Today is Poisson D’Avril!
April 1, 2012 by la-andrea · Leave a Comment
The 1st of April is called ‘Poisson d’avril’ in France and other French-speaking countries. It means literally ‘Fish of April’ and children try and stick a paper fish on the backs of their family and friends. In other parts of the world, the 1st of April is well-known as April Fools Day and people play practical jokes on each other.
One of the best know April Fools Day spoofs was by the BBC in 1957, supposedly showing a family in Switzerland harvesting from spaghetti trees. Find out more and watch the clip
What practical jokes will you play today?!
British Children Encouraged To Study Languages
March 23, 2012 by la-andrea · Leave a Comment
The House of Lords’ EU committee favours a move to encourage more British children to study languages at primary and secondary schools. With the introduction of the English Baccalaureate it is also hoped that more teenagers will then decide to study languages which could ultimately boost the number of British students studying languages at University. The House of Lords committee is concerned by the ‘monoglot’ (speaking just one language) attitude which appears to be prevalent in the UK.
Facebook To Be Translated Into Jèrriais
March 21, 2012 by la-andrea · Leave a Comment
The regional language of Jersey (the largest of the Channel Islands, UK) is to be used to translate Facebook. The Jèrriais language could soon be a language option on Facebook alongside the other 71 languages it is already available in. English and French are the official languages of Jersey but it is hoped that its regional language Jèrriais, will also be available on Facebook as well.
International Francophonie Day – 20th March
March 20, 2012 by la-andrea · Leave a Comment
Today is International Francophonie Day or Journée Internationale de la Francophonie. Every year on the 20th March, this day celebrates and promotes cultural diversity and the French language. With over 200 million French-speakers around the world, events to encourage the French language further, include concerts, exhibitions, talks and forums.
¡Vivan Las Fallas!
March 19, 2012 by la-andrea · Leave a Comment
There is a huge party going on in Valencia, Spain this month! From the 1st March until the 19th March, there are many events to celebrate Las Fallas. Las Fallas, in Spanish or, Falles in Valencian, literally means ‘the fires’. The event in Valencia City celebrates the beginning of Spring as well as commemorating Saint Joseph – the patron saint of carpenters. Firecrackers and huge puppets are burned as part of the celebrations.
Learn Irish For Saint Patrick’s Day!
March 16, 2012 by la-andrea · Leave a Comment
Start a trend and learn Irish or Irish Gaelic for Saint Patrick’s Day this year. In case you hadn’t noticed all the green celebrations happening on the 17th March, it is Saint Patrick’s Day! This day celebrates Saint Patrick, one of the patron saints of Ireland. It is a Christian festival inviting you to think about Saint Patrick, as well as loved ones overseas. It is a national holiday in Ireland and a Bank Holiday in Northern Ireland. Read more
Twitter Is Now Available In 28 Languages
March 9, 2012 by la-andrea · Leave a Comment
The hugely popular micro-blog service, Twitter, is now available in 28 languages after having recently launched versions in Urdu, Farsi, Arabic and Hebrew. Around 13,000 volunteers helped Twitter to translate its pages and menu options in these four languages. The translated versions will allow many more ordinary people around the world to use Twitter.
Today Is International Women’s Day
March 8, 2012 by la-hellie · Leave a Comment
International Women’s Day, originally called International Working Women’s Day, is held on the 8th March every year and is a global celebration of women’s achievements throughout history and across different nations. The day has been observed since the early 1900′s and is also known as the United Nations (UN) Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace.
Greeks Learn German Language Due To Recession
March 2, 2012 by la-andrea · Leave a Comment
A five year recession, an extremely high rate of unemployment and a shrinking economy have all taken their toll on the country of Greece. The Greek people want jobs and want to work to show that they can be productive but the recession and the lack of jobs in Greece are making things very difficult. Recently however, hundreds of Greeks have been turning to the German language in an effort to improve their situation.
Dydd Gwyl Dewi Hapus! Happy Saint David’s Day!
March 1, 2012 by la-andrea · Leave a Comment
The 1st of March is Saint David’s Day which is a national day and is celebrated in Wales (UK) every year. Saint David is the national patron saint of Wales and the 1st of March is recognised in remembrance of his death on this day in 589AD.
