Culture & Cuisine
When it comes to subscription boxes, I think that one of the best things about them is getting access to products you wouldn’t necessarily choose for yourself and that you might not be able to find locally. And when it comes to little indulgences, like chocolates or sweets, I tend to go with something quick and easy (and that’s tried and true) rather than experiment...
Keep Reading...
Language Resources
When one learns multiple languages (or even just a second language), there’s a little something that often comes up called “language interference.” Language interference is actually one part of “language transfer”, something that has both positive and negative effects on our acquisition of a new language. It’s natural for someone to look for connections or similarities between something new and something familiar, whether unconsciously or...
Keep Reading...
Culture & Cuisine
I don’t know what it is, but lately I’ve been craving pizza like something crazy. But there are only so many times I can eat cheese and olive or my homemade blue cheese and balsamic glaze pizzas before I start wanting a little variation. Thus the inspiration behind today’s recipe, but I think it merits a little bit more of an explanation. Every so often...
Keep Reading...
Language Resources
It’s August which means summer is almost over. 🙁 I don’t know what it is, especially since I don’t get summer breaks any more like I did in school, but I always feel like summer is supposed to be the period when I have more free time (even if it never is). As it is the beginning of yet another new month, I’d like to...
Keep Reading...
Culture & History / Language Resources
Welcome to the seventh official Language Reading Challenge Update and Linkup! As a quick recap, you can check out the previous months’ challenges here: January // Book about the culture of the area you’re studying February // Book in your target language March // Travel book or travelogue related to region that uses the language you’re studying April // Book about the language that you’re learning...
Keep Reading...
Language Resources / Travel
German Learners! If you are interested in finding out about a unique language immersion experience, stick around until the end of this post! The first time I traveled to a country that spoke a language that wasn’t my native language*, I was thrilled. I would finally truly have the opportunity to use Spanish and I was certain that by the end of our trip, I’d...
Keep Reading...
Culture & Cuisine / Travel
Have you all heard the Jim Gaffigan joke that a vacation is just eating somewhere you haven’t been yet? It’s a bit of an exaggeration, but I often feel like a lot of my trips revolve around food. But for me, a big part of travel is experiencing the culture of a new place and I personally feel that one of the best ways to...
Keep Reading...
Culture & Cuisine / Culture & History
I truly honestly believe that learning a bit about the culture(s) of the language(s) that you’re studying can go a long way in helping you to feel more attached to the language. Earlier, I discussed the importance of sociolinguistics – how culture ties into language – and to continue that conversation, I’d like to share culture guides for various countries around the world to help...
Keep Reading...
Travel
A trip to 北京 Beijing, China wouldn’t be complete without going to see the 长城, the Great Wall. It’s certainly worthy of all the attention it deserves, and it is definitely worth spending a day 爬 climbing it. Like most other attractions in China, however, the Great Wall is often packed with tourists, especially during the weekends and holidays. About the Great Wall The Great...
Keep Reading...
Language Resources
When I first started to get into learning languages as a kid, I, like may others before me, was struck with the idea of creating my very own language. It seemed like a brilliant idea because not only would it keep my diaries secret from prying eyes, but it would be a fun project. I spent about a day creating my language. It was quite...
Keep Reading...