We offer all students a free introductory lesson/assessment with their tutor. During the 20 minute session you’ll be able to chat with your tutor about your motivation for learning and your tutor will gauge your current language level and where you want to get to. It’s an opportunity to get to know each other and for you to judge whether they’re the right tutor for you.

The free introduction is offered online either using our own proprietary learning platform or via Skype. Thereafter lessons can be either face-to-face or online depending on your needs.

Book your free introductory lesson

Language learning tips

How to Order Food and Drinks in Spanish

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How to Order in Spanish

With over 10 million holidaymakers heading to Spain in August we’ve put together a guide on how to sound like a native when ordering food and drinks in the thousands of wonderful Spanish bars and restaurants. And if you’re heading off to one of the Spanish speaking countries in Latin America then while there are some differences you’ll be understood as well!

At the Bar

Drinks:

  • Una botella de agua: Water
  • Una botella de agua con gas: Sparkling water
  • Una botella de agua sin gas: Still water
  • Una cerveza: Beer (You won’t sound very natural if you order “cerveza” though so order one of the measures below!)
  • Una caña: Small glass of draft beer
  • Una mediana or Un tercio: A bottle beer (one-third of a litre)
  • Un botellín or un quinto: Small bottle of beer (one-fifth of a litre)
  • Un chupito: A shot of a spirit
  • Una copa: A glass. Could be una copa de vino tinto (glass of red wine) or typically if you go our for una copa you’re going out to have a mixed drink like a rum and coke
  • Un vaso: A glass but typically for a soft drink. e.g. un vaso de leche (a glass of milk)
  • Un vermu: vermouth
  • Gin-tonic: Gin and tonic!
  • Una clara: Shandy
  • Un vino (tinto/blanco/rosado): Wine (red/white/rose)
  • Seco: dry
  • Dulce: sweet
  • Afrutado: fruity
  • Un refresco: Fizzy drink
  • Un café (solo/con leche/cortado): Coffee (espresso/with milk/small with milk)
  • Un té: Tea
  • Un zumo de naranja: Orange juice
  • Un zumo de manzana: Apple juice
  • Un zumo de piña: Pineapple juice
  • Un tinto de verano: Wine with soda
  • Cava: Spanish sparkling wine like Champagne
  • Champán: Champagne
  • ¡Salud!: cheers!

 
Snacks/Tapas/Pinchos

  • Aceitunas: olives
  • Albóndigas: Meatballs
  • Almejas: clams
  • Atun: tuna
  • Bacalao: cod
  • Bacalao con tomate: Cod in tomato sauce
  • Bocadillo: sandwich (typically from a baguette)
  • Boquerones: fresh anchovies
  • Boquerones fritos: deep-fried anchovies
  • Calamares fritos or calamares a la romana: fried squid rings
  • Caracoles: snails
  • Cazon en adobo: marinated white fish
  • Champiñones: mushrooms
  • Charcuteria: mixed cured meats
  • Chipirones: fried squid
  • Chorizo: spicy cured sausage
  • Chorizo al vino: Chorizo in wine
  • Croquetas de…: croquettes with… typically ham or tuna
  • Empanadas: small pies stuffed with meat or seafood
  • Ensalada: salad
  • Ensalada Rusa: Russian salad
  • Espinacas: spinach
  • Flauta: sandwich made from thin baguette
  • Gambas (al ajillo, a la plancha): prawns (with garlic, fried/grilled)
  • Gambas pil-pil: prawns with garlic and chile
  • Gazpacho: cold vegetable soup with tomatoes, garlic, cucumbers and more
  • Guiso: stew
  • Jamón serrano: dry-cured ham
  • Jamón iberico: more expensive high quality ham from Iberian pigs
  • Lomo: pork loin
  • Mejillones: mussels
  • Montadito: small bocadillo
  • Pan: bread
  • Paella: rice dish typically with meat and/or seafood
  • Patatas bravas: fried potato with a spicy tomato sauce
  • Pepito: little sandwich
  • Pescaditos fritos: fried fish like whitebait
  • Pimientos: peppers
  • Pisto: mixed sautéed vegetables
  • Pulguita: half a bocadillo
  • Pulpo: octopus
  • Queso: cheese
  • Queso manchego: the most famous Spanish sheep cheese
  • Rabas: squid tentacles
  • Rabo de toro: oxtail stew
  • Revuelto: scrambled eggs.
  • Salchichon: sausage
  • Sandwich: sliced bread sandwich
  • Sardinas: fresh sardines
  • Setas: wild mushrooms
  • Tortilla (de jamon/queso): potato omelette (with ham/cheese)
  • Tostada (jamon/queso): Toasted sandwich (cheese/ham)

At the Restaurant

Before you sit down

  • Quiero reservar: I want to book/reserve…
  • ¿Puedo reservar…?: Can I book/reserve…?
  • ¿Para qué fecha?: For what date?
  • ¿Para qué hora?: For what time?
  • Es para hoy mismo: It’s for today
  • Es para mañana: It’s for tomorrow
  • Es para el viernes: It’s for Friday
  • Es para el día siete de agosto: It’s for the 7th of August
  • ¿A qué nombre está la reserva?: What name is the reservation booked under?
  • ¿Tiene una mesa para dos?: Do you have a table for two?
  • ¿Tiene reserva?: Do you have a reservation?
  • No tengo/tenemos reserva: – I/we haven’t booked

 
Once seated

  • Camarero: Waiter
  • La carta: Menu
  • ¿Nos trae …?: Will you bring us …?
  • ¿Me trae …?: Will you bring me …?
  • Quiero: I want
  • Quisiera: I would like
  • Para empezar: To start
  • La cuenta: The bill
  • ¿Nos trae la carta, por favor?: Can you bring us the menu please.
  • ¿Tienen algún plato vegetariano?: Do you have any vegetarian dishes?
  • ¿Qué nos recomienda?: What do you recommend?
  • ¿Cuál es el plato del día?: What is the dish of the day?
  • ¿Hay alguna especialidad de la casa?: Is there a house specialty?
  • ¿Puede recomendarnos algún plato típico de aquí?: Can you recommend a local dish?
  • ¿Van a tomar un aperitivo? Would you like an aperitif?
  • Para mí, no gracias: Not for me thanks
  • Sí, quiero….: Yes, I would like…
  • ¿Qué va a pedir?: What are you going to order?
  • ¿Qué va a comer?:What are you going to eat?
  • ¿Qué va a tomar?: What are you going to drink?
  • ¿Qué va a comer de postre?: What are you going to have for dessert?
  • ¿Cómo lo/la quiere?: How do you want it?
  • Punto: Rare
  • Medio punto: Medium rare
  • Hecha: Medium
  • Bien hecha: Well done
  • ¿Con qué lo/la quiere?: What do you want it with?

 
Typical Restaurant Dishes

  • A la plancha: grilled
  • El ajoblanco: Cold soup of bread, almonds and garlic
  • El arroz negro: Black rice dish coloured with cuttlefish ink
  • Asado/a: roast
  • La carne: meat
  • La chuleta: chop
  • Los camarones: shrimps
  • La carne guisada: stewed meat
  • Los chuletas de cerdo: Pork chops
  • El cocido: Chick pea stew with meat and vegetables
  • La ensalada mixta: mixed salad
  • La fabada Asturiana: hearty meat and bean stew
  • El filete: Fillet steak
  • Los filetes de pescado: fish fillets
  • Frito/a: fried
  • Las gambas: prawns
  • Las gamas al ajillo: prawns in garlic
  • La Langosta: Lobster
  • Las legumbres mixtas: mixed vegetables
  • El marmitako: Basque dish of onion, green peppers and tomatoes
  • La merluza: Hake
  • Las papas fritas:chips/sauté potatoes
  • El pescado: fish
  • El Pisto: Tomatoes, onions, courgettes and peppers similar to ratatouille
  • El pollo: Chicken
  • El cerdo: Pork
  • Los filetes de pollo: Chicken cutlets
  • El pollo asado: roast chicken
  • El pollo al ajillo: Chicken with garlic
  • El puré de patata: mashed potatoes
  • El Salmorejo: Thick cold soup of bread, tomato, olive oil and garlic from Andalusia
  • La sopa de verduras: vegetable soup
  • El solomillo: Sirloin steak
  • La ternera: veal
  • Las chuletas de ternera: Veal chops

 

Postres
  • El flan: crème caramel
  • El queso: cheese
  • La fruta del tiempo: seasonal fruit
  • El pastel: Cake
  • El helado: Ice cream

 

Italian Cafe and Restaurant Survival Guide

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For all those heading off to Italy this summer we’ve put together a useful guide to Italian food terms and how to order in cafes and restaurants.

At the Bar

And we’re talking about a coffee bar here not a bar like in the UK! You’ll find bars all over Italian towns and cities typically on corners.

Drinks:

  • Caffè: This means coffee. But if you order this you’ll get an espresso. 
  • Caffè macchiato: An espresso “stained” with milk. Hot foamy milk on top of espresso.
  • Caffè Americano: An espresso with hot water added and much like a typical filter coffee in the UK.
  • Caffè latte: An espresso with hot milk added but not frothy like a Cappuccino. You need to order a caffè latte and not just latte or you’ll end up with glass of hot milk!
  • Cappuccino: Espresso and hot milk and frothed.
  • Caffè corretto: The literal translation is “corrected coffee” and it’s an espresso with a shot of alcohol such as sambuca, cognac or grappa.
  • Caffè shakerato: Espresso mixed with ice and sugar and shaken to froth. Great for hot summer days.
  • Caffè con panna: Like a macchiato but sweeter and topped with whipped cream.
  • Caffè lungo: Like an Americano but stronger.

Snacks:

  • Un cornetto/una brioche: Italian style pastry/croissant
  • Un panino: A sandwich
  • Una focaccia: Toasted sandwich made with white pizza dough
  • Un ventaglio: Pastry in the shape of a fan
  • Un ciambellone: Plain or chocolate cake in the shape of a ring
  • Un bruschetta: Toasted bread with various toppings
  • Un crostino:  A smaller version of bruschetta
  • Un tramezzino: Soft white bread sandwich in a triangle shape typically from Rome and Venice
  • Una crostata: Jam, fruit or cream tart
  • Una pizzetta: Small pizza
  • Un toast: A toasted sandwich
  • Una piadina: Flatbread from the Emilia Romagna region

3 Golden Rules of Ordering and Drinking Coffee!

  1. Italian will only order milky coffees in the morning typically up to 11am. Order after this time and you’ll get some strange looks from the barista!
  2. Double Trouble! You can order a double espresso (caffè doppio) if you want and you’ll be understood, but it is not an Italian habit. Order a single and top up at the next bar in a hour or so!
  3. No sitting! Typically Italians will stand at the bar (al banco) and drink their coffee rather than sitting down.

At the Restaurant

Before you sit down

  • I would like to book a table for  (number of people) at (time).
  • Vorrei prenotare un tavolo per (numero di persone) per le (ora).
  • Do you offer vegetarian food?
  • Avete piatti vegetariani?
  • Do you accept credit cards?
  • Accettate carte di credito?
  • A table for  (number of people), please.
  • Un tavolo per (numero di persone). e.g. un tavolo per due
 
Ordering food and drinks
 
  • May I see the menu, please?
  • Mi porta il menù?
  • Do you have a (set) menu?
  • c’è un menù (fisso)? 
  • Excuse me. We would like to order, please.
  • Scusi. Vorremmo ordinare.
  • What can you recommend?
  • Cosa mi può raccomandare?
  • What is the daily special?
  • Qual è la specialità del giorno 
  • Is there a local specialty?
  • C’è una specialità locale?
  • What is the soup of the day?
  • Qual è la zuppa del giorno?
  • I am allergic to __. Does this contain __?
  • Sono allergico a _. C’è _ in questo piatto?
  • I’m a vegetarian.
  • Sono vegetariano/a
  • Appetizer
  • Antipasto 
  • First course
  • Primo
  • Second or main course
  • Secondo 
  • Cheese course
  • Formaggi 
  • Dessert
  • Dolci 
  • May I have …?
  • Vorrei … 
  • Is the sauce spicy?
  • La salsa è piccante?
  • I’d like a beer.
  • Vorrei una birra. 
  • I’d like a glass of red wine.
  • Vorrei una bichiere di vino rosso.
  • I’d like some water.
  • Vorrei dell’aqua.
A few phrases that a waiter might ask your:
 
  • Would you like to order some drinks to start with?
  • Vuole iniziare ad ordinare da bere?
  • What would you like to order?
  • Cosa vorrebbe ordinare?
  • Would you like to order?
  • Cosa desidera ordinare?
     
  • What would you like?
  • Cosa desidera?
  • What would you like to eat?
  • Cosa desidera mangiare?
  • Have you decided already?
  • Has già deciso?

And a few ways you might like to respond to the waiter:

  • Yes, please
  • Sì, prego
  • One moment, please.
  • Un momento, per favore
  • I don’t know yet.
  • No lo so ancora

Before you leave:

 
  • The bill, please.
  • Il conto, per favore
  • Can we have the bill?
  • possiamo avere il conto? 
  • I would like to pay, please.
  • Vorrei pagare, per favore.

And lots of food vocabulary…

Acciughe: Anchovies

Agnello: Lamb

Anitra: Duck

Antipasto misto: Mixed appetizers

Aragosta: Lobster

Arancia: Orange

Asparagi: Asparagus

Bistecca: Steak

Brodo: Broth

Burro: Butter

Calamari: Squid

Carciofi: Artichokes

Caroti: Carrots

Carne: Meat

Cavolfiori: Cauliflower

Ceci: Chick peas

Cervo: Venison

Ciliege: Cherries

Coniglio: Rabbit

Crema inglese: Custard

Fagiano: Pheasant

Fichi: Figs

Finocchio: Fennel

Fragole: Strawberries

Frittata: Omelette

Frutti di mare: Shellfish

Fungi: Mushrooms

Grancho: Crab

Grasso: Fat

Lattuga: Lettuce

Lenticchi: Lentles

Lumache: Snails

Macedonia (di frutta): Fresh fruit salad

Mandorla: Almonds

Manzo: Beef

Mela: Apple

Melanzana: Eggplant

Olio di olive: Olive oil

Ostriche: Oysters

Pancetta: Bacon

Patate: Potatoes

Pepe nero: Black pepper

Pepe rosso: Hot red peppers

Peperoni: Peppers

Pesche: Fish

Piselli: Peas

Polipo: Octopus

Pollo: Chicken

Prociutto cotto: Cooked ham

Prociutto crudo: Cured ham

Quaglia: Quail

Riso: Rice

Sale: Salt

Salsiccia: Sausage

Salsa/Sugo: Sauce

Sformato: Pie

Tacchino: Turkey

Tartufi: Truffles

Tonno: Tuna

Uova: Egg

Verdura: Vegetable

Vitello: Veal

Vongole: Clams

Zuppa: Soup

 

 

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HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST WAY FOR YOU

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Just a couple of decades ago, if you decided to start learning a language as an adult your choices on how to go about it were uncomplicated and limited. In today’s world your learning options have increased and diversified beyond recognition. Having more choice also means having to make decisions about which one is the best for you. In this article we explore your possibilities and how to choose the route that suits you as a learner.
Evidently, there is not one unique option which fits all learners. The best way to learn depends very much on your natural disposition as a learner, your learning goals, your budget and your time constraints.
In the pre-internet days, learning a language would generally mean joining an evening class. This is still the number one choice for lots of learners, who prefer to learn in a social environment surrounded by a familiar classroom setting.
The obvious advantage of learning in a group is the interaction among students. Interacting with other learners creates somehow realistic scenarios in which to practise a second language in a fun way.
The main drawback of learning with others is having to share the tutor’s attention. Teachers must help all students, which in turn might mean you have to go at a slower pace than you could actually go or on the contrary, slow down your pace to match the majority’s.
In order to make good progress when you study in a group environment is to do your homework religiously as this will definitely support the learning you do in the classroom.
For those who have the means and prefer to have a teacher all for themselves choosing private tuition has always been an excellent option. The obvious shortcoming of this choice is that by having the exclusive attention of your tutor, you must forgo the social aspect you would have enjoyed in a group environment.
Face to face private tuition suits more those who like to have the luxury of having lessons designed to their goals and learning style. In order to complement the lack of social interaction, students can join a meet up group in their second language or enjoy online chats and forums.
The benefits students get out of having private tuition are considerable and for some learners, being able to enjoy tailor-made lessons tops the social side of language learning in a group.
Both group and private tuition centre on having a tutor to guide learners, but some students completely forgo the role of a tutor and guide themselves independently. Using self-teaching courses has always been a very popular choice. It’s affordable and accessible at any time and place.
Self-teaching courses are the right option if you just wish to get to grips with the very basics. Old self-teach courses have evolved into software apps available on your phone, computer or tablet. There are literally hundreds of applications which help you learn a wide range of languages. One of the great improvements on their self-teach “grandparents” is the voice recognition feature, enabling students to be corrected when making mistakes.
When you are really serious about acquiring a second language to a mastery level, using apps or traditional self-teach courses exclusively is not going to cut it. Despite their claims, it is very unlikely that you will become a fluent speaker but they are a good place to start if you do not have access to private or group lessons.
In the last twenty year or so, the advent of the internet era has deeply changed the face of language learning. The basic teaching and learning methods might have remained almost untouched, but the variety of media and access to almost an infinite amount of data has developed the way we see language acquisition today.
Using face time or skype to have a lesson with your tutor might have seemed like something out of Star Trek only a few years ago, but it is now the chosen method for lots of students around the world. Online learning offers a few advantages over face to face learning. Some of its best features are its flexibility in terms of time and location, the ability to record lessons, the use of interactive whiteboards and having immediate access to the internet.
Online learning is ideal for students who live in remote areas, are technologically minded or have severe time constraints. Preferably, it should be complemented with some face to face interaction either in a group or an individual environment to practise some more realistic day to day situations.
Our advice is to not stick to just one of these option. The best thing about all these varied and different ways is that you don’t have to choose just one. Now more than ever before, students can pick and mix methods and resources to have a well- rounded learning experience. For instance, group or individual lessons can be complemented by applications to help you consolidate learning vocabulary, such as flashcards games or Duolingo. Knowledge acquired through face to face lessons can be also reinforced by having extra online lessons. Mix and keep it challenging to motivate your learning.
There has never been a better time to learn a language.
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FIND OUT YOUR LEVEL

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Whether you are studying in a group, privately or by yourself is always a good idea to see where you are at every so often. Moreover, if you need to describe your level to apply for uni abroad or a job where your language skills will be taken into account, giving a good idea of what you are able to do in your second language is crucial.
The below table is based on The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages or CEFR. The framework is a self-assessment grid. By choosing what “can do” statements apply to you, you will find out what level you are at. The CEFR was put together by the Council of Europe to standardise levels of language learning in different European countries and it’s now widely used throughout Europe.
There are six levels described below: A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2
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GET YOURSELF MOTIVATED

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7:30am February 2005. A thick, white sheet of snow had covered the heath overnight. Despite wearing skiing gloves, I could still feel the cold numbing my fingers. Had anyone looked from above, they would have seen a black dot going round the field, then entering the adjacent park and coming out again seemingly going nowhere.
With only a few weeks to go before running my first marathon I was completing the 13 miles scheduled for that snowy winter’s day. No icy roads or minus temperatures were going to stop me. My friends thought I was mad. I thought I was mad.
In some ways, learning a language is not much different to training for a marathon. Both are full of ups and downs, happy times hanging out with other people and solitary times spent by yourself. The two require great doses of persistence, determination, patience and effort. Above all, you need a constant supply of motivation, i.e. the wish to continue doing what you are doing. No matter how good your teacher is or how inspiring your books are, ultimately, you are the only one with the power to motivate yourself.
Typically, when learning languages students will unavoidably hit plateaus every so often.  The trick is to persist and keep going against our instincts to quit. Once you come out the other side, you will have made progress and achieved a new goal. Learning another language is undoubtedly challenging and cannot be achieved without making any effort. When students are motivated, the effort needed to make progress will be most welcome as a way to become better. As you do with running, when you think you cannot run any longer, run a bit more.
In the following list we have gathered some helpful advice to keep you motivated throughout your language learning. Pick and choose the points that are useful to you at this moment in your learning. Whenever you feel like giving up try to remember what make you start learning in the first place. Focus on the outcome and keep learning. There is no other feeling like getting to the finish line.
WRITE YOUR GOALS
Having a clear idea and being very specific of what you want to achieve is vital. So, whether is going from one level to the next one, or reading a particular book in its original language, or speak about a certain subject, you need to specify it and focus on it.
SET THE BAR HIGH
You must be realistic when setting your goals but do not settle for second best. Raise the bar as high as you can at all times. Do not drift or coast.  Make every single thing you do count. Unconsciously, we tend to increase our efforts when our goals are more difficult.
VISUALISE SUCCESS
Focus on the successful outcome realistically. This means that you must understand that in order to achieve success, you must make an effort. Success is not just something that happens to you, you must make it happen.
PLAN AHEAD
In order to achieve a successful outcome, whatever your goal might be, you must have some very clear cut plans, predict what obstacles you are going to find on the way and how you are going to overcome them. Having a schedule and sticking to it is a great way to succeed at your learning.

BASIC GRAMMAR GLOSSARY

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Grammar terminology can be a bit overwhelming when students first start learning a new language. Whether you are a grammar novice or just need a bit of refreshing your memory, we have put together the following short list to help you to understand some of the terms used in the language learning environment.
(1) NOUN
A word that refers to a person, thing, place, concept, event or idea.
New York is very cosmopolitan
Peter works hard
(2) PRONOUN
A word that can be used in place of a noun to avoid repetition.
Peter works in New York → He works in New York
(3) VERB
A word that expresses an action or state. All sentences must contain one.
New York is very cosmopolitan
Peter works in New York
(4) ADJECTIVE
A word that describes a noun. It can describe colour, size, shape, etc.
New York is very cosmopolitan
(5) ADVERB
A word that modifies or describes a verb.
The train travels quickly
(6) INFINITIVE
The verb when it is not conjugated. In English infinitives are accompanied by ‘to’ and this is the form you will find in the dictionary, rather than the conjugated verb.
To be or not to be
(5) ARTICLE
A word that goes with nouns.
There are two kinds:
(a) Definite articles refer to something specific or known.
New York is the city where Peter works
(b) Indefinite articles refer to something non-specific or unknown.
New York is a city in the United States
(6) PREPOSITION
A word used to link other words. It can mean different things like direction, location, time, etc. For example: in, on, at, for, by, between.
Peter works in New York

THE LANGUAGE STUDENTS’ GUIDE: THE SHY LEARNER

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If public speaking fills your sleep with nightmares, small talk terrifies you and presentations are your idea of hell fire, language learning probably does not make it to your bucket list of hobbies.
You probably consider yourself shy or maybe an introvert and spending time in a class trying to practise French with strangers is most likely not your idea of fun.
There seems to be some quite particular views on the link between different individual traits and language learning, especially concerning shy learners. Most of which, involve an identity overhaul nearing a complete personality transplant, including the “snap out of it” approach. My guess is that people holding these views have not taught many students, if any at all. Had they had the experience, they would know that is not the student who is in need to adapt to a certain method or teacher, but on the contrary the complete opposite is the solution.
Needless to say, there is absolutely nothing negative about anyone’s nature per se, and although collectively we might think about language learning as an activity better suited to extroverts, second language acquisition is not the exclusive realm of outgoing characters.
Being a timid person doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to forgo the brilliant experience of speaking a second language. In fact, there are some few vital features shy people usually share that could be invaluable when trying to grasp a second lingo.
Below find a few tips to get you started learning a new language whilst making the most out of your shy nature:

  • Shy students tend to be really good listeners. There is no better way of learning a language than listening carefully before you start producing any actual sentences yourself. According to various studies, including one by Harvard School of Education, it takes 15 to 20 times of hearing one word for your brain to retain it.

Moreover, just think about the way children learn. They are listening for about a year before they utter their first sounds. Take advantage of your natural predisposition to listen and become a master of a new language in your own time. Listen to the radio, music and podcasts in the target language. There are also lots of films available in different languages. The more you listen, the more you will be able to produce when you are ready.

  • Learning a language does not necessarily joining big group classes. Having one to one lessons gives you with your tutor’s full attention. Furthermore, the lessons will be tailor made, making the most out of your assets and learning style.

Choose a good, experienced tutor. Teachers should adapt to your learning style and preferences. Having a professional focused on your improvement will work wonders for your progress.

  • Join or make your own small group. Learn with some friends you feel comfortable with. It will add an extra dimension to your learning and you will have some fun in the process.

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  • Find a learning buddy. If you are still not ready to learn in group, big or small, look for a language exchange buddy. An informal relaxed meeting in coffee shop will take the pressure of the actual learning.

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  • Make the most out of online resources and apps. There have never been as many free online resources as there are now. Using voice recognition, you can even speak to your computer and be corrected. Although using these apps is not enough to learn a language in depth, it will get you started and give you the confidence to give the next step.&nbsp
  • Travel to another country. Some bilingual speakers have revealed how they acquire different personalities when they speak their different languages. Somehow, being in another country talking another language can feel disinhibiting and a lot of fun!
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  • The fact that you are not as impulsive as other learners, will ensure that you reflect more on language structures, internalise them better and in turn when you start producing the language you will be less likely to make mistakes.
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  • Reading and writing is a great way of memorizing new words and structures. Write a diary or make your own bullet journal in your target language.
  • Happy learning!

12 UNTRANSLATABLE WORDS WE SHOULD ADOPT IN ENGLISH

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One of my favourite words in English is moreish. The word moreish does not have an exact equivalent word in Spanish. We surely have the concept but this needs a long and winding clarification in Spanish that just kills the beauty of this word’s self -explanatory nature. It might look like a plain and unpretentious adjective, yet the concept contained within is deeply relatable and somewhat humorous. Whether in our language or someone else’s, finding the right word to express a feeling we lacked a word for is not short of discovering linguistic treasure.
Over the years, my brain has adopted several very English concepts which my native language did not provide for. Moreish of course being one. There are also other adjectives such as spooky or cheesy, verbs like chilling out or more complex expressions like “running around like a headless chicken”!
Language and culture inexorably influence each other. After all, words are created in order to identify and describe objects, animals and concepts that surround us.  And yet, languages have borrowed and still are borrowing words from one other. Take phrases and words we use in everyday English such as Wanderlust, or Déjà vu, or Schadenfreude. The ideas were definitely there, but English speakers were missing the actual word for them.
There is almost a magical element when you come across one of those elusive words and notions in faraway cultures and unfamiliar languages.  It feels like someone was reading your mind all along, yet that someone lives in a distant continent and speaks a language so very different to your own.
As far as I can see, the fact that we can identify wholeheartedly with words that come from different languages and cultures just goes to show that we, as human beings, might be more alike than we think.
The following list contains words which correspond to familiar concepts and new notions that we should definitely adopt:

  1. From Yiddish

TREPVERTER: A witty comeback you think of only when it’s too late to use.

  1. From Greek

MERAKI: Carrying out some activity, like cooking, with all your love and attention.

  1. From Japanese

TSUNDOKU: Buying a book and then leaving it somewhere unread.

  1. From Tulu

KARELU: The marks on your skin left when you wear something tight.

  1. From German

DRACHENFUTTER: The present a husband gives his wife when he has done something wrong

  1. From German

KABEL SALAT: “Cable salad”. A mess of tangled cables.

  1. From Gaelic

SGRIOB: The itchiness felt on the lips before taking a sip of whiskey

  1. From Urdu

NAZ: The feeling of knowing that you are loved unconditionally

  1. From Arabic

GURFA: The amount of water that can be held in one hand

  1. From Norwegian

FORELSKET: The feeling you experience when you start falling in love

  1. From Arabic

SAMAR: Partying until the small hours with your friends

  1. From Spanish

SOBREMESA: Spending time at the table chatting long after you have finished your meal
 
Resources: Lost in Translation by Ella Frances Sanders
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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SEPARATING THE MYTHS FROM THE FACTS OF SPANISH STEREOTYPES

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SPANIARDS ARE GENERALLY LOUD
FACT: We speak generally a couple of notches louder than inhabitants from other nations.loud

  1. ALL WOMEN LOOK LIKE PENELOPE CRUZ. ALL MEN LOOK LIKE ANTONIO BANDERAS

MYTH: Erm, nope. We don’t. Unfortunately. Spain is a melting pot of different cultures and ethnicities. Although the combo dark eyes/dark hair prevails, we have all kinds of wonderful varieties. Check out Elsa’s and Jesús’ blue peepers!
elsajesusnavas

SPANIARDS HAVE LATE DINNERS
FACT: Yes. This is true. In comparison with other countries, we tend to have supper from 10pm onwards. Our main meal is usually in the afternoon, at about 2pm, so most people do not get hungry again until 9 or 10. The weather along with different office hours plays an important role in this habit.
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WE WEAR MEXICAN HATS
MYTH: the clue is in the name

WE LOVE FOOTBALL
FACT: Football is by far the most popular sport in Spain. Hard core fans love, live and breath football.
spanishnationalteam
WE LIVE ON PAELLA AND SANGRIA
MYTH: Paella is typical from a specific area in Spain. It’s a time consuming dish to prepare and Spaniards usually cook it from time to time at the weekend in the summer. Sangría is considered a summer drink. When people go out to the bars normally have beer, wine or cocktails.

WE ARE HOSPITABLE AND FRIENDLY
FACT: Generally Spanish people are open and friendly. As a proud nation and lovers of everything Spanish, we will dine and wine you, show you around and open our doors very happily.
micasaessucasa

WE ALL RUN THE BULLS
MYTH: Running in front of bulls is an acquired taste. It is definitely done during certain celebrations and not just in Pamplona but most Spaniards prefer a safe, classic jog in the park.

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WE ARE PASSIONATE

  1. FACT: Maybe not everyone, but it’s undeniable that there’s a tendency to get overexcited quickly. Although from the outside it might look we are having a constant heated argument with each other, it is just our way of expressing ourselves

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WE TAKE A NAP EVERY AFTERNOON
MYTH/FACT: Traditionally, siesta, an afternoon nap, is common in Mediterranean countries. In the summer, the heat in the afternoon can be unbearable. Shops and offices are closed after lunch time so this time is used to have a break and digest the main meal of the day. Nowadays, this tradition is no longer common as office hours are changing and people lead busier lives. Only a few lucky ones can still carry on the tradition. Most of us enjoy siestas only in the summer time.

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