Confetti? Check! Crazy and colorful costumes? Check! A playful attitude? Double check! We’re all set and ready. It’s time to celebrate. It's Carnival time! Let's step back in time for a minute and see how it all got started, shall we? … [Read more...] about Put your mask on: It’s Carnevale! [+ Free Vocabulary]
European Languages
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
Buon San Valentino! Valentine’s day in the Italian language
It’s Valentine’s day and there’s no better language than Italian to express love, passion, and romance. It doesn't matter who you are, you will steal the heart of anybody by whispering some Italian paroline dolci (sweet nothings) in their ear. From the ever-charming “ti amo” (I love you) to the luscious “amore mio” (my love), I dare you not to succumb to the musicality of this language. Even the most passionate storia d’amore (love-story) of all times, Romeo and Giulietta, has an Italian vibe since it’s set in Verona. Need I say more? Over the last couple of weeks, I have been sharing love-related Italian words and phrases over Instagram and Facebook. A countdown to Valentine’s Day, one that combines love and education. Want to impress your valentine? Read on and try … [Read more...] about Buon San Valentino! Valentine’s day in the Italian language
Deprecated: Function get_magic_quotes_gpc() is deprecated in /home4/claire/public_html/wp-includes/formatting.php on line 4819
Review: Grammaire progressive du français – Niveau Débutant
Author: Maîa Grégoire Skill Level: Upper-Beginner Rating: **** 4/5 This workbook was designed for beginners but despite the word “débutant” displayed on the cover it assumes some knowledge of the language. As a matter of fact, it is completely written in French - grammar explanations included - so if you use no other book or dictionary, you may find yourself a bit lost at times. You can still be a beginner and use it, but I believe it works better as a refresher for upper-beginners or intermediate French learners. If you have studied French in the past and are looking for a quick and efficient reminder of things once known, you certainly won’t be disappointed. … [Read more...] about Review: Grammaire progressive du français – Niveau Débutant
Deprecated: Function get_magic_quotes_gpc() is deprecated in /home4/claire/public_html/wp-includes/formatting.php on line 4819
Italian Easter Vocabulary, Phrases and Traditions
Christmas may be the most important festivity in Italy, but Easter is a close second. Many cities and villages host religious parades and celebrations - also known as “processioni” - during which a statue of Jesus or the Virgin Mary gets carried through the streets. The Sunday that precedes Easter - called “domenica delle palme” - represents a special moment for Italian Catholics: the Mass lasts longer and olive tree branches blessed by the priest are distributed in churches as a peace symbol. In Rome the Pope takes over St. Peter's Square to greet people from all over the world. Easter Monday is a public holiday called “Pasquetta” and most shops are closed. The usual custom is to go out—whether is a picnic with friends or a trip to the countryside, outdoor activities are a must on … [Read more...] about Italian Easter Vocabulary, Phrases and Traditions
Deprecated: Function get_magic_quotes_gpc() is deprecated in /home4/claire/public_html/wp-includes/formatting.php on line 4819
Essential Italian Spring Vocabulary Words and Expressions (+ Proverbs)
In Italian, “primavera” is the word to describe the beautiful season of spring. It can be traced back to the Latin roots “primus”, meaning first, and “ver”, meaning spring. In Italy, as in many other countries, is common tradition to do some “pulizie di primavera” - or spring cleaning - during this time of the year. Feeling inspired by my own spring cleaning, I have decided to collect into this post a handful of Italian words, expressions and proverbs that will have you ready to jump into “la bella stagione”. … [Read more...] about Essential Italian Spring Vocabulary Words and Expressions (+ Proverbs)
Deprecated: Function get_magic_quotes_gpc() is deprecated in /home4/claire/public_html/wp-includes/formatting.php on line 4819
Eurovision: Should we call it ‘Anglovision’?
There was an interesting discussion on Twitter last night during the Eurovision Song Contest 2015. Lindsay from Lindsay Does Languages hosted a very entertaining live chat using the hashtag #EuroLangParty to celebrate one of Europe’s most popular TV traditions. Bloggers, language lovers and people from all over the world reunited to tweet their opinions and talk about their favourite songs throughout the contest. We had a lot of fun! So many thoughts were shared but there’s one particular topic I’d like to mention. It sparked a debate. … [Read more...] about Eurovision: Should we call it ‘Anglovision’?