Is There a Critical Period for Language Learning?
Many rumors circulate about a natural ability to learn languages and the advantage children may have that dissipates with age. Let’s take a closer look at second language ability and age. By looking at studies on both sides, different perspectives and valid points emerge. Also, by highlighting the factors that can be controlled in learning, […]
What is Heritage Language?
Individuals who speak multiple languages or live in multilingual households may have a “heritage language.” This term describes the language the individual speaks or hears at home, but it is not the dominant language spoken in the community. In the United States, English is the de facto official language and is used in schools and […]
What Is The Language Experience Approach
The Language Experience Approach is a teaching tactic that uses experience to improve students’ communication skills. This approach capitalizes on students’ attention and interest in their own experiences to develop their skills. It mainly targets reading and writing skills. LEA-based exercises usually involve listening, speaking and storytelling too. Focusing on a compelling or new experience, […]
Deaf Culture and Sign Language
With over 300 sign languages used in the world, there is a rich diversity of culture among Deaf communities. And in fact, deafness itself is not a prerequisite to participating in Deaf culture and community. Instead, cultural Deafness refers to a set of beliefs, practices, and traditions that are influenced by deafness and use sign […]
Permacrisis is The 2022 Word of The Year
What do binge-watch, Brexit, and photobomb all have in common? They’ve all been named word of the year by the Collins English Dictionary. Binge-watch in 2015, Brexit in 2016, and photobomb in 2014. William Collins created The Collins English Dictionary almost 200 years ago with a dream of “knowledge for all.” This dictionary now contains […]
What is the Difference Between an Interpreter and a Translator?
It is easy to get the terms interpreter and translator confused. That’s because “translation” can mean conversion from one language to another, in a general way. Typically, the title “translator” is mistaken for “interpreter.” Saying “translation” when meaning “interpretation” is also common. Even if you know the difference, sometimes the wrong word pops out. When […]
Games Can Enhance Language Learning
A new study out of the University of Freiburg suggests that children who are exposed to different accents have an advantage when it comes to language acquisition. For the study, the researchers used a version of the game “Spot It!” to study the impact of accents on language learning. “In contrast to previous studies, it […]
In review of code-switching, the linguistic practice that both becomes and betrays us
For a while during high school, I had two groups of friends. One group was ambitious and academically oriented. The other was more athletic, musically inclined, and a bit rebellious. The latter group often played word games and invented their own slang. One day, I remember somebody from the former group saying to me, “Why […]
How to Raise a Bilingual Child
Nowadays, there is a lot of pressure on parents to make their children high achievers, starting from an early age. The standards for raising an athletic, charismatic, artistic baby Einstein may have gotten out of hand. However, speaking another language really does bring a child a host of benefits in a variety of areas. Reasons […]
5 Fascinating Facts About Multilingual Countries
While many countries in the world have one de facto official language, there are plenty of countries with multiple official languages. Canada, for example, has two official languages, Belgium has three, and South Africa has 11. Since colonialism led to many countries in the world using a non-native de facto language, some multilingual countries have […]