.

    Ask, ask, ask

    «I do not understand!» It is no longer an expression that is at hand. But do not ignore an expression that you don’t fully understand, especially in the first months, when you probably have many unclear things. If you talk to someone, do not hesitate to ask, and if you read something and feel you lose it, they simply try Google. Studies show that you are more likely to keep things looking for them rather than learning them in the classroom, because you had to solve a problem alone. And you can’t contradict you with science!

    4 – 6 months

    Listen to the podcasts

    The time spent on the road can be used much better than only to look at the coils on Instagram. Start your fluidity formation by downloading a podcast course «How to learn X» and listen to one per day, until you feel comfortable to translate from oral speech. For example, the short and fun series 6 minutes English From the BBC it is a quick and effective way to improve your English. So look for a conversational podcast in the language you learn. Choose a topic that interests you (as reviews of films or gastronomy) and accustomed to the natural rhythm of the conversation, colloquial and unformed discussions. It’s like a conversation with friends, but without having to answer.

    Practice and learn constantly

    The key to learning any skills is consistency. Now that you start understanding the basic elements of your language, you spend a daily time in the program to really focus. He dedicates at least one hour every day to recapitulate the difficult rules of the grammar that put you in difficulty or to learn a completely new set of verbs. Practicals the next day to repair them well in long -term memory. Be severe (like when you have a diet or an exercise) – the more you invest, faster you will see excellent results.

    Learn in tandem

    Talking out loud is one of the best ways to learn, even if at the beginning it can be difficult, when you are not sure of yourself. Together with colleagues of the same ability, try to learn in tandem-talk, practice and improves together; The speech will soon become more natural. In addition, you will make many new friends, which is fantastic.

    7 – 9 months

    Read everything that falls in hand

    From books, classical literature and magazines, to the back of a pack of cereals, you get used to reading phrases correctly structured in all aspects of life. Follow foreign publications, blogs and popular sites on social networks so that, even when you waste time on Facebook or Instagram, use this time. The manuals can prepare your land for polite conversations and buy tickets by bus, but the best way to expand the understanding of the language is the diversification of the reading materials you expose.

    Now, more TV …

    … but without subtitles! After you manage to follow the Spaniards from NarcosTest your new skills by following Pablo Escobar’s Times. This series of documentaries presents the true story of the life of the feared king of drugs and is fully in Spanish. On the Internet, YouTube channels can accelerate your conversation skills; For the French, try to subscribe to Oh la la, Hollywood speaks French. Or learn during learning pursuing Tedx speaks in a foreign language. Not only will you discover innovative ideas from some of the brightest thinkers, but the speakers clearly express themselves and directly, which makes the conversation easy to follow.

    Monday 10 – 12

    Speaks forever

    After finishing the podcast courses, he leaves the headphones aside. When you are out, talk to the people you meet. Make friends of the native speakers and discuss exclusively in their language, this is, literally, the best way to practice. If you have moved to another country, involvement in a hobby can be an excellent way to meet people with similar interests.

    Keep your optimism

    Learning a foreign language is a challenge. A few days will make you feel that you are almost fluent, and in others it may seem that your mind has erected a wall against foreign languages. A very high wall. Instead of discouraging you, if you feel you have difficulty, look back to the previous months and think about how much you have evolved. Spend ten minutes read the notes from the course or exchange a simple text and you will see how easy it seems to you now, especially after a year! Persever and you will succeed.

  • How to improve written English: 7 tips

    How to improve written English: 7 tips

    Buy a bus ticket, go to the doctor, find an apartment or simply open your mouth and wear a routine conversation: most English students are anxious to speak; After all, learn English to communicate.

    But do not forget that writing is another extremely important aspect of communication, also in Snapchat and Instagram. To help you, I collected seven very useful tips to improve your written English.

    1. Read, laws, laws

    Do you have a vu? You are not alone. «Read more» is so often suggested for a better writing because it works! Reading presents you with a new vocabulary, interesting choices of beautiful words and phrases that you can use in your own writing. Don’t worry about what you «should» read. The idea is to read a lot and often. Novels, non-fiction, blogs, news articles, written magazines written (and well written), read it!

    2. Forbids these words

    To push your writing in another world, prohibit these words from your work: A lot, really, enough, well, stuff AND things. You may ask how to give up some simple words could help you write. Well, the truth is that these are useless words. They do not communicate strongly and without them, your text will mean the same thing – and it is much better to read!

    Additional advice: replaces «very/real + adjective» with an «extreme adjective». Very hungry Devine hungry. TO Run very quickly Devine a sprint. Really dirty Devine dirty. There are hundreds of such adjectives that you can use when you write.

    3. Use a dictionary

    After eliminating the words unnecessary in writing, it is time to choose excellent substitutes. Here is your new best friend, the dictionary. Use it to change the words you use too often with more interesting, adequate or advanced alternatives. ; However, be careful not to overdo it! Your writing must continue to be read naturally and make sense for the chosen audience (see point 5).

    4. Use and pay attention to the usual groups of words

    The groups of words are words that tend to go together, even if other combinations of words are also grammatically correct. Think about the phrase in the English «heavy rain». From a grammatical point of view, you could use «strong rain», but it seems strange for an expert speaker. Other situations include weak tea (not weak tea), exclusive pain (not excluding from joy), high trees (not high trees), purchase time (non -pig) and fast cars (not fast cars), among many others. Familiarity with typical phrases makes writing more natural.

    In order to increase the degree of awareness of the sentences, it begins with a basic word, how to do, do, obtain, break, tell and seek associated syntagmas. You can also start with a «type» of sentence and memorize some examples. Variants:

    • Adverb + adjecitiv (completely satisfied, widely available, bitterly disappointed)

    • Adjeciv + noun (strong coffee, intense traffic, grave time)

    • Verb + noun (commit suicide, do homework, make fine)

    • Noun + noun (an increase in anger, liqueur license, panic attack)

    5. Know your audience

    When you write, it is very important to write for your audience. Think: Use a different language when you update your CV compared to when you write a university essay or an article for your personal blog. In essence, the difference is the tone and the choice of words. So, before starting to write a text, consider:

    Is your text more formal, as a letter of enrollment in the university, a letter of intent or an essay? These texts are:

    • Usually complexes, with longer phrases and points explored in detail

    • Less emotional and are not designed to excite the reader

    • Usually written using extensive words («Can, he would not have, television»)

    On the other hand, you could write something informal, such as a blog post, a personal letter or a marketing action. In this case:

    • You can use a simpler language and shorter phrases to divide ideas

    • Includes contractions and abbreviations (as «I can’t, do, TV»)

    • Use a colloquial language and write as if you were talking directly with the reader (includes terms of jargon, style figures, differences and personal pronouns (I, you, mine, yours …)

    • Experience with empathy and emotion

    6. Opt for the asset instead of the liabilities

    For clearer and more concise writing, it is generally better to use the active voice rather than the passive one. (For example: «The shark was the surfers» is clearer and something more evocative than «the surfers was bitten by the shark».)

    Although there are often founded reasons to use the passive voice – as when you speak authoritatively («children are not allowed to swim without an adult») or to avoid the subject of the touch («the cause of the confusion was unknown»), you should avoid its use.

    7. Ask an expert’s opinion

    It is extremely difficult to learn yourself, so be courageous and ask for feedback on your writing. Good verifiers are English native speakers with an interest in writing and language, or unnatural speakers with an advanced level. After your corrector has checked your work, implement its advice and requires a final review before sending or publishing the article.