Irish

My language-learning journey started when I was about three years old when my parents…

If you’re wondering how to learn a language fast and fluently, exercise could be…

When I was in Morocco, I got to stargaze in the Sahara desert and…

If you’ve studied French from a textbook you most likely won’t learn the words chelou, reup, ripou, or reuch. This is because they’re all in the form of a certain slang called verlan that reverses the syllables of words. Chelou is the reversed version of louche, and means weird or creepy. Reup comes from père meaning father, and ripou means corrupt, coming from the word pourri which means rotten.

St. Patrick’s Day won’t be the same this year, since parades from Dublin to…

Before you pull up a seat at the holiday table, study the rules of etiquette so you can avoid a faux pas (yes, that’s French for lack of tact, or rude foreigner, depending on who you ask). While taking cues from your host or hostess is never a bad idea, it’ll also impress them if you come equipped not just with a symbolic gift but with the kind of consideration for their cultural values that money can’t buy.

Before you get out there and start mingling merrily, it pays to know a little cultural etiquette. Our international guide to party protocol will help you raise a glass in the most common languages and understand how to rub elbows without committing a faux pas.

When you’re popping into a holiday party, it’s considerate to bring a gift for the host or hostess. Many people choose flowers since they’re a beautiful and gracious way to extend thanks, but different flowers can have different meanings across cultures. In South Africa for instance, it’s customary to give flowers during the holidays, but in Egypt, they are only appropriate as gifts when attending a funeral.

Thoughtfulness and a little cultural sensitivity translate well in any language. We may have…

Raise a glass We think celebratory phrases are like champagne: Always good to have…

When it comes to welcoming in the new year, the possibilities are endless.

There are lots of trendy destinations that might be on the top of your…