How far can you get with 100 words of English?

NHS (the UK health service) guidelines suggest that by two years old, toddlers can say around 100 words and start putting them into short sentences. And England’s Italian football manager Fabio Capello claims he can manage his players with just 100 words.

But according to Peter Howarth, deputy director of Leeds University’s language centre, “a hundred words wouldn’t get you beyond some very familiar situations in a phrase book – a weekend in London, how to get a hotel room or order a meal”. Read more

Language barriers led to red & yellow cards in football

I’ve just been watching the Denmark v England international football match and the coverage on TV mentioned that red and yellow cards were introduced in football to overcome language barriers.

Apparently the idea was invented by British referee Ken Aston during the 1966 FIFA World Cup, after a game between Argentina and England at Wembley Stadium when cautions were not understood.   Read more

FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010

The FIFA World Cup was held in various towns and cities in South Africa, including Pretoria and Johannesburg. It took place from the 11th June- 11th July 2010 and was a truly exciting event.   The 36 International teams who played this year included Brazil, Spain, Italy, USA, Mexico and South Africa. Football fans joined the already football-mad South Africans for what was a truly international event.

Spain won the World Cup with the Netherlands, Germany and Uruguay as runners up (in that order).

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FIFA Confederations Cup South Africa 2009

The FIFA Confederations Cup is being held in various towns and cities in South Africa, including Pretoria and Johannesburg. It will take place from the 14^th-28^th June 2009.   International teams playing this year include Brazil, Spain, Italy, USA, Egypt and South Africa. Read more

La finale Di UEFA Champions League 2009

We’ve gone all Italian this week! This year’s UEFA Champions League Final will be held in the Stadio Olimpico, Rome on the 27th May 2009. FC Barcelona will play Manchester United FC in what could be an explosive football match.   A five-day celebration of football kicks off in Rome’s historic centre on Saturday 23rd May with the official opening of the UEFA Champions Festival. Read more