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The words a language uses can tell you a lot about its cultural and societal values. And language can evolve over time, taking on new meanings and growing organically to embrace challenges. That’s especially true of the ways in which…
Something I found pretty crazy when I traveled around the world was that no matter if I was in Vietnam or Greece or Peru, I would always hear English music on the radio. I would still hear a lot of…
In German, “tongue twister” is translated as Zungenbrecher, or “tongue crusher,” whereas the Italians translate it as scioglilingua, or “tongue melter.” In French its virelangue, or “tongue turner,” and in Spanish its trabalenguas, or “tangled-up tongues.” Each of these languages…
Human connectivity is everything right now. I was excited to use Rosetta Stone’s Live Tutoring because that meant being able to talk to someone like me who’s stuck at home. I will say that I didn’t expect to get schooled the way I did in these sessions!
I tutor a French middle schooler, and he speaks almost perfect English. We’ll talk for 30 minutes and he’ll make one, two or sometimes zero mistakes. I also tutor a few French friends who are in their 20s. Some of…
Even in times of self-imposed isolation, we can still become proficient in a language. I fooled myself into believing that my environment had a direct impact on whether or not I could speak a language. The key to learning a language is effort. Here are some ways to think outside the box when it comes to not just learning a language but learning a different culture as well.
I came across my nengajo (Japanese New Year’s postcards) that I had exchanged with the friends that I had made years ago through Rosetta Stone. I wanted to start the tradition of sending out postcards again, so I got out my calligraphy pen.
You don’t have to travel the world to use another language (although if you can, you should). To prove it, we’re teaming up with locals to explore American neighborhoods where cultures and languages thrive—and we started in Seattle. We met…
Erika is learning Japanese and joined us on a Japanese tour of Seattle. We asked her about her journey. Read on for her story, her language routine, and the correct way to say sake. Q: How has choosing to learn…
Rebecca is learning Japanese and joined us on a Japanese tour of Seattle. Read on to find out why she started, where it has taken her, and why learning another language gives her courage. Q: How has choosing to learn…
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.
