The identity of the language is yet to be identified as the most common languages of the Assyrian Empire such as Egyptian and West Simitic, have already been ruled out by archeologists.

The language on the clay tablet, appears to have been written at the end of the 8th Century BC.

Read more about the ‘new’ ancient language discovered in Turkey>>

Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican culture, food, music, drink – Mexican beer is often drunk!   Several cities in the US hold parades and concerts during the week leading up to the 5th May. It is said that the festivities in the States are now more prolific than anything seen in Mexico itself.

Find out how to learn to speak Spanish with language courses, books, films, music and language courses abroad from languageadvantage.com>>

Find out more about the Mexican culture>>

Learning a language will never be this easy again. Up to the minute scientific research shows that the brain’s ‘window of opportunity’ for learning a second language is from birth to ages 10 or 12. Experts say early learning enriches overall mental development, including improved memory and better cognitive and listening skills.

This famous BBC course uses the award-winning character MUZZY, engaging kids’ natural ability to learn language.  The current BBC Muzzy Language Course includes story DVDs, song DVDs, vocabulary CDs and more.  Available in Levels 1 and 2, the BBC Muzzy 20th Anniversary Edition language courses combine 5 languages in one – French, German, Italian, Spanish and English.

Find out more about BBC Muzzy language courses for kids>>

I became interested in learning Spanish when I wanted to visit friends in Mexico.  My first attempt was a Spanish beginner’s class covering a few topics related to travel. Some time later, I took a couple of traditional Spanish classes, but the main emphasis was on grammar and there wasn’t much conversation practice. I looked at various Spanish language text books and found many of them confusing, although I did find listening to the accompanying tapes helpful.

It was after a few trips to Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico that I became more motivated and attended  some Spanish conversation classes.  They helped, but it was rather intimidating as some students were at a more advanced level than me. There were times when I thought ‘why am I doing this?’.

I looked at various sites on the internet, but when I was introduced to Think Spanish by www.languageadvantage.com, I could see that it was a comprehensive approach to learning Spanish. The opportunity to listen to Spanish speakers at one’s convenience without pressure, was a big advantage (I think that this is a big selling point).

It was exciting for me to receive the November 2011 issue of the Think Spanish audio magazine and to see that it included two articles of special interest to me:  on the ‘Day of the Dead’ (a very meaningful event I have actually witnessed myself) and on Guadalajara (one of my favorite cities – filled with beauty, music, history and wonderful people).  The cover of the magazine was attractive too with photos and maps, creating a very distinct package.

“What makes Think Spanish such a great learning tool is that it allows you to learn about the culture of Spanish-speaking countries and combines this with practical tools for learning the Spanish language”

This is a language program for the more advanced student, who has some previous knowledge of the Spanish language and grammar.  It would be a little overwhelming for a complete beginner.

For different learning styles, it has everything covered. I especially liked the page set-up of each paragraph, with the more difficult words and their translations opposite each other in bold print.  It made it so much easier to read and lessened the need to be always using a dictionary, saving a lot of time and frustration.  Also, by reading the vocabulary list first, it gives a good idea of the subject matter, making it easier to understand the article the first time you read it.

The inclusion of the spoken and reading grammar section was another very important plus.  It brings everything together and adds valuable structure to the lessons.

The Think Spanish audio magazine has native speakers of Spanish.  For me personally, it is easier to understand a non-native speaker than a native speaker of Spanish, so it was a huge advantage of the program to have the opportunity to replay the lessons as often as needed (and tune up one’s ear) in an unstressful situation. To have the opportunity to hear both the male and female accents made the readers feel like friends after hearing their voices so often.  Not to be forgotten is the ease of downloading the program from the Think Spanish website, a big selling point for non-technical users.

In summary, the Think Spanish audio language magazine is a sophisticated and well thought out approach to learning Spanish.  The combination of cultural and language information makes it a ‘two for one’ and helps move you quickly up the learning curve. With globalization, it is almost a necessity to have knowledge of another language.  I believe that the willingness to learn another language and to find out about other cultures is one of the steps that will help lead us to world peace. The producers and everyone associated with Think Spanish have to be congratulated, and I would like to say ‘muchisimas gracias’ and ‘buena suerte’!

SPECIAL OFFER!!

For a limited time only, you can get one year of back issues free with Think Spanish! For more information on this offer and to buy the Think Spanish Audio Magazine now>>

The Think Language range of audio magazines is also available as Think French and Think Italian>>

Get the Spanish language advantage with Think Spanish. Claim your competitive advantage!

No-one said that learning a language was going to be an easy task and especially during the school years. However, it has become clear that learning a foreign language is not seen as a priority leading to employment, but rather as a nice subject to learn which may or may not be useful as a career. Will Hutton – the writer of the article – goes on to outline that this mindset, as well as the general perceived idea that it isn’t necessary to learn a foreign language when English is the global language, is part of the reason why there is such a reluctance to learn languages here.

“But Britain has to build, has to trade and has to be open” he says. The sooner the UK realises this the better, otherwise it runs the risk of isolating itself politically and economically in the near future.

Read more about Will Hutton’s article in The Guardian and why he feels that Britain is reluctant to learn languages>>

Winter 2011 Newsletter

Feeling stuck for ideas on what Christmas gifts to give this year? Well, we’ve made it easy for you by sharing a few gift ideas right here! Give the gift of language this year! Give the language advantage!

Keep up-to-date with new products, news and updates on our website – ‘Like’ us on Facebook today! Click on the ‘Join Us on Facebook’ logo on the right of this post!

Gift Ideas

Give an Earworms Rapid Language Course!

This is a perfect stocking filler! The Earworms Rapid language course is a fun language learning method set to music. The range is available in many languages including Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Russian and Spanish. The language courses help you learn to speak a language on your CD, MP3, iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad in 70 minutes and when you’re on the go!

Give a Michel Thomas Method Language Course!

We have lots of language courses to choose from, but the most popular are the Michel Thomas Method audio-only language courses. Language courses are available in over 10 languages including French, Spanish, German, Italian as well as Portuguese, Russian and Arabic. With the Michel Thomas Method range of language courses it couldn’t be easier. Just relax, listen and learn. Give a Michel Thomas Method language course!

Give a Michel Thomas Method Language Course>>

Give a Living Language 2012 Calendar!

Start off the New Year by learning a language with a Living Language 2012 calendar in Spanish, French, German or Italian! You’ll be able to practice a little bit of your chosen language every day and you’ll also know all about international holidays and events that have occurred on a particular day too.
Get organised and get the language advantage!

Give a Living Language 2012 Calendar>>

Give a very different gift this year… give the gift of language! We have more top ideas for giving a language gift>>

If you’d like some help choosing a language course or have any other language-related queries, please contact us by email on: contact@languageadvantage.com.

Thank you for forwarding this newsletter to your friends, family and colleagues.

Happy Holidays!

Sarah Carroll
Founder of Language Advantage Limited

www.languageadvantage.com>>

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Learn Arabic | Learn French | Learn German | Learn Greek | Learn Hindi | Learn Italian | Learn Japanese | Learn Mandarin Chinese | Learn Portuguese | Learn Russian | Learn Spanish | Learn Other Languages ]]> http://languageadvantage.com/2011/11/25/winter-2011-newsletter/feed/ 0 http://languageadvantage.com/2011/11/18/ipod-mp3-earworms-rapid-french-volume-2-review/ http://languageadvantage.com/2011/11/18/ipod-mp3-earworms-rapid-french-volume-2-review/#comments Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:49:12 +0000 la-andrea http://languageadvantage.com/?p=9101 An independent language course review by Andrea Lainé

The Earworms Rapid French Volume 2 downloadable version, is the follow-on audio language course after Earworms Rapid French Volume 1.

Having already tried out Volume 1, I found that Volume 2 was at a faster pace and  learning  much longer phrases. Again, we meet native French presenters as in Volume 1 and with the same method of learning the French language via rhythmic music for 70 minutes. We hear techno, reggae, chilled out music and even echo effects that are quite catchy! It’s this catchy and melodic music that helps you to pick up the language quickly and also helps you to remember particular words and phrases. This is what Earworms calls the ‘accelerated learning technique’.

We are told to begin by sitting back and relaxing. We are on a plane with our presenters. The music kicks in and we start learning phrases for ‘are you going to?’, ‘for pleasure’ and ‘for business’. It sets the scene for using your French on the plane on your way to a French-speaking country. We learn how to ask for things; ‘can you bring me a cognac/beer?’.   It is here that we are exposed to our first piece of grammar; that of gender: une bierre (f) or feminine and un cognac (m) or masculine.

An English-speaking presenter reinforces our memory for learning certain phrases by associating them to English words. For example, for un instant he says ‘ah, like an instant’. Later he quips that he is going to remember souhaite (wish) by thinking of a sweatshirt with ‘WISH’ written across the front in big letters. These word associations tie in with the ‘memory hooks’ that Earworms also use. The memory hooks help you to associate the French to a visual memory and familiar words in English.

We move onto learning how to talk about today, tomorrow and maintenant (‘now’). We also learn more grammar through the informal and formal forms of ‘you’ (tu/vous). The conversation runs into talking about having a reservation at a hotel, asking for things, saying that you are going to have a shower/bath and looking at numbers, from 60 to a million!

The chapters then go into learning the months of the year, talking about food in a restaurant and finally talking about family, brothers, sisters and the time. The course has a good overview of more expansive vocabulary and is enough to get you through basic conversations in French.

As with Volume 1, what I enjoyed most about the Earworms Rapid French volume 2 was that I didn’t find learning the language too challenging. It is a fun way  to learn  a language. The one disadvantage to learning this way is that you have to like the music. I can imagine that if you don’t like the music, then you might find this method of learning a little irritating!

This course comes with a useful phrase book. It gives more information into what the accelerated learning technique is about. It also lists all the phrases and words found in the course. This is useful for those (like me) that like to see the written language and associate it with hearing the language at the same time. Otherwise, this course is audio only.

This way of learning is unique but is accessible for most learners. The course can be listened to on the beach, on a train, plane or anywhere where you can listen to the music in a relaxed way.

The Earworms Rapid language courses can be uploaded to iPod, iPhone, iPad or other MP3 players.

Learn a language on your iPod ® with Earworms Rapid French Volume 2>>

Read a review of the Earworms Rapid French Volume 1>>

find out more about the full range of Earworms language courses>>

Get the French language advantage with Earworms Rapid French. Claim your competitive advantage!

Now this is a new learning experience for me: learning a language through the use of music. This is an interesting concept and something that Earworms calls an  ‘accelerated learning technique’. The idea behind it is to listen to words and phrases in a rhythmic way set to melodic music . You feel at ease as you listen and somehow the phrases become catchy and easy to recall.

I tried Volume 1 of the Earworms Rapid French language course which is the downloadable version (it is also available on CD). It is audio only (although a phrase book is included – more on this later). It is just over an hour long (70 minutes) and covers subjects that you might encounter whilst you are abroad such as ordering things, asking for things, asking directions, telling the time, numbers, days of the week, greetings and other useful expressions. You also cover verbs such as to eat, to order, to buy, to rent as well as asking questions such as ‘do you like?’, ‘what’s this?’ and ‘how much is it?’.

The first track deals with ‘je voudrais’ or, ‘I would like’. Before you know it you are ordering drinks, as well as saying other expressions such as ‘parfait’, ‘de rien’ and ‘merci’ – all good conversation fillers and useful pleasantries!

Each sentence is repeated at least three to four times, but each time it is said at a slightly different pace and with a slightly different intonation. The sentence is then broken down into parts. So, for example, ‘I would like to eat something’ is broken down into its components and then the word order is compared to English:   ‘I would like’, then ‘to eat’, then ‘something’ then ‘to eat’ again and then ‘something’ again and then the whole sentence is said in full once more. This idea of breaking up an expression and reconstructing it reminds me vaguely of the Michel Thomas Method language courses>>. But the Earworms method uses music and rhythmic repetition to great language learning effect!

The music varies from techno to funky jazz, guitar and what I would call ’lift’ music (musak)! Each type of music denotes a different chapter so learning doesn’t become monotonous and allows you to associate certain language with certain music. At the end of each chapter track, a challenge is set for us, although the male English language speaker answers the questions. The female native French speaker asks us ‘how do you say…..?’ with something that we have just covered in the chapter. It’s a good exercise and nothing too challenging.

In fact, this is what I enjoyed most about the Earworms Rapid French; I found the whole experience not too challenging or exhausting and yet I remembered quite a bit of the French after each sessino so, it was really quite effective. The course comes with a useful phrase book. It gives more information into what the accelerated learning technique is about. It also lists all the phrases and words found in the course. This is useful for those (like me) that like to see the written language and associate it with hearing the language at the same time. You even get a list of the English, the French (along with the audio of the sound) and its ‘memory hook’ – something which helps you associate the French to a visual memory and familiar words in English.

Overall, I thought that this course was fun, entertaining and I was under no pressure to memorise words. I later found myself humming one of the tunes and remembering the repetition of the French words! This method really does seem to work! C’est parfait!

The Earworms Rapid language courses can be uploaded to iPod, iPhone, iPad or other MP3 players.

Learn a language on your iPod ® with Earworms Rapid French Volume 1>>

Read a review of the Earworms Rapid French Volume 2>>

find out more about the full range of Earworms Rapid language courses>>

Get the French language advantage with Earworms Rapid French. Claim your competitive advantage!

Enjoy learning languages in a completely unique and fun way with Earworms Rapid language courses. Listen to the rhythmic repetition of songs and melodies to help you learn the language by using your long-term memory or what they call the ‘accelerated learning technique’. You will be speaking real language without even realising it!

Learn essential words at the heart of your chosen language and how to put them together to make yourself understood. The Earworms Rapid Language courses are available in Volumes 1 & 2 for most languages. Volume 1 deals with the essentials you need for a trip abroad, whilst Volume 2 deals with more general conversational terms including the past, present and future tenses. This is a fun way to learn a language rapidly and will have you speaking the real language straight away. You will be amazed at how quickly and how easily you will learn a language!

for more information, reviews and to view the full range of Earworms Rapid Language courses>>

Get the language advantage with Earworms Rapid Language courses. Claim your competitive advantage!

The Think French audio magazine is more than a simple French audio language course – as with the Think Spanish audio magazine, it is designed to help you to learn French while teaching you about life and culture in French-speaking countries.  It is a much more current and engaging approach to learning French online for intermediate and advanced learners.

As a French beginner however, I wanted to get an idea of what the French magazine could offer me and whether it would be too difficult for someone at my learning level.

I viewed the December 2010 issue of the Think French audio magazine. As with the Think Spanish audio magazines, the content changes every month and each magazine has between eight and ten articles which you can read, while listening along to the French. Each article has between one and two pages of text including images and photos. A lot of the vocabulary is highlighted in bold, which means it is listed in the bilingual glossary and runs along the left-hand or right-hand side of the page.  The selected vocab also corresponds with each paragraph in the text making it easier to find the words as you listen/read. You can check the meaning or get a translation of any of these words – the glossary includes nouns, adjectives, tenses, idioms and phrases – all relating to the context of the article. This is a useful tool for your language learning skills.

Article topics range from recipes to focus on people, places, religious festivals, tourism, arts and crafts, ecotourism, the environment, history as well as news stories from around the world. The topics are current, engaging and enjoyable. The Think French December 2010 issue had articles about the Christmas traditions in Canada, food of Provence, sport and biographies. The edition had one biography about the Belgian singer songwriter, Jacques Brel and included the lyrics to his best known song ‘Ne me quitte pas‘ and a link to youtube.com where you can listen and watch Brel singing the song (with English subtitles).

The articles are not too long and are good for French learners of all ages and levels. They say that you need to have a least ‘high school level French’. The magazines may be better suited for intermediate and advanced learners. Having said that, as a beginner, I gained a lot of new French vocabulary and cultural knowledge without feeling overwhelmed. I listened, read the text and gained the general gist of the articles. I could look up any words I didn’t know (and weren’t in the glossary) in my dictionary. This is an excellent way to improve your French reading and listening skills no matter what level you are.

Think French is slightly different to conventional French language courses and this is how it works.  Once you pay your membership fee, you will be able to login online and get access to your new French audio magazine every month online – or (and, as an added bonus) – you can download the magazine as a PDF and print it out as well as download the accompanying audio clips to your ipod, itunes, mp3 or transfer them to a CD or your PC. You can choose to download the entire magazine by clicking on the cover image or to download one article at a time by opening each article PDF. They recommend that you make a folder on your desktop and save the entire magazine in one go. That way you will still have access to the whole magazine even when you don’t have access to the internet. This is a practical time-saving tip.

“as a beginner, I gained a lot of new French vocabulary and cultural knowledge without feeling overwhelmed”

Each article has an option to download an audio clip in French. The audio clip has a clear and understandable narrator who reads the article out aloud in French. The narrators are both male and female and vary in speed and pronunciation.

At the end of each issue you can practice what you have read and heard by having a go at the ‘Grammar Lesson’ and ‘Repeat After Me’ tasks. A PDF of the grammar lesson is available so that you can print off the sheet and write in the answers to the quiz or keep the sheet for future reference. The Repeat After Me task corresponds with the Grammar Lesson and gives you the chance to practice your listening skills. You download the audio clip of each phrase (there are about 9-10 phrases in all), listen to the short phrase and then repeat it during the pause. A PDF of the list of phrases is also available. The December 2010 French magazine for example, had been running a series (of 3) lessons called ‘Linking Words’. Each grammar lesson is different.

Think French membership also includes access to the Think French online community. You receive extra learning tools such as additional audio files and vocab flashcards, access to the French writers if you have any language learning questions as well as exclusive members-only offers.

Sign up for your Think French audiomagazine subscription now>>

SPECIAL OFFER!!

For a limited time only, you can get one year of back issues free with Think French! For more information on this offer and to buy the Think French Audio Magazine subscription now>>

The Think Language range of audio magazines is also available as Think Spanish and Think Italian>>

Get the French language advantage with Think French. Claim your competitive advantage!

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