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It’s not just humans learning languages!

admin — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 11:39:17 +0000

According to a study carried out at the University of Lincoln, unlike humans, dogs learn words by linking them to size and textures rather than shapes

Researchers from the university found that when a dog learns to associate a word with an object, it makes the association in a completely different way to humans.

When toddlers pick up language, they learn by associating words with the shapes of objects.For example, toddlers who learn what a ‘ball’ is and are then presented other objects with similar shapes, sizes or textures will identify a similarly-shaped object as ‘ball’, rather than one of the same size or texture.

Dogs have been shown to associate words with objects, such as toys, but their learning process was unstudied.

This just left me wondering if they can learn different languages as well. I’m sure my dog would learn any language quickly if the word being used was “biscuit”!

Greek and Latin at schools

admin — Tue, 20 Nov 2012 07:18:04 +0000

It has been announced that from 2014, schools will be offering primary school pupils the chance to learn a foreign language, including Latin and Greek.

The primary school changes were unveiled yesterday by Education Minister Elizabeth Truss.
‘We will ensure that every primary school child has a good grasp of a language by age 11,’ she said.
‘We must give young people the opportunities they need to compete in a global jobs market. Fluency in a foreign language will now be another asset our school leavers and graduates will be able to boast.’

Last year, a European Commission study of foreign languages skills among 15-year-olds in 14 countries in Europe put England at the bottom of the table.

How to learn a language

admin — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 11:32:45 +0000

First thing you need to do when you start learning a language is to set some goals and really think about what you are learning the language for.
At Vox Language Training all our students must take a needs analysis form, which will not only tell us why the students are learning but also what is the best way for them to learn.
There is not one right way to learn. Everyone learns at a different pace in different ways. We strive to find out which approach works more effectively for you, so that you reach your goals successfully in a short period of time.
Focusing on your aims will help you improve more rapidly and knowing which kind of learner you are will help you learn easily in the best possible manner.
Taking our analysis form only takes 10 minutes. The results will speak for themselves. And so will you!

Learning a new Language expands the brain

admin — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 05:57:43 +0000

Learning a new language makes the brain grow, according to researchers who studied young recruits at the Swedish Armed Forces Interpreter Academy by measuring the brains of participants before and after the language training.
Read more at the “Medical daily” today.

If you need to learn a language in a short period of time, Vox Language Training offers intensive language courses which will take you from zero to being able to have a basic conversation. And your brain will become bigger in the process!

Words of French origin in English

admin — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 10:14:42 +0000

So, we were talking about reaching a linguistic “plateau” in the last blog. “Plateau” is one of the 80,000 words of French origin in English. This means, if you are going to learn French you won’t be starting from scratch but you’ll already know loads of words.

In politics, English has many words of French origin like liberalism, capitalism, materialism and nationalism. The judicial lexicon has also been heavily influenced by French (justice, judge, jury, attorney, court, case). Animal names, food, fashion, religion, institutions…the list is endless.

Vox Language Trainers are not only experienced and qualified, they also have an in-depth knowledge of the language they teach. They will help you understand how languages work and how to make the most out of the knowledge you already have.

Once you know the words, you can start talking. But, is speaking a foreign language enough? As important as being fluent in a language, knowing cultural differences and how business are carried out in other countries are vital to succeed. In our next blog, we’ll give you some hints on how to deal with your clients abroad.