Tag
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…
Conquer your fear of language learning. 0
You might be surprised to hear a discussion of Soviet food. Isn’t that the same as Russian food? The answer is both yes and no. Russian cuisine focuses on a very specific area while Soviet cuisine embraces a more complex…
We caught up with Antonia, a real Rosetta Stone user who learned Russian. Discover her incredible language journey and find out what makes it the perfect Valentine’s Day story. What was your learning schedule like when you practiced Russian? How…
Raise a glass We think celebratory phrases are like champagne: Always good to have on hand in case something happens worth toasting. Maybe you got a promotion. Maybe you’ve met The One. Or maybe you finally remembered to drink water…
What better time to get a jolt of motivation than now, when resolutions seem far less attractive than happy hour or catching up on Black Mirror? Below you’ll find loose translations for how to say, “You can do it” in…
When it comes to welcoming in the new year, the possibilities are endless. Below, find a celebration cheat sheet full of phrases and traditions from around the globe so you can say Happy New Year in 20 languages. Burn effigies…
