• September 2009
• LivingLanguage.com|
• Watch Your Language Blog|
• Language Games and Quizzes

How Do You Say "Purism" in Icelandic?

So, when foreign borrowing comes into a language, it is assumed that the foreign word has somehow robbed a native word of its right to exist or flourish. The foreign word is demonized, and all sorts of decrees are set forth that it must never be used. Instead, a native alternative is proposed.

However, this is kind of like stacking sandwich bags full of granola to hold back a flood.

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That's One Way to Learn German

A while ago, I was traveling alone in Germany. When I first left my hotel, I memorized the word on a nearby sign: EINBAHNSTRAßE.

I reasoned that it would serve as my landmark for getting back to the hotel. Plus, as I started walking, I noticed a lot of other signs pointing my way to it, so I figured it must be a very important street. That was a relief, since I would therefore always be close to a sign directing me back to that all-important road.

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An Easier Way to Learn Chinese Vocabulary

When an English speaker studies languages like French and German, there are many vocabulary words that are immediately familiar, such as le restaurant (restaurant) in French and das Haus (house) in German.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Chinese. There are some similar words, such as kāfēi (coffee) and māma (mom), but apart from that, you mostly have to rely on memorization. However, there is an easier way than just memorizing each individual Chinese word.

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Essential Arabic Phrases

In the past, we've covered essential phrases in many languages, such as French, Dutch, Irish, Polish, etc. It's time for Arabic. Keep in mind that Arabic has a variety of dialects, and the pronunciation changes from region to region. These phrases, however, will definitely get your point across, wherever you are!

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(with audio!)

Also on the blog:
Bilingualism and Tip-Of-The-Tongue Experiences.
Do you often have trouble remembering the word for something? If you're bilingual, then you're not alone.
The Technology of Linguists.
The tools used to document and preserve languages.

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