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Russian, as a language, has always been elusive for me. On the one hand, I should have no excuse not to be fluent, or at the least be comfortably conversational in it, since I was born in Sofia, Bulgaria—a longtime…
Whether you’re chasing down contracts or looking to improve client relationships, there are many languages for international business that will position you for success. The growing convenience and affordability of international travel combined with the booming online marketplace have made…
My language-learning journey started when I was about three years old when my parents put me in a Greek-American preschool. While I didn’t have much choice in the matter, many of my other experiences with foreign languages like studying abroad,…
If you’re wondering how to learn a language fast and fluently, exercise could be one of your secret weapons. You probably know that working out is one of the most important activities you can do to take care of yourself….
When I was in Morocco, I got to stargaze in the Sahara desert and eat endless tajine, but my favorite memories are the moments my friends and I had with our tour guide. In Greece, I swam in underground lagoons…
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…
Ever since I moved across the Atlantic Ocean a year and a half ago, I had to start making the conscious effort to stay in touch with family and friends. I learned that it can be really easy to let…
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 different names for Santa Claus or Father Christmas, but the reason for our joy across the world remains the same. During the holiday season, we unite in…
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