It is now possible to receive online tuition thanks to a new programme I am using called Electa. I have already had some lessons with students who live further away and those who can’t get here for whatever reason. It is good to have this option for occasions such as bad weather disruption, car problems or other incidents which would otherwise mean a cancelled lesson. The programme is very versatile and can allow you to continue your French, Spanish, Italian, German or English lessons providing you have a computer, a microphone and headphones. I am looking forward to using this method with new students and am excited about the possibilities this offers.
Gender of words
A new word has entered our vocabulary in recent months – Brexit. It seems our European neighbours are also using this word, but as we know, nouns in other languages are masculine or feminine (in some languages even neuter). So what about in this case? Well, it would seem French and German has decided it should be masculine, as has Spanish, whereas Italian has opted for feminine. This could be because the word ‘exit’ is ‘uscita’ in Italian which is also feminine, or maybe it just sounds better with ‘la’ rather than ‘il’. Or maybe you have some theories of your own?
Children and language
I have been amazed lately at how well the children I teach are doing. Many of my older students often tell me learning a language is harder the older you get (though never let that put you off!). I have the privilege of teaching some quite young children and am so pleased their parents are encouraging them to learn while they are still little. At this age, they are not embarrassed and they learn through play; just as they take in knowledge about the world around them, another language adds to their education. If they can enjoy themselves and say a few words in French or Spanish, even before properly understanding where France and Spain are (or indeed other countries in the world where these languages are spoken) this will be a good foundation for them as they get older and learn a language in school. It will also help with their literacy skills and communication development in their own language. We have been told for years that children are like sponges and absorb new information so readily,
Winter is coming
The summer holidays seem a distant memory now. It won’t be long before we are encouraged to book next year’s trip, however. Perhaps you have already got a few ideas of where to go? Maybe you are lucky enough to be able to escape the drab days here and go in search of sun in exotic locations now. Or maybe you like a skiing holiday or are heading off to the Christmas markets in Europe. There is always a time when speaking another language comes in handy, whatever the season. Perhaps you are stuck on what to get your loved one for Christmas? Well why not a voucher for language lessons? Either for help with those GCSEs coming up or to learn a few phrases before the summer holidays are upon us…Is distance a problem? Or time? Skype lessons are also a possibility. Whatever your requirements, we look forward to hearing from you!
Winter Holidays
It is time to change the clocks and the nights are pulling in. Summer is becoming a distant memory, but that doesn’t have to mean no more holidays. With Christmas around the corner, many people are looking further afield to search for that perfect gift for a loved one. The German Christmas markets are very famous in all Europe. They have so many treats on offer, as well as tempting mulled wine – perfect when the temperatures drop!
The European Day of Languages
The 26th September has been designated The European Day of Languages since 2001; it is an initiative of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.
Throughout Europe, 800 million Europeans represented in the Council of Europe’s 47 member states are encouraged to learn other languages, both in school and as an extra-curricular activity. Read more
Increase in private tuition
A report published this week reveals that one in four children at state secondary schools has private tuition. Many parents are choosing to spend money on giving their youngsters extra help with their lessons.
There are many reasons why this is happening – in London there is a lot of competition to get into the best schools and indeed the research shows that better-off families are more likely to consider private tuition compared to those from poorer homes. Read more
Languages and Sayings
Have you ever wondered how to translate proverbs into other languages? Are the same concepts used, or totally different ones? Well, the answer is that some are, whereas others are totally different.
In German, ‘wir haben alle unsere Kreuz zu tragen’ is a direct translation of the English ‘we all have our cross to bear’. ‘To put all one’s eggs in one basket’ however does not involve eggs nor baskets in German. The expression is ‘alles auf eine Karte setzen’ (to put everything on one card). Read more
French, German Spanish or Italian – Which One?
One language which is closely related to English is German. German sits within the West Germanic arm of the Indo-European language family, together with English, Dutch and Flemish, Frisian, Yiddish, Afrikaans and Luxembourgish. There are certain similarities regarding grammar, syntax and vocabulary with the Scandinavian languages (Norwegian, Swedish and Danish) and Icelandic which, together with Faroese, are among the North Germanic languages. Read more