Archive for the ‘Further Learning’ Category

Further Learning: Romance Languages

Further Learning: Romance Languages

Spanish is a member of the Romance family of languages. They are called Romance languages not for being romantic, (which they are!) but for originating from Rome where Latin was spoken. All modern forms of these languages originated from a later form of Latin called Vulgar Latin spoken in the 7th through 9th centuries. To show the similarity between Romance languages here are a few examples of the word for sun:

soleil (French), sol (Spanish), sole (Italian), sol (Portuguese), soare (Romanian)

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Further Learning: Germanic Languages

Further Learning: Germanic Languages

English and German are both members of the Germanic language family. All modern forms of these languages originated from a common ancestor language spoken in the region of modern-day Scandinavia roughy 2500 years ago. Linguists call this language Proto-Germanic. To demonstrate the similarities between these languages here are a few examples of the word apple:

apple (English), äpple (Swedish), Appel (Low German), Apfel (High German), æble (Danish)

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Further Learning: Online Resources

Further Learning: Online Resources

Learning a language today has never been easier for those who are unable to go and live in a foreign country to study their target language. There are numerous online resources available to help with listening and comprehension skills as well as to practice verb conjugations and build vocabulary. The challenge can be filtering through these resources to find the best ones. Below are my recommendations of podcasts, websites and apps that can serve as excellent supplemental materials. All sources are free unless otherwise indicated.Below are my recommendations of podcasts, websites and apps that can serve as excellent supplemental materials. All sources are free unless otherwise indicated.

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Further Learning: Supplemental Materials

In addition to your main textbook, supplemental materials can be very helpful in meeting your language goals. These materials can take the form of reference books, grammar books, graduated readers, CDs and DVDs. The following suggested titles may be found at your local library, bookstore or for purchase online. I also have a lending library that carries some of these titles for the use of my clients.

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Further Learning: Study Tips

Learning a new language is both challenging and fun. Proper study techniques can go a long way in helping you achieve your goals. As adult learners, many of us have been outside of a formal teaching environment for many years and have forgotten old study habits.

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