Travel
I first earned my diving license at the age of fourteen. It’s something that I’ve done for a while. And it’s something for which my adoration and awe has yet to fade. Each time I slip below the surface, it’s, to use what is probably and over-used metaphor in terms of diving, like entering an entirely new world. I’m filled with the kind of wonder...
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Language Resources
I used to procrastinate. And okay, yes, if I’m completely honest, sometimes I still do. But I’m trying to kick the habit. In the past, I’d put things off because I always figured I’d get to them later. But then, I missed out on an important experience, thinking I’d get to do it the next time around. As you can guess, that didn’t happen and...
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Culture & Cuisine / Travel
While I always enjoy traveling abroad whenever and wherever I can, I’ve learned that you don’t always need to pop on a plane to have an adventure. Becoming a parent has forced me to get more creative in my explorations, and I’ve started looking closer to home for fun things to do. Especially if they mean Little Linguist can tag along. And while the events...
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Language Resources
When learning another language, one of the most important things that you can do is learn vocabulary you’ll actually use. Forget all of the textbook word lists that encourage you to learn how to talk about currencies no longer used, cassette tapes and Walkmans, or terms for sports you have no interest in. Instead, create your own lists. Decide what your passions are and *you*...
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Culture & Cuisine / Travel
In French, Bouchon means “cork” or “plug”, but in Las Vegas, Nevada, it’s the French brasserie tucked away behind the reception desk at The Venetian. On my last trip out to the city, I had a little bit of time to myself and decided to stop in for a late breakfast before my schedule took over my day. After browsing the menu, I ordered more...
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Language Resources
Welcome to Clear the List! If you’re new around these parts, #clearthelist is a linkup where we share our monthly goals, and by we, I mean myself, Lindsay of Lindsay Does Languages, Kris Broholm of Actual Fluency, and Angel Pretot of French Lover. We’d absolutely love for you to a part of our community. You can join us by adding a link to your own...
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Language Resources
In studying Japanese, beyond learning a few conversational phrases, I needed a bit of direction. Most of the books I had focused on learning Kanji, but I needed something more. And so I decided to start looking for a coursebook to guide me. A while back, I remembered trying out Lingualift, but because I wasn’t studying Japanese, it didn’t make sense for me. Now that...
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Travel
When I first started studying ethnomusicology as an undergraduate student, one of teachers often shared his experiences studying the music of Trinidad and Tobago. The films he played in class were exciting, energetic and impressive feats of musicianship. I learned a lot about Carnival, but I wasn’t prepared for the beauty of the beaches when I finally had the chance to make a trip out...
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Language Resources
You finally work up the courage to have a conversation in your target language. The other person starts speaking and your wheels are spinning. “Vous parlez français… C’est… Comment avez-vous… Est-ce que vous m’avez compris ?” The words come to you in fragments because you’re translating as much of what they’re saying to you back into your native language to sort out what it all...
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Culture & Cuisine
Experiencing local culture is an incredible way to fall in love with a place and its people. When you do that with someone who has insider knowledge and a vast expertise, that feeling of falling love with the city is inevitable. Especially when food is involved. With an afternoon to spare, I decided to try out the Montréal Brewpub Experience. Accompanied by a well-researched and...
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