foreign language Archives | Raptor Translations Magazine

19Nov

By Gareth SeagullNo Comments

Facts

12 completely extinct languages

Languages come and go, those languages that go are called extinct languages. Just like other species, languages can go extinct, sometimes, there is a revivalist movement centuries down the line, which saves it, and other times, not. So which languages are extinct? 12 extinct languages (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); 12. Breton We spoke about Breton in our previous article- 12 useless languages. In that article we talked about how in 2009, the UN reported that the language was officially considered one of the extinct languages. Breton was previously the most spoken language in Brittany, a Celtic language, spoken from the descendants of the Britons (a Celtic people who lived in present day Britain). This was up until it began to be overtak...

Names- Expert: We shouldn’t translate names

3Sep

By Gareth SeagullNo Comments

Facts

Names- Expert: We shouldn’t translate names

In this globalised world, it’s quite easy to find material in another language. Just last week, I read an article in Spanish. It was about the British Royal Family. However, when I read it, I was taken aback. Queen Elizabeth II wasn’t referred to as “Queen Elizabeth”. But as “Reina Isabel (II)”. The Spanish translation for Queen Elizabeth. Her son and grandson also had translated names. Instead of it being “Prince Charles” or “Prince William”. It was “Principe Carlos” and “Principe Guillermo”. This stunned me. As in English media, we never refer to “Rey Felipe” as “King Phillip”. Normally, just “King Felipe of Spain”. Nor his father “Rey Juan Carlos” as “King John Charles”. However, I sat and read an Italian article. On the same subject. However, the names were ...

What are the 5 most spoken languages in the world 2019?

27Aug

By Gareth SeagullNo Comments

Facts

What are the 5 most spoken languages in the world 2019?

We have talked often about languages. It is our passion. We have talked about what languages are best for translators. What translation students need to know. And more. However, a common question, and a hotly debated one at that. What are the 10 most spoken languages in the world? This is not as simple as it seems. Different sources say different things. There is also the question of “What do you mean by speakers?” Native speakers? Or all the speakers, native and non-native? These two approaches can deliver far different results as to the most spoken languages... Then, there’s a question of the boundary of language and dialect? When do you consider a dialect, a completely different language? This is not as cut and dry as it may seem. People have different opinions. Even experts have...

6Aug

By Gareth SeagullNo Comments

Uncategorized

6 great jobs for expert linguists…

Learning languages can be fun. But also useful. Other than just a translator, what other jobs can linguists get? There are plenty of jobs a language learner can get. Even usual jobs now require or advise that applicants speak at least one foreign language. Whether you speak Spanish or French to Catalan or Occitan, you can get great jobs. 1. Online Tutor This job was unheard of 10 years ago. If you know a foreign language and want to teach others. But don’t want to have to mark stacks of books. This job is for you! As an online Tutor, you can interact on a 1 on 1 or 1 on 2 basis. You can teach at your students pace without having to worry about the curriculum. You can do this relatively simply- set up a listing on something like EBay, Craigslist or set up your own w...

30Jul

By Gareth SeagullNo Comments

Learning Languages

6 best language aids?

Last week, I had the fortune to sit in on a secondary (high) school French lesson. In that lesson, a student asked the teacher what he could do at home to help his language skills. So what are the best language aids? The best online language aids are Duolingo; Quizlet and Memrise. The best language aids are your surroundings, Coffee Break Podcasts; City Speakeasy Review. 1) Duolingo For those who haven't heard of Duolingo. Duolingo is a free online learning platform- specifically catering to learning foreign languages. It also has a 'rewards' system- each time you log in and get a certain amount of XP. You get a reward. Each time you complete a section. You get a reward. It also has a friendly mascot nicknamed 'Duo' or 'the Duo bird' that is aimed at children- and to get the...

How long should it take you to learn a foreign language?

18Jun

By Gareth SeagullNo Comments

Uncategorized

How long should it take you to learn a foreign language?

Learning a foreign language is essential. Any budding future translator knows that the first step to becoming a translator. Is to well you know, learn the foreign language that you wish to be a translator for. One of the most common question people have before they begin is. How long will it take me to learn the foreign language? How long it will take you to learn a foreign language will be affected by a large number of factors. Such as: your native tongue, the languages you grew up around. How long you’d be willing to spend each day learning. But luckily for us, again the FSI has provided us with an infographic on how long it should take you to learn a language. *This was made concerning native English speakers **Unclassified languages are Celtic languages When ...