Mandarin Chinese is always up there with Japanese, Arabic and Korean as one of the hardest languages to learn. Beyond a doubt, it is a complex language to tackle, but it’s not as hard as you think, especially if you get off on the right foot. You’ll certainly have a jump-start in learning Mandarin if you don’t waste your time with ineffective materials and tools. That’s why I decided to share with you this infographic created by LearnMandarinNow.com. Here’s what they have to say about it: "Using our blog, we contacted 50+ bloggers and asked them about the resources they prefer to use when learning Chinese. The results of all of these ideas and suggestions can now be found in our colourful, informative Infographic and, now, we are happy to share details with you on Runaway … [Read more...] about What’s the best way to learn Chinese?
Blog
Deprecated: Function get_magic_quotes_gpc() is deprecated in /home4/claire/public_html/wp-includes/formatting.php on line 4819
Deprecated: Function get_magic_quotes_gpc() is deprecated in /home4/claire/public_html/wp-includes/formatting.php on line 4819
Deprecated: Function get_magic_quotes_gpc() is deprecated in /home4/claire/public_html/wp-includes/formatting.php on line 4819
Why Should You Make the Effort of Learning a Foreign Language?
Today’s guest post comes from Akansha Arora and I'm sure it will encourage you even further to embark on a language learning journey. --- A common observation shows that most people take a foreign language course because it’s one of the hobbies they want to pursue. But it’s amazing to know that learning a foreign language can do so much benefit for the brain. The following article lists some benefits that learning a foreign language can bring. … [Read more...] about Why Should You Make the Effort of Learning a Foreign Language?
Deprecated: Function get_magic_quotes_gpc() is deprecated in /home4/claire/public_html/wp-includes/formatting.php on line 4819
The Influence of Technology on the English Language
Did you know that, prior to the invention of the telephone, the term “hello” was used to draw attention to something as opposed to greeting someone? Nowadays almost every English speaker answers the telephone by saying “Hello.” However, before the telephone was invented by Scottish scientist Alexander Graham Bell, saying hello was used to express surprise or to bring notice to something. … [Read more...] about The Influence of Technology on the English Language
Deprecated: Function get_magic_quotes_gpc() is deprecated in /home4/claire/public_html/wp-includes/formatting.php on line 4819
In Defense of “Like”: It’s, Like, Actually a Pretty Great Word
Though the English language contains many unsavory four-letter words, perhaps the one with the worst reputation is “like”. Indeed, there’s no faster way to make yourself seem vapid or incompetent than to constantly utter the word “like” in your conversations. Though “like” has many accepted uses, most people think that misusing it is a sure-fire indicator that you’re, like, kind of stupid. But “like” is more than a meaningless filler that indicates stupidity. In fact, the word “like” has evolved to take on a variety of uses that are not only useful, but also semantically rich. Moreover, the word “like” fills lexical gaps in the English language, conveying sentiments that its alternatives simply can't express. Let’s review some of the uses of the word “like” to show that it’s not so bad … [Read more...] about In Defense of “Like”: It’s, Like, Actually a Pretty Great Word
Deprecated: Function get_magic_quotes_gpc() is deprecated in /home4/claire/public_html/wp-includes/formatting.php on line 4819
Brush Up on Your French Grammar Through Music
It’s no secret that there’s an abundance of excellent French-language music. From timeless vintage classics by stalwarts like Edith Piaf and Charles Trenet to more modern French-language tunes that have infiltrated the mainstream (Stromae, anyone?), there’s really nothing quite like French music. But in addition to producing deep, memorable, and marvelous songs, these French artists have also -- albeit inadvertently -- given learners of French a great opportunity to practice their grammar. Here are two excellent French-language songs that will help you tackle some of the trickier aspects of French grammar. … [Read more...] about Brush Up on Your French Grammar Through Music
Deprecated: Function get_magic_quotes_gpc() is deprecated in /home4/claire/public_html/wp-includes/formatting.php on line 4819
Are Some Languages Faster than Others?
I’m thrilled to announce that Paul Martin will be Runaway Daydreamer’s first ever Guest Editor. Paul is an English teacher currently living in Buenos Aires and he will take over the blog for the current month. He agreed to write a series of articles and in-depth features for us. I shall leave you in his capable hands. Enjoy! … [Read more...] about Are Some Languages Faster than Others?
Deprecated: Function get_magic_quotes_gpc() is deprecated in /home4/claire/public_html/wp-includes/formatting.php on line 4819
New language mission: Japanese (日本語)!
Those of you who have followed my previous projects will know that I've been learning French (on and off) for a while. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved and I try to practice French at any given opportunity. I haven’t shared much about my progress with you but I definitely will. It’s a language I truly love, so you can expect a lot of French related posts on the blog. I would also like to know your very own experience with la langue française so don't forget to leave me a comment or, better yet, send me an email or a guest post (take example from Jimmy! ). ;) Today, however, I’m going to announce a new language mission! Exciting, uh? A week or so ago I entered a giveaway on Ron’s blog, “Language Surfer”, and I won! I won a brand new shiny Japanese book. Hooray! JAPANESE? … [Read more...] about New language mission: Japanese (日本語)!
Deprecated: Function get_magic_quotes_gpc() is deprecated in /home4/claire/public_html/wp-includes/formatting.php on line 4819
Come to Rome with Kelly and Melissa!
Have you always wanted to visit Rome and experience a true Roman holiday? Here's your chance! This summer, from July 5 to July 14, you can make those travel dreams come true. My friend Melissa, who blogs at Diario di una Studentessa Matta, will be leading a trip to Rome with Kelly Medford, an American artist who lives and paints in the capital city. … [Read more...] about Come to Rome with Kelly and Melissa!
Deprecated: Function get_magic_quotes_gpc() is deprecated in /home4/claire/public_html/wp-includes/formatting.php on line 4819
Mandarin Chinese is easier to learn than you think
Lots of people dream of studying and then speaking Mandarin Chinese but they're too scared to give it a try. Are you one of them? Today's post is by Yang who will give you the encouragement you need to pursue your language learning goals. Enjoy! - - - … [Read more...] about Mandarin Chinese is easier to learn than you think
Deprecated: Function get_magic_quotes_gpc() is deprecated in /home4/claire/public_html/wp-includes/formatting.php on line 4819
Why I didn’t learn French in France
You may think that going to the country where the language you're learning is spoken is the ultimate solution. Well, that's not entirely true. Sometimes things just don't go like you expected. Ask Jimmy Monaghan, who is happy to share his thoughts with you. He's going to talk about his experience of learning French in France. Over to you Jimmy! - - - … [Read more...] about Why I didn’t learn French in France
Deprecated: Function get_magic_quotes_gpc() is deprecated in /home4/claire/public_html/wp-includes/formatting.php on line 4819
Deprecated: Function get_magic_quotes_gpc() is deprecated in /home4/claire/public_html/wp-includes/formatting.php on line 4819