Language Trainers Blogs

June 2019:

June 14 2019 (Language Trainers UK)

Is using the phrase ‘life or death” in the title bordering on clickbait' I should hope not, because matters of life and death when travelling in Italy should always be dealt with in a serious and sober manner. Well, not too sober! And not too serious either. Yep, definitely clickbait! Caught in the act of pickpocketing. Free image by Kat Northern Lights Man from Every Stock Photo Hilarity aside, your general attitude when travelling abroad is a barometer on how others will treat you. It’s the universal laws of attraction. If you act like an idiot abroad, you will receive a severe... (Read More).

June 10 2019 (Language Trainers USA)

Do you know your Tom Yam Gung from your Sawadee Kap' Learning the Thai language can seem daunting from the get-go, but don’t fret about it. Anything that’s worth something in life always takes a bit of dedication and desire. The answer to my original question is that Tom Yam Gung is a spicy shrimp soup, while Sawadee Kap is the Kingdom’s standard greeting term. Thai child monks cleansing in a stream in Northern Thailand. Image from Pixabay Are you thinking about learning Thai or visiting Thailand' Do you want to get it right from the start' Here are some common mistakes Westerners make... (Read More).

May 2019:

May 29 2019 (Language Trainers USA)

Ah, the cheek kiss. The greeting of sophistication from around the world. But how to do it' When is appropriate' Is it one cheek, or two' Do we start with a left, or right' Can anybody give a cheek kiss' Here is our guide to the cheek kiss as a greeting!   Has a cheek kiss ever caught you by surprise' / photo via Pexels The romantics Spain, Portugal, and Italy all favor the two cheek approach, though there are some subtle differences you should be aware of. For Spain and Portugal, you should go in for the right cheek first, whereas it’s the left first for Italians. And you should... (Read More).

May 24 2019 (Language Trainers UK)

Netflix is an incredible resource for learning languages! Whether you are a casual watcher who takes advantage of the wide range of international film and TV available, or view shows with the subtitles provided by Netflix itself, any viewing experience can be turned into a language lesson — a fun one! And now, there is a Chrome extension to make that learning experience even better! Here’s why Language Learning With Netflix is a great tool to use, and how to use it.   What do you watch on Netflix' / photo via Wikimedia   Simple set up Getting Language Learning With Netflix... (Read More).

May 15 2019 (Language Trainers USA)

America has a reputation for being fiercely monolingual, despite more than 20 percent of U.S. residents speaking a language other than English at home. It’s easy to feel that English is spoken everywhere in the world so there is no real need to understand other languages. Though by speaking only one language, as a nation we could be missing out on a lot. Including better safety! Here are some reasons why foreign languages can make America safer. The annual Informal Meeting of NATO Defense Ministers comes to order at the International Conference Center in Birmingham, England. / photo... (Read More).

May 09 2019 (Language Trainers UK)

TED Talks have become an incredible resource for learners the world over, and that includes those who are learning languages! Whether you choose to watch casually if you have some time to spare, or you turn viewing into a lesson armed with notepad and subtitles, there is a TED Talk for you. Here are some of the best TED Talks if you’re learning languages.     Here’s a few of our favorite TED Talks to jumpstart your language learning. / photo via Shutterstock   Erin McKean: Go Ahead, Make Up New Words! There is a reason this TED Talk crops up on so many lists for... (Read More).

May 08 2019 (Language Trainers USA)

Join a language class, they say. Go to a language exchange at your local bar. But when you’re an introvert and you’re trying to learn a language, those social situations can feel like a bit much. Which doesn’t, of course, mean introverts can’t learn and benefit from learning languages. In fact, by learning a second language an introvert might see their world open up! But before we get to that point, we hear you, we understand there is a hurdle to get over first. So here are some ways to practice language as an introvert.   Introverts can learn a new language, too!... (Read More).

April 2019:

April 24 2019 (Language Trainers UK)

We like to think people are never too old to do something they find fun. And we also believe that learning languages are fun. So it goes without saying that for us, it’s both fun and possible to learn a language at any age. Don’t believe us' Here’s why you can learn a language at any age — and how you can use your age as an advantage for learning. What language is next' French' Spanish' Arabic' / photo via Unsplash   Discipline Discipline is a huge advantage that comes with age. We go through years of disciplining ourselves with our work and schedules, so by the time... (Read More).

April 20 2019 (Language Trainers USA)

Libraries are already magical parts of our communities; places that truly deserve to be praised, and protected. But for language learners, they are an additional treasure trove of wonder to explore. Here’s why every language learner should get themselves a library card.   Getting a library card can open the door to so many opportunities. / photo via Unsplash   Foreign language literature Most libraries have entire sections devoted to materials in foreign languages. These can be the languages used by those in the local community, or those languages that are most popular to... (Read More).

April 17 2019 (Language Trainers Germany)

Phänomene, die vermutlich nicht nur die Leute betreffen die beschließen auszuwandern, sondern möglicherweise auch den ein oder anderen Backpacker, Digitale Nomaden oder Langzeittouristen treffen. Wann es Zeit ist wieder nach Hause zu kehren oder gänzlich zu bleiben oder auch meine 12 persönlichen Steps, um sich zu integrieren – und nein hierbei geht es nicht um das Tragen von stilistisch unakzeptablen Elefantenhosen… 1.Du suchst auf Toiletten vergeblich den Mülleimer, um das Toilettenpapier zu entsorgen… In Thailand ist das Rohr- und Abwassersystem noch nicht so ganz... (Read More).

April 05 2019 (Language Trainers UK)

Pushed for time but still want to get your language practice in' Have no fear! We have some tips and tricks up our sleeves to help you fit a little study time into your day, no matter how busy your schedule. Are you ready' Photo via Pixabay / Pixabay Change your language settings Feeling pretty confident with your language skills' Why not change the language your phone, tablet, and all your other gadgets is set in, so you constantly have to think in that language' These are only small changes, but getting used to where everything is on your phone, or understanding the settings menu on your... (Read More).

March 2019:

March 27 2019 (Language Trainers USA)

In our continually changing, confusing world, communication is key; whether that’s for business, travel, or better awareness of other cultures so we all get along. So it follows that monolingualism seems a crazy archaic idea; especially when there are 7,000 languages spoken around the world. America appears to lead the way in English monolingualism. As one of the most powerful nations on our planet, that doesn’t make much sense at all! So, here are a few reasons why Americans really should bridge the language gap.   Photo via Pixabay / Pixabay   Truth to the rumor' Okay, so... (Read More).

March 25 2019 (Language Trainers UK)

When you hear the phrase “road trip,” your mind probably takes you to the plains of America. But there are more scenic routes to take in the world than only those! Take the UK and Ireland, for instance, full of rolling hills, mystical moors, and little villages that are just… quaint. So come with us on a tour of that beautiful countryside – where are you visiting first'   Loch Lomond via Wikimedia / Wikimedia   Glasgow to Fort William, Scotland Are you up for a 140-mile stretch of stunning scenery winding its way up to the Highlands' Of course you are! This drive takes you... (Read More).

March 13 2019 (Language Trainers UK)

Shakespeare’s language is long dead and gone, having no influence on how we speak today. Shakespeare himself could walk among us and not have a clue about anything we were saying. Right' Well, no. Shakespeare might be long gone, but the legacy of his language is alive and kicking, in the words he invented and the phrases he cobbled together. So, without further ado, let’s look at some Shakespearean expressions. Which would you never have guessed were from the great playwright himself' Photo via Max Pixel / Max Pixel   Heart of Gold We all have people with hearts of gold in... (Read More).

March 13 2019 (Language Trainers USA)

Planning a trip to Toronto' There are so many things to do! If you’re short on time and don’t know what you should consider the essentials, we’re here to help. Here are ten things every tourist needs to do in Toronto.   photo via Unsplash / Unsplash 1. Niagara Falls Let’s start out with the truly spectacular! One thing you can count on at Niagara Falls, no matter the weather, is the incredible view. These are the three waterfalls straddling the international border between the province of Ontario and New York State. You’ll be among 30 million visitors who... (Read More).

March 07 2019 (Language Trainers USA)

Source Pixabay One of the most difficult things to encounter on a trip abroad is to meet someone… and find that you have no language in common. How would you tell the taxi driver where to go, the receptionist that you’ve reserved a room or a waiter what you would like to order' How do you avoid getting scammed by street vendors when you buy a souvenir, or find the nearest toilet'   If you’re heading to somewhere like China, it’s important to have the right vocabulary in your arsenal so that you are prepared for the possibility of meeting someone who doesn’t speak English.... (Read More).

February 2019:

February 28 2019 (Language Trainers USA)

Source Pixabay If you think you’re addicted to your phone, then you’ll think again when you visit China.   The Chinese are incredibly dependent on their smartphones. For many, a phone not only provides entertainment and the ability to socialize, but it also plays a big part in everyday transactions too. In short, having a phone will make your life a lot easier in China. It’s difficult to say whether this growing trend is a good thing or not, but as a tourist, it’s important to be aware of these trends, so you can be prepared for your travels.   So if you’re thinking of... (Read More).

February 22 2019 (Language Trainers USA)

Source: Pixabay     What’s a visit to China without a proper shopping trip' A holiday just isn’t a holiday without that obligatory day spent buying souvenirs and presents, and China, as the ‘factory of the world’, is filled with all kinds of goodies just waiting to be snapped up.   That said, even shopping in China can be an altogether very different experience from your average trip to the department store, so here are a few things to think about before you start emptying your wallets!   Prices Nowadays, no matter where you go, you will be able to find... (Read More).

February 15 2019 (Language Trainers USA)

Source Pixabay Due to the differences in law, the majority of commonly used websites in the USA or Europe are inaccessible in China. This is something tourists often forget as they pack for their journeys abroad – and this article will offer you a comprehensive guide to using the internet in China.     Blocked Websites/Apps The following list consists of the most common websites used outside of China which are inaccessible within. Source Pixabay Search engines, including Google (and all Google-related sites, such as Google Drive, Maps, Gmail etc.), Yahoo!, Bing,... (Read More).

January 2019:

January 30 2019 (Language Trainers UK)

Source: Pixabay   Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced linguist, we will all have been at a point where we’ve had to ask the question: ‘What language should I study'’   It might not seem like a big deal, but learning a language can require both money and a lot of time, so it’s important to select something you are willing to invest in. In order to choose the most appropriate language for you, make sure to ask yourself these questions before you get started.     Source: Pixabay Why are you studying a language' Identify your motives for studying a language.... (Read More).

November 2018:

November 16 2018 (Language Trainers UK)

Source Pixabay Whether you’re visiting the UAE to take in the sights or to get a new lease on life – it’s essential to familiarise yourself with some basic do’s and don’ts. Take it from someone who lived and worked in Dubai for 2 years;  the UAE is in a league of its own – in every possible way. When most people think of the UAE – they undoubtedly think of the glamorous Dubai made up of date palms, skyscrapers, and sand for days. You aren’t rich until you’re rich in Dubai, and it’s the only place where people can have their cake and eat it too. But it’s quite... (Read More).

November 02 2018 (Language Trainers Germany)

  Ein Leben als Digital Nomad in Südostasien klingt für die meisten Leute nach Kokosnüssen am Strand, surfen und gelegentlich in Strandbars am Laptop sitzen. Natürlich besteht mein Businessoutfit aus Bikinis und bunten Elefantenhosen. Meine Armbanduhr musste bunten Armbändern und Fußkettchen weichen und statt am Schreibtisch zu sitzen liege ich in der Hängematte, während ich darüber sinniere wo ich meinen nächsten Drink herbekomme. Wie so häufig ist das in der Realität jedoch anders. Mein Leben ist kein Rosamunde Pilcher Roman, bei der ich an jedem neuen Ort einer weiteren... (Read More).

October 2018:

October 30 2018 (Language Trainers UK)

Source: Pixabay Barcelona is a remarkable city in multiple senses of the term. A Mediterranean metropolis known for its sandy beaches, fairytale architecture, vibrant culinary tradition and impressive artistic heritage. It really is no wonder that millions of tourists flock here year after year to take it all in for themselves. Having spent over six months living in the city, I can confirm that the list of ways to pass your time in the Catalan capital really does stretch on: from lazing on the beach with a book after work, to spending Sundays at street food fairs or techno day parties,... (Read More).

October 08 2018 (Language Trainers Germany)

Wenn wir einen Einblick in eine andere Kultur möchten, dann gelingt uns das auf die Schnelle leicht über die Sprache und traditionelle Gerichte. Wenn wir Glück haben, dann dürfen wir auch noch an den großen und wichtigen Ereignissen des Lebens teilhaben. Diese sind in fast jeder Kultur gleich. Die Geburt, Hochzeit und Beerdigung gelten weltweit als einschneidende Erlebnisse. Ich hatte das Glück – das klingt irgendwie nach schwarzem Humor – bei einer traditionellen Beerdigungsfeier in Ghana dabei zu sein. Von außen betrachtet war das auf den ersten Blick eine Mischung aus Karneval,... (Read More).

October 01 2018 (Language Trainers UK)

Halloween is upon us! And though our thoughts might be turned more to pumpkin carving and how much candy we can stuff in our faces, there are other Halloween traditions to observe as well! Halloween has been part of our culture for as long as us and most of our living relatives remember. Though our long-past relatives might have a thing or two to say about it as well, given that Halloween is thought to date back to Celtic times! And what comes with tradition, and heritage' Language, of course! Here are some of the words and phrases associated with our favourite spooky time of year. ESL... (Read More).

September 2018:

September 21 2018 (Language Trainers Germany)

  Man bleibt nicht lange allein. Ich kann allen Frauen, die auf der Suche nach einem Mann sind, nur raten: packt eure Koffer und reist los! Ihr lernt dann vermutlich mehr kennen, als euch lieb ist und damit meine ich nicht nur andere Kulturen, euch selbst, sondern auch viele neue Männer und deren merkwürdig getarntes Dating Verhalten. Eigentlich bin ich nach Bali geflogen um allein zu sein. Fast sechs Wochen lang wollte ich mich nur um meine Bedürfnisse kümmern und mit so wenig Menschen wie möglich kommunizieren. Ist schon auf dem Flug nach Bali gescheitert. Um mich nicht... (Read More).

August 2018:

August 31 2018 (Language Trainers Germany)

Du wolltest schon immer mal den Mount Pitchu besteigen, dein Spiegelbild in der glatten Oberfläche des Königssees bewundern oder dich in allen Wegen, die nach Rom führen verirren, aber findest keine Reisebegleitung' Deine Freunde wollen woanders hin, dein Partner bekommt keinen Urlaub und Reisegruppen schrecken dich ab' Dann lass dich nicht aufhalten und fahre einfach allein los! „Allein, wirklich' Das ist doch nichts für mich!“, denkst du dir jetzt vielleicht, besonders dann ist es an der Zeit dir unsere fünf Gründe durchzulesen, warum jeder mindestens einmal in seinem Leben... (Read More).

August 10 2018 (Language Trainers Germany)

Alle deine Freunde und Kollegin plantschen im Meer, relaxen in den Bergen oder reiten auf Elefanten durch die Gegend, nur du armes Ding musst zu Hause bleiben, weil du die Urlaubskasse entweder zu früh geplündert hast, noch nie eine hattest oder einfach keinen Urlaub bekommst' Unsere 10 Tipps & Tricks helfen dir dabei, Urlaubsfeeling in den Alltag zu holen 1. Erkunde die Stadt wie ein Tourist Sicherlich musst dafür nicht aussehen wie einer. Die Cargohose kannst du getrost im Schrank lassen, aber nimm dir Zeit und erkunde deine eigene Stadt. Arbeite sämtliche Sightseeing Spots ab,... (Read More).

July 2018:

July 27 2018 (Language Trainers Germany)

Raus aus deiner Komfortzone Runter von der Couch und rein ins Flugzeug! Na gut, du musst nicht direkt ins Flugzeug steigen. Bus, Zug oder Auto tun es auch. Beim Reisen müssen wir häufig unsere Komfortzone verlassen, aber warum sollten wir das tun' Das klingt doch erstmal ziemlich unbequem. Weil es deinen Horizont erweitern wird, ganz einfach. Du hast beim Reisen nicht nur die Möglichkeit ein neuer Mensch zu sein, sondern auch neue Dinge auszuprobieren. Vielleicht lernst du dich beim Water Rafting von einer neuen Seite kennen und entdeckst ein neues Hobby für dich' Vielleicht merkst du... (Read More).

July 13 2018 (Language Trainers Germany)

Wenn wir als Kind eine Sprache lernen, dann haben wir keine Scheu, sondern machen bedingungslos Laute und Geräusche nach, ja häufig sogar Mimik, die unsere Eltern uns vorleben. Stück für Stück entwickeln wir mehr und mehr ein empfinden für unsere Muttersprache, bis wir irgendwann klar und verständlich Wünsche und Bedürfnisse äußern können. Später, wenn wir in die Schule gehen, erlernen die meisten von uns weitere Sprachen.  Als erwachsene Menschen verstehen wir dann, dass fremde Sprachen lernen nicht nur aus Vokabeln pauken und Grammatik lernen besteht, sondern uns auch fremde... (Read More).

June 2018:

June 29 2018 (Language Trainers Germany)

Für dein Hipster Wochenende in Berlin solltest du gut vorbereitet sein. Wer als echter Hipster durch die Hauptstadt laufen will, sollte nichts dem Zufall überlassen. Um deine zahlreichen Erlebnisse zu dokumentieren solltest du auf gar keinen Fall deine Fotokamera vergessen. Nein, bitte keine hochmoderne Spiegelreflex sondern eine auf alt gemachte. Falls du die nicht hast packe zumindest eine Polaroid Kamera für deine schönsten Hipster Erfahrungen in Berlin ein, um sie später mit dem Handy abzufotografieren, damit du all deinen Freunden zeigen kannst was für ein cooler Weltenbummler du... (Read More).

April 2018:

April 04 2018 (Language Trainers Germany)

Manchmal haben wir bestimmte Vorurteile, wenn es um ausländische Filme geht. Wir behaupten, dass Sie nicht gut genug sind und qualitativ es nicht wert sind anzuschauen. Wir machen uns Sorgen, dass wenn wir den Untertitel lesen müssen, es auf Dauer zu anstrengend ist. Wenn man jedoch in anderen Ländern aufwächst, z.B. Mexiko, verbringt man sehr viel Zeit mit Filme schauen. Die Filme sind entweder mit Übersetzung oder es sind mexikanische Filme. Dies macht jedoch keinen Unterschied für manche, da beide Arten nicht sehr ansprechend sind, wenn es nicht direkt aus Hollywood kommt. Je älter... (Read More).

March 2018:

March 14 2018 (Language Trainers Germany)

Während eine geführte Tour oder ein privater Reiseführer an einigen Orten und für alle Arten von Reisenden nicht nur notwendig sondern sogar effektiv sein kann, kann dies manchmal den Unterschied zwischen einer unglaublich Reise und einer normalen Reise bedeuten. Denk einen Moment darüber nach, warum Führungen oder Reiseführer nicht oft in Betracht gezogen werden. Ist es der Preis, der dich normalerweise so oft wie möglich davon abhält, Touren und Führer zu benutzen' Obwohl es von Land, Firma oder Person abhängt, sind einige Touren nicht annähernd so teuer, wie du vielleicht... (Read More).