Also known as a Romance language Portuguese is one of the acknowledged languages originated from Latin. Spoken in Galicia and northern Portugal, Portuguese originated from Gallaeci, Lusitanians, Celtici, and Conii groups of people situated in the Iberian Peninsula some 2000 years ago. Presently, it is the official language in countries like Guinea Bissau, Mozambique, Angola, East Timor, Macau, Brazil, Portugal, and São Tomé and Príncipe. Even countries like Argentina, Bermuda, Japan, Luxembourg, Switzerland, South Africa, and United States are some of the countries with significant number of speakers. Astoundingly, Portuguese is the most spoken language in South America, with an anticipated number of 185 million speakers. This fact flabbergasted many people, especially to those who believed on Spanish holding the said title. Now, how easy is it to learn Portuguese? It is easy as learning Spanish. Why did I say so? Let’s find out.

Portuguese is closely related to Spanish, in general, since both Spanish and Portuguese came from one “source”—the Romance Language. Both languages have common similarities that learners will not find it complicated to acquire. Yet, the distinction of Portuguese makes it exceptional since much of its sounds retain the original Latin. Unlike French, Italian, and Spanish languages that took the liberty to somewhat change its diphthongs, Portuguese strongly preserved Latin’s familiarity. That is why in determining its characteristics, non-native speakers find Portuguese distinctive among other Romance Languages.

English speakers who decided to learn Portuguese will not find this language complicated to learn. With a present number of 205 to 230 million native speakers, Portuguese is ranked as the seventh among the world’s major languages. Categorized by UNESCO, Portuguese holds the title as the highest potential for growth as an international language in southern Africa and Southern America. Forty years from now, the estimated number of speakers will increase its population of 83 million, summed up to count as 335 million speakers on the same year. Isn’t it interesting?

So if you are hesitating to learn Portuguese beforehand, think again. Portuguese is relatively connected to English, since a large amount of English words came from Latin—the mother tongue of Portuguese itself. Its process of learning may perhaps take for longer time to acquire, yet this doesn’t take too much for a learner to get used to it. It is guaranteed to learners that learning Portuguese language is easy as it seemed to be.

English is the second most spoken language in the world and everyday, more people are learning it since it has become the world’s unofficial lingua franca.  Almost every corner of the globe, English is understood by many people but then not everyone speaks and understands the language.

English language learners from different parts of the world have engaged in various lessons and activities that could help them improve their English skills so that they can be at par with other people who want to speak English as a second or third language.  Learning English in language schools abroad (http://www.abroadlanguages.com/learn/english/test.asp), learning English at local language schools, learning English through online courses and more learning English methods and ways have sprung up like mushrooms just to feed the needs of the people who want to learn English and become fluent in it.

Technology has caught up with the buzz and now manufacturers of electronic devices have created gadgets that could help language learners become adept with English.  Fonix Speech, Inc., a company that specializes in embedded speech interfaces for mobile devices, processors, video games and handheld electronic products has announced that they will embed the Fonix VoiceIn voice recognition software on a new electronic dictionary device from Invetec Besta, the CD-875.

The Invetec Besta CD-875 is a highly efficient language learning electronic device sold to consumers who are learning English as a second language whether they are students or professionals.  The device has all the functions of a PDA matched with all the capabilities of an electronic dictionary.  The software by Fonix provides a highly accurate value added dynamic functionality to the device and allows the user to interact directly with the device to confirm correct pronunciation of English words, sentences and phrases in the language learning process.

By adding the Fonix VoiceIn technology to the CD-875, Invetec Besta was able to upgrade the functionality of the present electronic dictionary into a higher level of language learning.  The new feature of the device will allow users to directly and verbally compare and practice their pronunciation of phrases and words to a native pronunciation embedded in the dictionary software.  The user can select a word, phrase or sentence from the dictionary; listen to the example; and then say the word or phrase.  The Fonix VoiceIn software will analyze the user pronunciation and will report a performance core that confirms the pronunciation accuracy of the user.

The CD-875 is just the first of a series of new Invetec Besta language learning devices that could help English language learners to correctly learn English pronunciation of words, phrases and sentences.  With the release of this new device in the market, English language learners can enhance their speaking skills wherever they may go and whenever they feel like it.

What do you think about learning languages through electronic devices?  Share your insights with us!

In today’s times, learning another language is not just for extravagance purposes. Many learners endeavor to learn languages because this is a reckoned credential for employers. Companies from different progressing companies in Europe and America are seeking bilingual employees. So as an aspiring worker to work abroad, you would take these chances, wouldn’t you? And you will always prefer to take the best and most intensive way of learning foreign languages.

Now, If you want a certain method to learn your language without jeopardizing its curriculum, lessons, and the credibility of your learned language itself, then you are suggested to take the conventional but most effective method in learning languages enrolment to language schools.

According to Wisegeek, there are five details in helping learners to find the suitable language school. The lists below are the following:

• Credentials of the Staff

In choosing a language school, you must explore the teachers’ credibility in the language they are coaching in. Do they have international experiences in the language or languages they are teaching? Are they native speakers of your learned language or they have lived abroad? You must take note that teachers have the greatest factor in your learning process, it’s because normally they are the ones educating you. With this regard, you ought to take researches onto how credible they are. This is not being doubtful, but it’s better to be precautious than to waste your money for less.

• Class size

“The more, the merrier” may be fun for a language learning, but a small class is more comprehensive since the teacher can commune better to their students, compared to a large class which has the tendency to be limited with the teacher’s attention. As an aspiring learner, search the language school whose class is not larger than six to eight students.

• Teaching Resources

Aside from the books and modules the teachers prepare during the sessions, the school must provide students some technological resources like DVDs, tapes and CD-ROMs, high-tech computers, and many more. Most language schools have libraries where learners can get access to supplementary materials like books and magazines.

• Location

Of all the established language schools all around the world, choose the most accessible language school to you. If your option is a local language school just near your city, choose a language school to which you don’t need to travel back and forth for two hours or more. Mind you, you would definitely get discouraged with it and you would probably quit.

• Price

Today, you will rarely find quality language schools with very affordable rates. Since there are uncertified options some language schools contain, real schools are increasing their charges. Therefore, search for good language schools who offer discounts and promos on a certain time. Does the school offer packages? Do they include their learners’ board and lodging with an efficient fee?

Learning the English language will be a breeze if you have access to quality English language instruction and if you happen to choose a learning method which can assure you to learn the language quickly and effectively.  Learning languages abroad is one of the most trusted and reliable language learning methods since it allows you to be fully immersed in the language that you are learning and the culture of the place where it is spoken.  Learning the English language in the country of Malta is one of the quality languages we offer here at Abroad Languages and we can assure you that you will be enjoying your language learning experience!

Malta is a small and densely populated island republic composed of an archipelago of seven islands.  Three of its islands namely Malta Island, Gozo, and Comino are the ones which are populated.  It is located in Southern Europe in the eastern basin of the Mediterranean Sea.  The country has a seven thousand year history and all throughout is has been considered an important strategic location due to its position in the Mediterranean Sea.  Many ancient cultures have had Malta under their rule and have influenced the cultural and physical make up of what the country is today.

Malta has become a tourist destination owing to its cultural and historical heritage as well as its beaches and beautiful spots.  In Malta open spaces and green areas are quite rare but the location of the islands provides extreme natural beauty as well as magnificent waters and endless coastlines.  Malta has many interesting villages with a church in each of its centers, the churches serving as evidence of the devotion of the Maltese to the Roman Catholic religion which was introduced to the inhabitants in 60 AD during St. Paul’s shipwreck in one of the islands on his way to Rome.

Even though the country is rich with historical sites and traditions, it is also keeping pace with the world since it is also modern in many ways.  It has shopping centers, restaurants, theaters, schools, and activities which are at par with the latest in the world.

Malta is a member of the United Nations, the Commonwealth of Nations and the European Union.  The official languages of Malta are Maltese and English.  The English language is a legacy of British rule when the country was a British colony for more than a century.  Learning English in Malta will be an interesting and enlightening experience since the natives speak the English language which is a significant element for your language immersion.  You will have the opportunity to learn the language as you discover the beauty and history of the country and as you enjoy the company of the locals.

Learn English in Malta and be enthralled by one of the gems of the Mediterranean!

June has always been a much-awaited month to all men, especially to all the fathers all over the world. Why? Because June is the month to which Father’s Day is acknowledged. Though some countries celebrate Father’s Day on May, July, August, September, October, and November, still Father’s Day is the day to which fathers are honored by celebrating their paternity and roles as fathers in the society.

As persons who want to acknowledge Father’s Day this June 20th, you can think of numerous ways to recognize it. You could treat your Dad in his favorite restaurant, go fishing with him in his favorite lake, or just simply hand a letter to him that greets his day in a simple but exceptional way. In this regard, you could think of saying “Happy Father’s Day” in different languages. Here are the lists of different translations as follows.

Albanian: Gëzuar ditën e babait
Armenian: Բարի հայրերու օր:
Arabic: كل عيد أب وأنت بخير
Belarusian: Шчаслівы Дзень бацькі
Bulgarian: Честит Ден на бащата
Catalan: Feliç Dia
Chinese: 父亲节快乐
Croatian: Sretan Očev dan
Czech: Happy Den otců
Danish: Happy Fars dag
Dutch: De gelukkige Dag van Vaders
Finland: Hyvää Isänpäivää
French: Jour de pères heureux
German: Gl¨¹cklicher Vatertag
Greek: χρόνια πολλά
Hebrew: האב המאושר של היום
Hindi:हैप्पी पिता का दिवस
Hungarian: Boldog apák napját
Icelandic: Hamingjusamur faðirinn’s Day
Indonesian: Selamat hari ayah
Italian: Giorno di padri felice
Japanese: 幸せな父の日
Korean: 해피 아버지의 �
Latvian: Tēva diena
Persian: روز پدر مبارک
Polish: Wszystkiego najlepszego z okazji dnia ojca
Portuguese: Dia de pais feliz
Brazilian Portuguese: Feliz dia dos pais
European Portuguese: Feliz dia do pai
Romanian: Ziua Tatălui
Russian: Счастливый день отцов
Serbian: Срећан Очево дан
Slovak: Všetko najlepšie ku dňu otcov
Spanish: Feliz Dia del Padre
Swedish: Grattis på farsdagen
Tamil: Thanthaiyar Thina NalvaazhththukkaL
Turkish: Babalar günü kutlu olsun
Urdu: یوم والد مبارک

These variations are based on online translators, so if you find some of these words erroneous, feel free to comment or correct them. Likewise, if you know other languages prior to these mentioned, feel free to add up as well. We are aiming to reach the number of 50 languages, so just adjoin in your choice of language.

There is one universal truth: for learning a language there is no better way than to practice, study, speak … learn about the culture of the country whose language you are studying. So the best way to do all this is also to travel and to experience the whole process personally.

Studying is an important step in learning a language, but not the only one; nothing better to practice a language than get  into a real environment where the language is naturally connected as the vehicle to do everything  in our diary routine in a country that is not yours.

In our site www.aprenderidiomas.com there are so many choices about many courses that are offered in several countries and including various forms of accommodation.

However, there are also cheaper options that not everyone knows: for many people, the courses are very interesting but difficult to access for some reasons, for example, because the price of lodging. For others, the form of housing is simply crucial  for learning a language. These people try to find a place to stay by choosing to rent apartments or houses, which logically implies an additional search effort involving long time and sometimes does not imply any advantage economically, even quite the opposite.

For those who travelling is an economic problem that stands in the middle when it comes to learning a language, I suggest two practical solutions:

1 – You can choose to take an online course and practice the language you want without having to travel and being free to choose your schedule.

2 – Or, you can minimize travel expenses using free resources like CouchSurfing, or other hospitality services or hospex.

What is the CouchSurfing and how it works?

CouchSurfing is an online hospitality service, organized like an online social network that offers accommodation without exchange of money and under certain conditions. In some cases looking for a cultural exchange and socialization, others in exchange for social work or otherwise. By registering, members can locate contacts in areas where they would like to travel and have the option of staying in their sofas at their houses, and you can also accommodate other travellers from all over the world. More than one million travellers from everywhere move around the map using this service that offers free accommodation and assistance to the trippers.

If your economy was an excuse for not learning a language, what will be your excuse now?

Translators play a vital role to the field of language especially when its job description has something to do with deciphering or interpreting texts and voices from one language to another. Translators are highly recommended on speech presentations, pre-recorded speech in dubbing, translations on books and poetry, and many more. You see, being a translator has always been rewarding, especially when you are fluent to high-demand languages, yet this profit requires endeavors and a high fluency level in at least two different languages. Remarkable, isn’t it?

Most translators choose practice their fluency on their native tongue, since they likely have a higher degree of fluency both in its written and spoken language. Besides, it is good to make one fluent on his own language if he plans to become a translator. If there is one language a translator must get fluent to, it’s definitely his own language.

Now, how would a person become a translator? First, he or she has to decide what kind of language to translate from. If the person is a bilingual, this is an advantage. If not, he or she can start from the scratch. This may take a long way to run, but with full dedication and zeal in learning the longed language, learners can acquire the language in a shorter span of time. Simultaneously, most people require a language where there is a high demand and a high demand growth. As sited by Wisegeek as an example, “there may be tens of thousands of Mandarin translators, and only a small handful of Cherokee translators, it is still likely that it would be much easier to find work translating from Mandarin than Cherokee.” Yet, you can always choose to learn the language of your choice. It is indeed beneficial to learn those distinctive languages wherein you can decode it to your own language.

In translating another language, one must fully understand not just the choice of words used, but how these words are being used at all. For example, Good Morning in English is simply translated as Bonjour in French; therefore it is easy to understand due to its shortness and generality. But if the sentence is “May I know where is the library?” this is a bit different. If you know French, does the sentence “Puis-je savoir où est la bibliothèque?” correct and accurate? You judge.

Many translation jobs don’t necessarily require a degree; though there is a specialized degree to let your clients know a translator’s special skills. So if you are interested in this lucrative field, you can take these skills by starting to learn the art of translation. Besides, some organizations offer certification programs in specific fields of translation. This can be a fine credential to your advantage.

Almost everywhere in the world today you can hear people talking about learning foreign languages for various reasons.  A lot of people think that learning foreign languages is very beneficial not only for one’s travel and career reasons but also for educational and leisure purposes.

Language learning has gained popularity not only among adults but most of all among the young ones who believe that they can use their knowledge of languages in making their futures brighter.

People who are new to learning languages and those who would want to learn languages may be looking for tips in language learning which they can follow on their way to fluency in their target language.  The following can be very useful tips:

• Study the target language everyday.  If you are really interested in learning the language, set time for it every day even just for thirty minutes.  It is better to learn a language for half an hour each day than for three hours once a week.  If you can spend more than half an hour each day for language learning, try to break it up in two or three sessions to keep your from having an overloaded brain.
• Set your goals.  Setting goals is a great way in motivating yourself.  Knowing what you want and having the motivation to follow it will help you achieve your goal which is fluency in your target language.
• Go over each of your lessons several times, reviewing them regularly.  You can review your lessons either in the morning or evening and maybe several days later.  Give your mind some time to digest the material you are learning but you have to make sure that your time off in between periods are not too long or else you might forget the language you are trying to learn.  Better make sure that you already understand the contents of one lesson before you go on to the next.
• Have a solid foundation on the fundamentals of your target language.  You have to make sure that you are comfortable with the basics of the language before you move on to the advanced level.  It may require some time for you to get used to the orthography and pronunciation of the language yet it is essential that you learn the basic so that you will be able to move on to the next level with less difficulty.
• Spotlight your interests.  Once you are familiar with the basics of the language, focus on talking, writing, and reading about your interests in your target language.  If you use your target language in things and activities you are interested in, you may be able to learn it faster.
• Don’t worry about making mistakes.  For people who have just started learning languages it is normal to make mistakes however do not let mistakes hinder you from making progress.  Review your previous lessons if you think that you are making slow progress and just persevere in taking on new lessons.
• Have fun in learning your target language.  One of the secrets in achieving your goal in gaining fluency on your target language is to have fun learning it.  If you are enjoying learning your target language, you will be able to learn with ease and achieve what you want faster.
• Take your language skills to the next level. Improve your vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension skills either by studying your target language abroad and go through an immersion course; supplementing your skills with different tools such as audio and video CDs, language software, movies, books, magazines; and enrolling in a language exchange program online where you can learn from native language speakers and share knowledge with them.

Learning languages is a wonderful adventure you can take on any day.  Learn a language now and pave way for a better and new multilingual you!

A new initiative full of youthful spirit is born, it is called Flashmob.

What is the Flashmob?

Flashmob (anglicism that referred to a “spontaneous multitude” ) is an organized action in which a big group of people telematically agree (by cellphone and the Internet) and suddenly gather in a public place to do something unusual and then disperse quickly: always to entertain, socialize with people around the world and above all have a great time doing something really original. Sometimes the nature of this activity may change focusing into political or advertising goals for example (SmartMobs, absurdmobs, Happening, ‘Lip dub’ …).

One of the particularities of  the Flashmob is that does not need to have the support of the common mass media (TV, radio, newspapers…) to communicate,  coordinate or act together, because their main communication system works through the social networks (which we referred in the previous article) as Facebook, Twitter or MySpace.

Normal “ordinary” people spread messages  in their social networks and friends´ ones also, while these do the same to build a great chain of communication that is able to mobilize thousands of people from all countries (for example in the last Eurovision Song Contest this year 2010) via: Internet-connected devices, webs, forums, virtual communities, e-mail, blogs, chat, text messages, even mouth to mouth.

At first, the initiative came to focused local levels, however it has now become an international event completely.

Communicate with people all over the world to create a cultural, entertaining and original activities, besides being a good opportunity to learn languages and customs from other countries, offers a way to socialize with other communities with the main purpose of passing a good time in spite of all the critiques against a population severely prejudiced as virtual communities zombies.

So, if  you see by chance some strange behaviors among the pedestrians in your city (pillow fights, people who are “frozen” and do not move, others walking down the subway in their underwear all …) do not panic: Internet and social communities users from all countries take the streets ready to have fun.