#linking verbs for advanced learners

[mylanguageclasses]

Linking Verbs in English

Linking verbs are an essential part of English grammar, yet they often go unnoticed. Unlike action verbs, which describe an action, linking verbs connect the subject of a sentence to a subject complement, which can be a noun, pronoun, or adjective that describes or identifies the subject. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the world of linking verbs, exploring their usage, common examples,…

[what-even-is-thiss]

Free or Cheap Spanish Learning Resources So You Can Run at Windmills in Fluent Spanish

I will update this list as I learn of any more useful ones. If you want general language learning resources check out this other post. This list is Spanish specific. Find lists for other specific languages here.

For the purposes of this list "free" means something that is either totally free or has a useful free tier. "Cheap" is a subscription under $10USD a month, a software license or lifetime membership purchase under $100USD, or a book under $30USD. If you want to suggest a resource for this list please suggest ones in that price range that are of decent quality and not AI generated.

WEBSITES

Dreaming Spanish - A website that is also a YouTube Channel. This is a comprehensible input site with videos about a variety of subjects with multiple hosts from multiple countries. It has content for learners from absolute beginner to lower advanced. It lets you sort videos by dialect, subject, length, etc. The free version has a lot of content. The paid version is $9 a month and has many more videos and allows you to track your listening hours. The website is in English but all videos are entirely in Spanish.

Lawless Spanish - A free website with resources to learn Spanish relating to grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary. The website also has worksheets, charts, an AI chatbot, and reviews of different learning resources. The website is in English.

Spanish Boom - A free website with beginner lessons and free readings with audio and visual aids. They're also associated with a service called Esidioma that provides paid courses with tutor help for around $23 and also sells books. Prices are in Euros but they also sell to people outside of Europe. The website is available in multiple languages.

studyspanish.com - A website with free verb drills and grammar lessons. It's commonly used by high school Spanish students. They also have a blog that hasn't updated in a while but there is an archive to read through. They have a paid tier with access to their podcasts, vocab lessons, and their Spanish learning app which is $10 a month or $120 for a lifetime membership. The website is in English.

Speaking Latino - A website marketed at Spanish teachers but it's in English and has guides to colloquial Spanish and slang in a lot of different countries and a free blog with tips on sounding like a local in different countries. It has a paid tier but that's mostly useful for Spanish teachers. They also sell slang dictionaries for various countries that are usually less than $10.

UT Austin Spanish Proficiency Exercises - A bunch of free grammar, vocab, and pronunciation guides for various tasks you should be able to do in Spanish at various levels from one of my alma maters, the University of Texas at Austin. It's got videos of people from different countries pronouncing things. The podcast links often don't work for some reason but the grammar, vocab, and video links should work fine. The website is in English.

SpanishDict - A free dictionary website and app with a search feature that also has curated vocabulary lists on various topics and articles. They have a paid tier at $13 a month with a writing coach and subscriber only curated lists and articles. Personally I don't think their paid tier is all that special but it's up to you. The website is in English.

BBC Bitesize Spanish - Bitesize is a free study resource for kids and is sorted by level. It has articles aimed at little kids as well as secondary school aged teens studying for their exams or planning to study abroad. The website is in English and available worldwide, not just in the UK.

YOUTUBE CHANNELS

Hola Spanish - A channel by a woman named Brenda from Argentina who makes videos about grammar, pronunciation, culture, media, and general Spanish tips for upper beginner to advanced learners. The channel is almost entirely in Spanish with occasional vocabulary words translated into English onscreen. There are subtitles in Spanish onscreen but sometimes they randomly disappear.

Butterfly Spanish - A channel with free lessons from beginner to lower intermediate. The host also makes videos about useful phrases and listening practice videos. The channel is mostly in English.

Spanish After Hours - A comprehensible input channel for beginner to intermediate learners with vlogs, history, Spanish tips, and news. The descriptions and video titles are in English but the videos are all in Spanish. The channel host is from Spain.

Easy Spanish - A channel part of the easy languages network that makes a combination of videos with useful phrases and terms for beginners and interviews on the street with locals. They have teams in both Barcelona and Mexico City and there are dual language subtitles in Spanish and English onscreen. The hosts also have a podcast for intermediate to advanced learners.

My Daily Spanish - A catchall channel that has lessons, discussions of grammar, culture topics, vlogs, vocabulary, and other various things. The host is from Spain and also makes a lot of YouTube shorts. She mostly speaks in Spanish but occasionally uses English or has English translations onscreen.

Spansh Boost with Martin and Spanish Boost with Mila - These channels are run by a couple from Argentina who also work as tutors on italki. They often appear on each other's channels and both have their own podcasts and vlogs and general content videos that they make discussing their lives, giving tips, and discussing culture. Mila also makes a lot of videos playing the sims.

Spanish Boost Gaming - Run by Martin from Spanish Boost, this is a lets play channel in clear and easy to understand Spanish. Subtitles are available in English and Spanish and a few other languages as well and it's an actual let's play channel. He plays a variety of video games, makes jokes, and says cuss words and everything.

Mextalki - A channel run by a couple of guys from Mexico city that has listening practice, podcasts, street interviews, and Mexican Spanish specific lessons. Some videos have dual language subtitles onscreen while others do not. The channel is majority in Spanish but in a few lesson videos or portions of videos they will speak in English a bit.

Espanol Con Juan - A channel that teaches Spanish in Spanish from upper beginner to upper intermediate. Juan has grammar lessons, vocabulary lessons, and videos about culture. He is from Spain and the channel is entirely in Spanish. He also has a podcast for more advanced learners.

READING PRACTICE

Vikidia - A wikipedia type website specifically made for kids. The articles are short and written in more simple easy to understand Spanish. The website is in Spanish and made for native speaker kids.

Spanish graded readers by Olly Richards - Spanish has short stories and dialogues for beginner and intermediate, books in easy Spanish on world war 1, world war 2, western philosophy, and climate change. There's also dialogue books specific to Mexican Spanish and Spanish used on social media. The books usually go from $5-$20 new depending on how old they are and whether or not you bought a digital copy. These are really easy to find at used bookstores for cheap though, especially in the US.

Conatilteg Digital - This is a mobile app that provides digital versions of the free textbooks for children provided by the Mexican Ministry of Education both historic and current. The link I provided is for iOS but the app is also available on android and the app is available in multiple countries and not just Mexico. The app is entirely in Spanish and categorized by grade from preschool to secondary school so it's a resource appropriate for all levels and may be enjoyable for any kids you know that are learning Spanish. You can also view their browser website here. (also entirely in Spanish)

Hola Que Pasa - A free website with news articles for learners from beginner to intermediate difficulty. They also provide audio and have the news articles available in podcast form. Every article has certain phrases highlighted that you can hover over and get and English translation of. The website is in a mix of English and Spanish.

Spanish in Levels - A world news website in Spanish for learners. The articles are separated into three different levels and the website is in a mix of English and Spanish. Each article also has audio.

PODCASTS

Spanish for False Beginners - An unscripted podcast about various topics hosted by a guy from the UK and a guy from Spain. The podcast is aimed at people who find beginner content to be boring but still find intermediate content to be too difficult. English is very rarely used.

Uforia/Univision - Uforia is a free app aimed at native speakers in the US and has Spanish language radio, music, and podcasts. Univision in general is also useful if you like American and international news and programming in Spanish.

Radio National de Espana - Another site for native speakers, this is Spanish National Radio. They have a variety of free podcasts and radio programs.

Spanish Obsessed - This is a series of lessons in podcast form for learners from absolute beginner to advanced.

Storylearning Spanish Podcast - This podcast tells different short stories in Spanish and is aimed at upper beginner to lower intermediate learners.

Radio Ambulante - A Spanish language podcast from NPR that's similar to something like This American Life that tells stories from around Latin America. Although it's aimed at native speakers, the language used is clear and understandable and transcripts are available. They're also aware that a lot of intermediate and advanced learners use them for listening practice and they have developed a free app that helps with comprehension and vocabulary when listening to their podcast.

SELF STUDY TEXTBOOKS

Madrigal's Magic Key to Spanish - A self study textbook written in the late 80s that still mostly holds up for beginner to upper beginner Spanish. A paperback edition of the textbook is about $25 and used copies and ebooks are also usually available wherever you like to buy books. It's also half off on Amazon pretty often.

Complete Spanish step-by-step by Mcgraw Hill - This is a complete version of the McGraw Hill budget option, the spanish step by step series that focuses on the most frequently used words and grammar. It's $25 new but the individual books in the series usually cost less than $10 and used versions and ebooks are available.

Complete Spanish Grammar from Mcgraw Hill - This is a workbook as well as a textbook that usually costs around $20. The complete Spanish all in one version of the book costs about $40. Used versions of these books can be difficult to find because people tend to write all over them but ebook versions are available. You can also find their beginner workbook for around $18.

Practical Spanish Grammar - This book is usually around $25 but because it's not a workbook it's fairly easy to find used copies. An advanced grammar textbook is also available.

SERIES FOR LEARNERS AND KIDS SHOWS

Destinos - This is a series of over 50 episodes of a telenovela made for Spanish learners. The plot revolves around a group of siblings searching around the world for their long lost half sibling they just learned that they had so the series includes a lot of different Spanish dialects.

Extra Spanish - A 13 episode sitcom made to show in Spanish classrooms that revolves around a group of friends in Spain and a student that just moved there.

Dora la Expladora - Yeah if you remember Dora the Explorer from your preschool days it also unsurprisingly exists in Spanish. You can watch clips and some full episodes on YouTube and buy full seasons for around $8 each on Amazon.

PBS Kids in Spanish - A few PBS Kids shows like Cyberchase and Daniel Tiger have been dubbed into Spanish. The link I've given goes to a place to buy them on Amazon Prime but if you go digging on their YouTube channel or the PBS Kids website you also might be able to find them for free. They don't always make it easy to find though.

Plaza Sésamo - The Spanish language localization of Sesame Street for Mexican audiences with its own unique characters. The YouTube channel has a huge amount of content on it and often has episodes streaming live.

[tenim123]

Power-Learning-kitgerman grammar Ebooks

Buy now If you're looking for eBooks to help you learn German grammar with a "power learning" approach, here are some excellent resources and methods to consider:1. Recommended eBooks for German Grammar"Hammer's German Grammar and Usage" by Martin DurrellA comprehensive and in-depth grammar guide suitable for advanced learners and those who want a deep understanding of German grammar."Essential German Grammar" by Martin Durrell & Katrin KohlA simplified version of Hammer's grammar, perfect for intermediate learners."Practice Makes Perfect: Complete German Grammar" by Ed SwickFocuses on practical exercises to reinforce grammar concepts."English Grammar for Students of German" by Cecile ZorachHelps English speakers understand German grammar by drawing comparisons with English."German Grammar Drills" by Ed SwickExcellent for focused practice through exercises and drills."Living Language: German, Complete Edition"Combines grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation in an all-in-one resource.2. Interactive and Power-Learning OptionsLook for interactive eBooks or apps like "FluentU" or "Babbel", which integrate grammar learning with real-world examples and quizzes.Use eBooks with audio supplements, such as the "Collins Easy Learning German Grammar & Practice", to reinforce auditory learning.3. Where to Find These eBooksAmazon KindleOffers a variety of German grammar eBooks. Search for titles and check reviews for suitability.Project GutenbergFree eBooks on grammar and other German language resources.Google Books or Apple BooksComprehensive sources with preview options.OverDrive or your local library's digital platform.4. Learning Tips for Power-LearningFocus on mastering the basics (e.g., cases, verb conjugations) before diving into advanced topics.Combine grammar study with active practice using resources like Duolingo or Tandem (language exchange).Supplement eBooks with YouTube channels like Learn German with Anja or Easy German.Would you like specific links or further recommendations for your level of proficiency?

buy now

[ddaome-kr]

🏃‍♂️Suffix -하다

click the read more for a more detailed explanation :) Here's the link to our instagram post!

When you learn Korean, you may come across the word “하다” a lot. However, you may find that sometimes it works as a verb by itself while others seem combined with other words. 

하다 is usually used as a verb, meaning “to do something”. 

나는 매일 운동을 한다. (I exercise every day.)

나는 어제 공부를 열심히 했다. (I studied very hard yesterday)

To translate more literally word-by-word, the sentences above would look a bit more like “I do exercise every day” or “I did study very hard yesterday”. 

However, you can also combine -하다 as a suffix to nouns to make various verbs and adjectives. Basically, -하다 can make nouns into something that has the quality of a verb, which can become a predicate.

Examples for -하다 verbs: 비행하다, 공부하다, 노래하다, 집중하다, 사랑하다

Examples for -하다 adjectives: 건강하다, 순수하다, 중요하다, 유용하다, 가난하다

(check the images above for each meaning and pronunciation!)

So what is the difference between a verb and an adjective in Korean? Well, adjectives, or 형용사, in Korean, aren’t very similar to adjectives in English, which usually refers to words used to describe nouns. In Korean, 형용사, or adjective describes the state or condition of the subject. If you check the meanings for the -하다 adjectives in the images above, you will notice most of them start with “to be”, which is the main difference between the verbs. 

A commonly known adjective would be “예쁘다”, which means “pretty” (to be pretty). While both can be conjugated and act as predicates in a sentence there are some key grammatical differences, which is why in Korean we differentiate these two parts of speech. For example, adjectives cannot combine with the word ending -ㄴ다 (present tense ending). 

Example:

나는 공부한다. (I study) (O)

나는 예쁘다 (I am pretty) (O) / 나는 예쁜다 (X)

-하다 not only combines with nouns but can also be combined with adverbs or onomatopoeic words, and sometimes other words as well. It even combines with certain dependent nouns too!

하다 as a verb also has many more meanings than just doing something, and it is an extremely versatile word. It can mean “to make” or “to dress/wear” in certain contexts, or could even refer to causation. It’s also used as another auxiliary/assistant verb (보조 동사), usually as the form -게 하다, which makes causatives(사동 표현). However, these are more advanced uses and aren’t the focus of this post, but perhaps in the future we can dive deeper into the various uses of the word “하다”.  

Additionally, if you are an advanced learner and know quite a lot about Korean grammar, you may be questioning whether -하다 itself is a suffix or -하- is the suffix while -다 should be seen as a simple ending (종결어미). After all, when you conjugate -하다 words like 공부하다 into 공부하니, 공부하여, you will find that -하- is the suffix adding the new meaning while -다 is just the ending for the base form.

According to 국립국어원(the National Institute of Korean language) -하- is the suffix that makes nouns into verbs while -다 is an ending, but sometimes dictionaries such as the 표준국어대사전 mark it as -하다 (the whole) as a suffix which can be a source of confusion. Since I didn’t want to explain too much about the grammar behind the conjugation of endings, I simply referred to the suffix as -하다 in this post. Of course, this distinction does not have much use for foreigners learning Korean but may be an interesting tidbit for advanced learners or native speakers who are interested in advanced grammar! 

Thank you for reading! Please leave a like and reblog if you enjoyed :)

[schooldekho91]

Master Prepositions: Exercises and Answers for Fluent English Usage

Introduction to Prepositions

In the realm of English grammar, prepositions play a crucial role in connecting words and phrases, thereby indicating relationships such as time, place, direction, and more. Mastering prepositions is not just about memorization but understanding their contextual usage. This comprehensive guide aims to equip learners with practical exercises and answers to enhance their proficiency in using prepositions effectively.

Understanding Prepositions

What Are Prepositions?

Prepositions are words that link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words within a sentence. They provide crucial information about the relationship between elements in context.

Types of Prepositions

1. Simple Prepositions

Simple prepositions are single words like in, on, at, to, by, for, with, and about.

2. Compound Prepositions

Compound prepositions consist of two or more words, functioning as a single unit to denote relationships. Examples include because of, in front of, and in spite of.

3. Phrase Prepositions

Phrase prepositions are groups of words that function as single prepositions, such as in addition to, on behalf of, and according to.

4. Participle Prepositions

Participle prepositions end in -ing and often describe how something happens or is done, like during, concerning, and excluding.

Usage of Prepositions

Time

Prepositions such as at, on, in, and during indicate when something happens. For instance, "She arrived at noon."

Place

Prepositions like in, on, at, and under specify where something is located. For example, "The book is on the shelf."

Direction

Prepositions of direction like to, towards, into, and through denote movement towards or away from a place. E.g., "He walked to the park."

Agent/Instrument

Prepositions such as by and with describe how something is done or the means used. For example, "The letter was written by John."

Common Errors with Prepositions

Understanding and avoiding common mistakes is crucial for mastering prepositions:

Misplacement: Incorrect use of prepositions can lead to misunderstandings, such as saying "interested for" instead of "interested in".

Overuse: Using prepositions unnecessarily can clutter sentences and confuse the reader.

Incorrect Choice: Choosing the wrong preposition can alter the meaning of a sentence, e.g., using "on" instead of "at" in time-related contexts.

Preposition Exercises with Answers

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

She is sitting _ the chair.

The cat is hiding _ the bed.

Answers:

on

under

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice Questions

She is going _ the store.

a) to

b) in

c) on

The keys are _ the table.

a) in

b) on

c) at

Answers:

a) to

b) on

Exercise 3: Match the Prepositions

Match the following phrases with suitable prepositions:

_ the morning

_ the car

Answers:

in

in

Advanced Usage and Tips

Idiomatic Expressions

Idiomatic expressions involving prepositions add depth and nuance to language. Examples include at a loss, in the nick of time, and on the verge of.

Phrasal Verbs

Understanding phrasal verbs, which combine verbs with prepositions or adverbs, enhances fluency. Examples include look up to, break down, and run out of.

Tips for Improving Preposition Usage

Read Regularly: Expose yourself to varied texts to observe prepositions in context.

Practice Daily: Incorporate preposition exercises into your daily study routine.

Use Visual Aids: Create flashcards or diagrams to reinforce preposition usage.

Enhance your grammar skills with our Preposition Exercise with Answers for Students. These exercises are designed to help students understand and use prepositions correctly through practical examples and fill-in-the-blank sentences. With included answers, students can easily check their work and focus on areas needing improvement. This resource is perfect for both classroom learning and self-study, making mastering prepositions easy and effective.

Conclusion

Mastering prepositions is pivotal for achieving fluency and accuracy in English. By familiarizing yourself with their types, usages, and common errors, you can navigate language more effectively. Practicing with exercises and understanding nuanced applications will further strengthen your command of prepositions.

Check our other Blogs :-

Master Prepositions: Exercises with Answers for Students

Boost Learning with Engaging GK Questions in Morning Assemblies

Effective Preposition Exercises for Students: Practice with Answers

[explainlearning]

Why Language Study Matters: Exploring Its Impact

In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to communicate effectively across cultures has become more important than ever. This is where language study comes in. It's not just about memorizing vocabulary or verb conjugations; it's about unlocking a gateway to new experiences, fostering deeper understanding, and boosting your cognitive abilities.

This article will delve into the multifaceted impact of language study and explore how it can enrich your life in surprising ways. Whether you're considering learning a new language for personal growth, professional advancement, or simply to broaden your horizons, understanding the benefits can be a powerful motivator.

Beyond Communication: The Advantages of Language Study

While communication is undoubtedly a core benefit of language study, it's just the tip of the iceberg. Here are some of the compelling reasons to embark on this enriching journey:

Enhanced Cognitive Abilities: Studies have shown that learning a new language can improve memory, increase attention span, and boost multitasking skills. It can even delay the onset of age-related cognitive decline.

Cultural Immersion: Language is intricately linked to culture. By studying a language, you gain a deeper understanding of the traditions, values, and perspectives of the people who speak it. This fosters empathy and appreciation for different cultures.

Improved Problem-Solving Skills: Language learning challenges you to think critically and creatively. You'll encounter new grammatical structures, unfamiliar vocabulary, and different ways of expressing ideas. This process hones your problem-solving skills and makes you a more resourceful learner.

Increased Travel Opportunities: Speaking the local language can significantly enhance your travel experiences. You can navigate unfamiliar places more confidently, connect with locals on a deeper level, and gain a more authentic understanding of the culture.

Boosted Employability: In today's globalized job market, multilingualism is a valuable asset. Employers seek individuals who can communicate effectively with international clients and colleagues. Language proficiency can open doors to exciting career opportunities.

Personal Growth and Confidence: Successfully mastering a new language is a rewarding accomplishment that instills a sense of pride and confidence. It demonstrates your dedication, perseverance, and intellectual curiosity – all qualities valued in various aspects of life.

Finding Your Tribe: The Importance of Community in Language Study

The journey of language learning can be challenging at times. However, having a supportive community by your side can significantly enhance your motivation and success.

Explain Learning, a platform dedicated to empowering online learners, recognizes the power of community. We offer a vibrant language study community where you can connect with fellow language enthusiasts, share experiences, and motivate each other.

Here are some of the ways Explain Learning fosters a supportive language learning environment:

Connect with Learners of All Levels: Our platform caters to learners of all levels, from beginners taking their first steps to experienced learners seeking to refine their fluency.

Find Language Partners: Connect with other learners who share your target language and interests. This allows you to practice conversation, improve language skills, and gain insights from native speakers.

Discussion Forums: Participate in discussion forums dedicated to specific languages. Here, you can ask questions, share challenges, and discuss cultural nuances with fellow learners and language experts.

Collaborative Learning Activities: Engage in collaborative learning activities like online language exchanges and group discussions. This provides a platform to practice speaking and listening skills in a real-world context.

Choosing Explain Learning for Your Language Learning Journey

Explain Learning is more than just a platform; it's a supportive community that empowers you to achieve your language learning goals. Here's why choosing Explain Learning is the right decision:

Comprehensive Learning Resources: We offer a vast array of learning resources, including interactive exercises, audio lessons, and video tutorials tailored to different learning styles.

Personalized Learning Plans: Our platform helps you create personalized learning plans that cater to your specific goals and pace.

Expert Guidance: Connect with experienced language tutors who can provide personalized feedback and address your specific learning needs.

Engaging and Interactive Environment: Our platform features interactive tools and gamified learning elements to keep you motivated and engaged throughout your learning journey.

Conclusion

Language study is an enriching investment in your personal and professional development. The benefits extend far beyond basic communication, encompassing cognitive growth, cultural immersion, and employability. Explain Learning provides the resources and community support you need to embark on this rewarding adventure. Join us today and unlock a world of possibilities through the power of language.

Know more https://explainlearning.com/blog/why-language-study-impact/

[maigamal]

Understanding the 14 Pronouns in Arabic

Arabic grammar has a rich and structured pronoun system that helps clarify who is speaking, being spoken to, or being spoken about. Unlike English, where pronouns are relatively simple, Arabic pronouns change based on gender and number. Learning the 14 pronouns in Arabic is essential for anyone studying the language, as they form the foundation of sentence construction.

Categories of Arabic Pronouns

Arabic pronouns fall into three main categories: first-person, second-person, and third-person. Each category includes singular, dual, and plural forms, with variations for masculine and feminine.

First-Person Pronouns (Speaking About Oneself)

أنا (Ana) - I: Used for both males and females in singular form.

نحن (Naḥnu) - We: Used for both males and females in plural form.

Second-Person Pronouns (Speaking to Someone)

أنتَ (Anta) - You: Used for a singular male.

أنتِ (Anti) - You: Used for a singular female.

أنتما (Antumā) - You two: Used for two people, regardless of gender.

أنتم (Antum) - You all: Used for a group of males or a mixed-gender group.

أنتنَّ (Antunna) - You all (feminine): Used when addressing a group of females.

Third-Person Pronouns (Speaking About Someone)

هو (Huwa) - He: Used for a singular male.

هي (Hiya) - She: Used for a singular female.

هما (Humā) - They two: Used for two people, regardless of gender.

هم (Hum) - They: Used for a group of males or a mixed-gender group.

هنَّ (Hunna) - They (feminine): Used when referring to a group of females.

Why These Pronouns Matter

Mastering these pronouns helps learners form basic and advanced sentences with ease. Arabic verbs and adjectives often change based on the pronoun, so knowing which pronoun to use is crucial for correct sentence structure.

For example, the verb for "wrote" (كَتَبَ) changes depending on the pronoun:

أنا كتبتُ (Ana katabtu) - I wrote

هو كتبَ (Huwa kataba) - He wrote

هي كتبتْ (Hiya katabat) - She wrote

هم كتبوا (Hum katabū) - They wrote

Tips for Learning Arabic Pronouns

Practice daily: Repeating pronouns in sentences will help reinforce them.

Listen to native speakers: Hearing how pronouns are used in conversations improves understanding.

Use flashcards: Writing each pronoun with example sentences can make memorization easier.

Engage in conversation: Speaking with native Arabic speakers or language partners will help in applying these pronouns naturally.

Final Thoughts

The 14 pronouns in Arabic are essential building blocks for anyone learning the language. They provide the foundation for constructing meaningful sentences and understanding how verbs and adjectives change in different contexts. With regular practice and exposure, these pronouns will become second nature in everyday communication.

[engrammonline]

Conquering the IELTS Advanced Speaking Test: Effective Methods and Practical Tips

The IELTS Advanced Speaking Test is a crucial component of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and plays a significant role in demonstrating your English proficiency. This part of the exam assesses your ability to communicate effectively in spoken English, which includes your fluency, coherence, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. If you’re aiming to excel in this challenging test, here are some proven techniques and tips to help you achieve a high score.

Understand the Test Format Familiarizing yourself with the test format is the first step towards excelling:

Part 1: The Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes) – This section involves answering general questions about yourself, your home, your interests, and other familiar topics. Part 2: The Long Turn (3-4 minutes) – You’ll receive a task card with a topic and have 1 minute to prepare. You must then speak for 1-2 minutes on the topic. Part 3: The Discussion (4-5 minutes) – This section involves a discussion with the examiner about more abstract issues related to the topic from Part 2. Understanding each part’s requirements will help you prepare more effectively.

Practice Regularly and Intentionally Regular practice is key to improvement:

Simulate Real Test Conditions: Practice speaking on a variety of topics within a set time limit to mimic test conditions. This helps build confidence and fluency. Record Yourself: Recording your responses allows you to listen critically and identify areas for improvement, such as pronunciation or grammar mistakes. Engage in Conversations: Practice speaking English with native speakers or advanced learners. Engaging in regular conversations helps enhance your fluency and comfort with the language.

Focus on Fluency and Coherence Fluency and coherence are crucial for a high score:

Speak Naturally: Aim to speak naturally and without hesitation. It’s okay to pause briefly to collect your thoughts, but avoid long pauses or fillers like “um” and “uh.” Organize Your Ideas: Structure your answers logically. Use linking words and phrases (e.g., “firstly,” “in addition,” “however”) to connect your ideas and make your responses coherent. Expand Your Answers: Provide detailed answers rather than simple yes/no responses. Elaborate on your thoughts and provide examples to support your statements.

Enhance Your Vocabulary A rich vocabulary can significantly boost your score:

Use a Range of Vocabulary: Employ a variety of words and phrases to demonstrate your language proficiency. Avoid repeating the same words or phrases. Learn Synonyms: Familiarize yourself with synonyms and their nuances to diversify your language. For example, instead of always using “good,” you could use “excellent,” “remarkable,” or “outstanding.” Practice Contextual Usage: Ensure you use vocabulary accurately and in the appropriate context. Misusing advanced vocabulary can negatively impact your score.

Perfect Your Grammar Accurate grammar usage is essential for a high score:

Review Grammar Rules: Brush up on complex sentence structures, verb tenses, and other grammatical aspects. Practice using them correctly in your speech. Avoid Common Mistakes: Pay attention to common grammatical errors, such as subject-verb agreement and incorrect use of articles. Practice minimizing these mistakes in your speech.

Improve Pronunciation Clear pronunciation enhances your intelligibility:

Practice Pronunciation: Work on your pronunciation by practicing challenging sounds, stress patterns, and intonation. Use online resources or language apps to assist with this. Listen and Imitate: Listen to native speakers and try to imitate their pronunciation and intonation. This helps you develop a more natural speaking style. Seek Feedback: Get feedback on your pronunciation from teachers or native speakers to identify areas for improvement.

Prepare for the Unexpected Being prepared for unexpected questions or topics can boost your confidence:

Practice Diverse Topics: Prepare for a range of topics, including those you might find challenging or unfamiliar. This helps you stay composed regardless of the topic. Develop Strategies: Learn strategies for handling unexpected questions, such as asking for clarification or taking a moment to think before responding.

Manage Test-Day Anxiety Staying calm and focused on test day is crucial:

Practice Relaxation Techniques: Techniques such as deep breathing or visualization can help manage anxiety and keep you calm. Arrive Early: Arriving early allows you to acclimate to the test environment and reduces stress. Conclusion Excelling in the IELTS Advanced Speaking Test requires a combination of understanding the test format, practicing regularly, and focusing on key areas like fluency, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. By implementing these proven techniques and tips, you can enhance your performance and approach the test with confidence. Remember, consistent practice and preparation are your best allies in achieving a high score.

[visulang]

How to Learn Spanish Faster With Visual Mnemonics

Learning Spanish can be an exciting and rewarding journey, especially when you leverage the power of mnemonics. Mnemonics are memory aids that can help you remember information more effectively by associating it with vivid and memorable cues. In the context of learning a language like Spanish, mnemonics can play a crucial role in enhancing vocabulary retention, grammar understanding, and overall language proficiency.

Introduction to Mnemonics and Language Learning

Mnemonics capitalize on the brain's natural ability to remember images, associations, and patterns. When applied to language learning, mnemonics can make the process more enjoyable and efficient. Let's delve into how you can use mnemonics specifically for mastering Spanish.

1. Vocabulary Building

One of the initial challenges in learning any language is expanding your vocabulary. Mnemonics offer a creative approach to memorizing new words. For instance, associate the Spanish word "zapato" (shoe) with a mental image of a zany shoe or imagine a pair of shoes zapping around. These visual associations make the learning experience more engaging and memorable.

2. Verb Conjugations Made Fun

Conjugating verbs can be a stumbling block for many language learners. Mnemonics provide a playful strategy to tackle this aspect of Spanish grammar. Take the verb "hablar" (to speak), for example. Visualize a person speaking while holding a giant "HABLA" banner. This mental image reinforces the correct conjugation and adds an element of fun to the process.

3. Grammar Rules Unveiled

Mnemonics can also assist in grasping and remembering grammatical rules. Consider the gender of nouns in Spanish, where some are masculine and others feminine. For "el árbol" (the tree), picture a masculine tree with a bow tie, and for "la mesa" (the table), imagine a feminine table adorned with a tiara. These imaginative associations simplify the task of remembering gender assignments.

4. Mnemonics in Conversation Practice

Applying mnemonics during conversations helps bridge the gap between individual word memorization and fluid communication. Create mental cues for common phrases and expressions, making it easier to recall them in real-time dialogue. Picture a scenario where you use these phrases, enhancing your ability to apply them naturally.

5. Cultural Connections

Mnemonics can extend beyond language fundamentals to incorporate cultural aspects. Associate certain words or phrases with cultural symbols, landmarks, or traditions. For instance, link the word "fiesta" (party) with a mental image of vibrant celebrations and dancing, connecting language learning with cultural richness.

Conclusion

Incorporating mnemonics into your Spanish learning journey transforms the process into a dynamic and imaginative experience. By creating vivid associations, you not only enhance your memory retention but also infuse an element of creativity and enjoyment into the language learning process. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, mnemonics offer a versatile and effective tool to unlock the richness of the Spanish language. Embrace the power of mnemonics, and watch your Spanish skills flourish in a way that is both memorable and enjoyable. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)

[ayseeeblogg]

Hello my followers.

I know it's been a long time. I came here to tell you about our experience. with my friend. Today, I prepared corpus based material with my friend Doğa. okay but what is it? Corpus-based material refers to linguistic resources derived from a corpus, which is a large and structured collection of texts or spoken language data. These materials are used in language learning, linguistic analysis, and various other linguistic studies. Students will acquire a deeper understanding of language usage in context, enhancing their comprehension of grammar rules, idiomatic expressions, and nuanced vocabulary. This material enables them to recognize how words and phrases function within specific contexts, promoting more natural and fluent language production.

The target audience for this material could vary from intermediate to advanced-level language learners, seeking to refine their language skills. The grammar focus might center on complex sentence structures, verb tenses, prepositions, or idiomatic expressions, while the vocabulary emphasis could include synonyms, collocations, or word usage nuances.

Implementing corpus-based material in a classroom might encounter some challenges. Firstly, the reliance on authentic texts might expose students to more complex language structures than they are accustomed to, potentially overwhelming some learners. Moreover, the volume and variety of data in corpora could be daunting to navigate, necessitating guidance to extract relevant information effectively. Additionally, the authenticity of the language might lead to exposure to slang, regional dialects, or outdated expressions, posing difficulties in understanding for some students.

Another potential issue is the time-consuming nature of searching and analyzing corpus data, which might hinder the pace of the classroom activities. Teachers might face challenges in striking a balance between engaging activities and efficient utilization of the corpus-based material. Additionally, if the material is not appropriately scaffolded or adapted to the students' proficiency levels, it could result in frustration or disengagement among learners.

Despite these challenges, integrating corpus-based material into the classroom provides valuable exposure to authentic language use, fostering a deeper grasp of grammar and vocabulary. Careful planning, scaffolding, and tailored activities can mitigate potential issues, allowing students to benefit significantly from this innovative approach to language learning

I shared my friend's blog link and the link of the material we made. I hope you like it.🤭

[meddwlyngymraeg]

I'm going to abuse this blog a bit this once, but it is related. They're getting rid of the Duolingo forum tomorrow, which is fairly shocking because there are too many good resources posted on there!

I'm trying to copy over some of them for reference, because there are things that maybe I'm not advanced enough to use right now, but I would like to be able to use once I'm a little more skilled at Welsh.

Copied below are all the resources, verbatim. (Some resources may be repeated because I'm just copying)

The two best, best resources for self-learning, apart from Duolingo itself, for visual learners, are the series of videos on pronunciation on youtube:- https://www.youtube.com/user/welshplus

and the Big Welsh Challenge course :- http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/learnwelsh/bigwelshchallenge/ (click on 'enter course', then 'skip introduction'), the section 'practice with tutor' is particularly useful, especially the male South Wales presenter, who is a well know, very funny Welsh actor. (Ignore the 'archive notice' and click on 'enter course', it works fine.)

The book that we have linked to in the Welsh course on Duolingo is here https://cls.byu.edu/welsh/BYU_Cwrs_Mynediad.html

Hard copies are available through all the usual book sellers.

For auditory learners 'Say something in Welsh' is very good and has a wide network of supporters in particular its popular Facebook group. https://www.saysomethingin.com/welsh/course1

Finally don't forget to join our Facebook group where further discussion takes place and the writers respond to queries. https://www.facebook.com/groups/welshduolingo/

Also here is a link to an fairly good article about mutations:- https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Welsh/Mutations#Soft_mutation

Here is a website which gives a daily crossword and also a range of 'her geirfa' vocabulary challenges:- http://www.happyhere.co.uk/

In addition for people not anywhere near a Welsh class, there are a number of people and places that offer online Skype lessons. Here is the link to the Skype courses of one of the Welsh centres in Wales:-http://www.coleggwent.ac.uk/welshcentre#.V1Zh_5PR-V5.

Below is the list of apps grouped into themes and in alphabetic order. Enjoy!

Complete courses:

Learn Cymraeg Mynediad Android, and iOS

Lovely free course for beginners, offers a variety of activities and contains plenty authentic audio recordings. A more advanced course from the same developer is available for purchase.

SSiWelsh Android and iOS

Say something in Welsh, a great Welsh course available from the website and via app. Users can choose between North/South Welsh pronunciation. The Challenges and Course 1 are for free and there’s more paid content. I highly recommend this app.

Grammar-specific:

Ap Treiglo Android and iOS

Another amazing app that teaches you how to use mutations properly. There is a list of words causing mutation, you can also look up grammar rules regarding prepositions, numbers, etc. Good to have it in your toolkit.

Welsh Number Whizz Android only

Welsh Number Whizz is an app designed to help you learn the traditional vigesimal number system. Could be useful especially for us Duolingers, as the Welsh course focuses on the decimal system.

Welsh Verb Blitz Android only

A fantastic tool to learn verbs and their conjugations. The app offers several mini-games to practice Welsh conjugation.

Vocabulary-specific

Anki Android and iOS, the iOS version is paid

I put Anki here as one of the two tools I know and use for flashcards. Anki is available both in a desktop and app version. There are a few big decks with Welsh flashcards, you can find them here: Dal Ati Android and iOS

For all those who have access to S4C this is a very useful app to learn vocabulary that is used in S4C programmes.

Dreigiau Dinas Emrys Android and iOS

I fell in love with this cute game from the first tap. Such a great idea to explain the legend of two dragons in Dinas Emrys and turn it into a Welsh learning app. Great music and sounds, try it out!

Gofalu Trwy’r Gymraeg Android and iOS

If you want to learn some medical Cymraeg, check out this one: nicely arranged topics with authentic recordings and English translations. Simple and intuitive, well worth taking a look.

Memrise Android and iOS

Many of you probably know Memrise, a popular website and app for learning languages and other subjects using flashcards. But do you know that there are many great decks (or courses, as they are called on Memrise) with Welsh vocabulary? Take a look here to see a list of Welsh flashcard courses on Memrise:

Vocab Game Welsh Cymraeg Geirfa Android only

Interesting vocabulary app for learning Welsh. 8,160 words structured in about 200 levels arranged by number of letters and alphabetic order. Each level contains about 20-25 words. The app is nicely designed and fun to play. Perhaps one downside is that many of these words are old or very specialised and I often have to look up the English translations to find out what something is. Nevertheless, you will surely get to know lots of vocab after completing all the levels, so give it a try.

Dictionaries

Ap Geiriaduron Android and iOS

A very nice Welsh-English and English-Welsh dictionary. Recognizes mutations, contains common phrases. And it works offline as well. A must-have.

GPC Geiriadur Prifysgol Android and iOSA monolingual dictionary of Welsh, less useful for beginners, but definitely something to have on your be-able-to-use wishlist. Great features: you can download the whole database to your memory card and there are language games.

Other:

Ap Beibl Android and iOS

This one is perhaps not for beginners, but it’s good to know about it for the future. Contains a number of different translations of the Bible into Welsh from different periods of history.

Ap Golwg Android and iOS

This app allows you to buy a digital edition of Lingo Newydd, a bi-monthly magazine for Welsh learners. Articles are colour-coded to mark difficulty and there are audio recordings of articles (which you wouldn’t get in the paper edition). You can either but a single issue for £1.49 or a subscription plan (Lingo Newydd costs £9.99 year). Ap Golwg also gives access to the Golwg360 website. It’s totally free and has a useful VOCAB button at the top that shows definitions of words in articles. You don’t need the app to access the website, but it’s nice to have a shortcut to news in Welsh on your mobile device.

Legends of the West Android only

Fabulous app about the history of Ceredigion and Wales. Contains text and recordings in Welsh and English.

There is a lot on the BBC Learn Welsh site, too - http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/learning/learnwelsh/ Much of the site is archived now but much of it still works. There is a downloadable grammar guide here - http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/learnwelsh/grammar/index.shtml - which you might find in book form, too, if it is still in print.

Dal Ati ('Stick At It') is a television programme on S4C for learners of Welsh. There is a Youtube channel for the programme here - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSnqXodFrOCxTH2VRAeXIVQ

The recently revised DysguCymraeg/LearnWelsh course books are available for free download in pdf form on their website. This Duolingo course covers approximately the same ground as the Mynediad and Sylfaen books, and a little of Canolradd.The course books are available here - https://learnwelsh.cymru/learning/curriculum-and-course-books/ or try https://parallel.cymru/amdani/ or https://learnwelsh.cymru/

If you hunt around http://www.ybont.org there are a lot of supporting materials for learners of all levels.

For an online dictionary, https://www.gweiadur.com is very good (free registration to use its full range of information).

For a smartphone app, the free Ap Geiriaduron is good.An authoritative English to Welsh dictionary is https://geiriaduracademi.org, although many of its examples of usage use more formal Welsh than is taught on introductory courses such as this Duolingo one.

The National Centre for Learning Welsh has a web site including many materials for learners. Look around https://learnwelsh.cymru for materials supporting the national Mynediad and Sylfaen courses for adults.

A few more apps which I have found good are: Tywydd which gives you the weather forecast in Welsh and teaches you weather related vocabulary.

Gwlad Gwlad which teaches you to sing and pronounce the National Anthem of Wales.

The Magi Ann children's books apps which allow you to tap to hear the words spoken in Welsh or tap to see the English translation.

S4C programmes available to view outside the UK: http://www.s4c.cymru/clic/Categories/99

Stories: For entry (mynediad) and foundation (sylfaen) level stories, go to the Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Amdani: Learn Welsh Festival of Reading (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNbPx7YxCU13oE6qCWs9hjP57ypKscCgR). The short stories are written for learners, and read by the authors, from the books 'Agor y Drws' (entry) and 'Ffenest' (Foundation). I was able to buy both books online from my local, Welsh bookshop in Llanrwst (https://www.bysabawd.cymru/en/products/books/welsh-books?search=cyfres%20amdani) and find it is really helpful to hear the author read the story out loud while reading the book myself.

The Dysgu Cymraeg course: https://dysgucymraeg.cymru/dysgu/cwricwlwm-a-chwrslyfrau/ Textbooks and mp3s. Is really good.

[spanishskulduggery]

hi! do you know any good resources for advanced level spanish learners? i’m not sure what to search to find stuff to learn that is new to me (in terms of grammar, for example).

My go-to resources are either Hispanoteca and Fundeu

Hispanoteca

Fundeu

Hispanoteca has a lot of resources on various grammatical concepts and lists sources (all of it is in Spanish), but it has good tables for irregular verbs, I consult it on superfluous dative a lot

The rest of the website itself is more geared towards German speakers learning Spanish, but still useful for the grammar section (or if you happen to know German)

And Fundeu is a branch of the RAE [Real Academia Española] that I find useful for looking up different terms and grammar concepts. The RAE website has that too, but I find the RAE is sometimes more Spain-centric

The Fundeu part I linked has many types of questions related to grammar, spelling, vocabulary or special subsets of words, etc.

...I also like the RAE for their dudas rápidas because I usually find answers to minor questions that have bothered me for years. But the RAE’s main page has search bars for words and different questions

And for questions in general, I love the forum at www.wordreference.com

I find it helpful to see what people are actually saying in different countries rather than just one online source, and sometimes it’s a grammar question or a vocabulary question

[loveletter2you]

hi! sorry if someone has asked this before, but do you have any resources on learning greek?

hi! sure!

textbooks

dropbox folder with 4 Greek textbooks (actually there’s 5 but one of them is Ancient Greek so you can ignore that)

Routledge Modern Greek Reader —  greek reading practice for a variety of levels

courses

FSI Greek (honestly im not a super huge fan of the FSI courses because I feel like they’re not very current but i know a lot of people find them helpful! anyway there’s like 75 audio lessons here)

Memrise Greek courses

Learn Greek from kypros.org, they have beginner to advanced courses

other resources

Lexilogos — Modern Greek dictionary

bab.la — Another Greek-English dictionary

Wordreference — Another Greek-English dictionary (my personal favorite, I haven’t used it for Greek personally but I use it for French a lot)

Cooljugator ; Verbix —2 different sites to choose from but they’re both for verb conjugations

Greek keyboard from typeit.org

Easy Greek Stories —podcast for intermediate learners, i linked to spotify but you can also listen on other podcast sites

Language Transfer Greek — series of 120 podcasts about 10 minutes long each

Peppa Pig in Greek on youtube

Easy Greek also on youtube, part of the “Easy Languages” youtube channels

GreekPod101 Youtube channel

Ask Greek — forum for Greek learners to ask questions

Website with a bunch of free Greek books

National Library of Greece (would be good for reading practice)

Some news sites for you (for reading practice): Kathimerini, Efsyn, LiFo

hope these help! 

[theanimeview]

NOTES: Japanese 101 - Introduction

By: Peggy Sue Wood | @pswediting

When I was telling people about taking Japanese, I was surprised at how many people said they’d like to learn but were too afraid because it looks hard. While it’s not easy, per se, it’s not something to be afraid of--so, since our blog is all about learning more and diving into the culture of what we love, I thought sharing my notes from learning Japanese.

It may be beneficial to those interested. Disclaimer here: I’m not fluent nor am I an expert. I highly recommend looking into taking a Japanese course if you really want to learn advanced stuff. However, given my grades and experience living/conversing with a fluent Japanese speaker, I feel fairly confident sharing what I’ve learned so far. These are just notes with links to the resources I use to study and learn. Take from them what you will.

MATERIAL COVERED (in this post):

Introduction of the Genki 1, 3rd Ed., Textbook linked below. Pages 12 - 27.

TEXTBOOK:

Genki 1 Third Edition: An Integrated Course in Elementary Japanese 1 Textbook & Workbook Set

PLEASE NOTE: I may switch back and forth a bit between the second and third edition, particularly in Romaji (how the word is spelled in English lettering) spelling as the third edition changes how certain words are spelled. Both are correct, but one is newer than the other so if you see a word like “sensee” also spelled “sensei” in my post(s), try not to worry too much. The focus of Romaji, from how it has been explained to me, is to best imitate the sound of the word for English readers to understand the pronunciation.

Pages 12 - 19: GENKI

These pages (p. 12 - 19) cover what is in the textbook. The creators highlight how each lesson is framed, give a general overview of the layout, and other helpful explanations for how to understand the function of the sections. As you are not reading the textbook directly when looking at these notes, you don’t need to worry about them.

One item mentioned is Genki’s online resources for learners. Of which, I would recommend their phone apps. While it does cost money, I find it to be a much better resource for learning Japanese than Duolingo.

Pages 20 - 27: Japanese Writing System

Japanese uses three kinds of characters: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. There is, technically, a fourth writing system called Romaji (mentioned above). Hiragana and Katakana are like the base alphabet and are referred to as “Kana.” Each character of the Kana represents a sound. Hiragana has a roundish shape in writing, while Katakana takes a sharper form with straighter lines.

For example: Ken

Hiragana: けん

Katakana: ケン

Hiragana is used for conjugation endings, function words (like verbs), and native Japanese words that are not covered by Kanji. When put together, they form words but on their own, they don’t hold much meaning. A good video for learning Hiragana better can be found here.

Katakana is normally used for foreign words or names. It may also be used for onomatopoeic words (words that are spelled as they sound) in comics (manga) or for emphasis (much in the same way we may use italics). A good video for learning Katakana better can be found here.

Kanji are Chinese characters that represent sound and meaning, therefore they are typically used for nouns and as the stems of verbs and adjectives. A good video for learning some beginner Kanji can be found here.

Romaji is often used for station names, signs, and the like. It stands as a romanization (the representation of the pronunciation of languages using the Latin alphabet) of the Japanese language and is not traditionally used in writing.

Japanese has a pitch accent rather than a stress accent. This means that all syllables in Japanese are, basically, pronounced either in a high or low pitch and given the same amount of time per sound when talking. English, which is a stress accent, may lengthen a word or be spoken louder for emphasis, but in Japanese lengthening the word changes the meaning so instead accents are applied to provide emphasis.

Hiragana

Hiragana Kana:

(Image from: https://thejsubexperiment.tumblr.com/post/151916695484/genki-lesson-1-linguistic-perspective)

Looking at the images above, you may notice that some of the characters have diacritic marks above them, to the right. Typed, it looks like this: “べ” or “ぺ”

These marks paired with the characters change the sounds of the voiced consonant. K becomes G, S becomes Z, T becomes D, and H becomes B when paired with the tenten (the one that looks like a quotation mark). Notably, Chi becomes Ji, Tsu becomes Zu but that is not something you need to think about in this section of the text.

Contracted sounds are followed by smaller versions of ya, yu, and yo respectively to create contracted sounds like “Kyo” (きょ).

Double consonants are transcribed in Hiragana by adding a small Tsu character “っ.” Examples of when to use it include: pp, tt, kk, ss, etc.

An exception to this is double Ns. Nn is instead written with the Hiragana N (ん) + whatever N sound follows (na, ni, nu, ne, or no). *NOTE: The N (ん) sound is considered a full syllable in terms of length when speaking.

When the same vowel follows itself, such as in Ojiisan (grandfather), the pronunciation of the sound is lengthened. It is important to remember this as the difference in length can change the meaning. Ojisan, which means uncle, can become grandfather with a simple lengthening of the sound.

Sometimes vowel sounds are dropped--typically the vowels of “i” and “u,” especially when placed between the voiceless consonants (k, s, t, p, and h) or at the end of an utterance that is preceded by a voiceless consonant.

For example, “~です” (desu) has a silent “u” when spoken aloud.

Katakana

Katakana Kana:

(Image from: https://thejsubexperiment.tumblr.com/post/151916695484/genki-lesson-1-linguistic-perspective)

The pronunciation and rules of Katakana are the same as those of Hiragana except for long vowels which are written with a dash, “ー.”

Notable, the dash turns when writing meaning that if you are writing horizontally, the dash remains horizontal and if you are writing vertically, the dash becomes vertical.

Kanji

Kanji, as mentioned, are Chinese characters. They were first introduced to Japan more than 1,500 years ago and are considered the first written form of the language as Japan did not have a formal writing system prior to its introduction. Hiragana and Katakana came later. Also mentioned, each Kanji character represents both meaning and sounds. It is typical that most Kanji have multiple ways of reading them, notably the “on-yomi,” or Chinese reading, and the “kun-yomi,” or Japanese reading. Sometimes there are multiple on-yomi readings due to the differences found in the Chinese language. There are roughly 4 types of Kanji:

Pictograms - those made from pictures

Simple Ideograms - those made of dots or lines to represent numbers of abstract concepts (like, ‘up’ or ‘under’)

Compound Ideograms - those made from the combination of two or more other kanji

Phonetic-Ideographic characters - those made up of a meaning element and a sound element.

That concludes my notes from the Introduction of the Genki Textbook, 3rd Edition.

[englishlanguagelab]

VOCABULARY BUILDER

Basics of Grammar

Researchers have stated that vocabulary deficiencies are a primary cause of academic failures. Research indicates that low levels of vocabulary can have an impact on reading and therefore, writing.

These researchers profess that direct and explicit instruction of a set number of vocabulary words will improve academic success in all content areas.

Learning 500 words each year may improve learning by as much as 10 to 30%.

For this reason, it is very important for students to quickly build up a large store of words. Research studies have shown the strong links between having an extensive vocabulary and achieving school success.

Have you ever noticed a film heroine whose mother tongue is not Telugu, speaking Telugu?

Similarly collectors, where ever they get posted, learn the local language in a month’s time. How is this possible? What is their secret of their speaking? How do they achieve this?

How do they understand the language in just a few months and start talking fluently in a year?

Whatever may be the language, vocabulary is very important. If you know 2000 words in any language, you understand what the others are talking. If we have a vocabulary of 5000 words, then we can speak fluently.

Knowing the words is not enough. We need to keep using the words while speaking, where ever possible.

This Vocabulary Builder tool has 5000 + Words which are used in our day-to-day life and can be used by anyone from a 5 year old kid to a 25 year old person.

This Computer Based Tutor to build your Vocabulary has been classified into 8 levels.

Level-1 Verbs: These are the basic verbs used by beginners.

Level-2 Verbs: These are verbs which help users to convey actions which they observe and carry out habitually.

Level-3 Verbs: The verbs of this level assist learners in improving their vocabulary.

Level-4 Verbs: Learners who wish to become proficient in English vocabulary need exposure to these verbs.

Level-5 Verbs: This list contains verbs of regular usage in our daily activities and formal communication.

Level-6 Verbs: It contains verbs of an advanced level which help in conveying the intended meaning with clarity and precision.

Level-7 Verbs: These are verbs which are unorthodox in nature. They are to be used in situations which do not occur on a daily basis.

Level-8 Verbs: Here, we find verbs that are used by professionals in different fields of work. Hence they require specialist knowledge.

Words used in this Tutor are carefully selected to ensure your success in achieving mastery over vocabulary. Regular and Consistent Practice is the key to acquiring a firm grip over the intricacies of the language. Enjoy the Journey!

[studykorean101]

hello! I'm just starting out learning korean, and I'm a little confused about how the speech levels work. so I understand there's 존댓말 and 반말 but search results show there are seven speech levels of politeness and formality and it's a little confusing. do you maybe have any links to better understand which to use when, etc? thank u in advance!!

Hello! I do have some clues as to how you can figure out the levels for yourself and I will link the resources that you can check out down below! 

For starters, you’re right; there are seven different levels of politeness / formality in Korean. You’re also right in saying that it is confusing! Generally, with beginners, it’s better to know what’s considered “formal” just by looking at the conjugation. For example, we can assume that something with “-ㅂ/습니다” at the end of the verb is considered formal. This is one of the highest levels of formalities. Or something without any formality marker (ie. lack of -요), we can assume it’s the lowest level of formalities. Below is a list of the formalities, and when to use them:

하소서체 ♡ Most formal speech to show the most respect ♡ Used to address royal family members ♡ Also often used in the Bible / scripture 

합쇼체 ♡ Respectful / polite form of speech ♡ Used for elders, strangers, customers, or in business settings ♡ Used for unbiased attitude

하오체 ♡ Outdated formal speech (usually in historical [사극] Korean dramas) ♡ Same rank or lower

하게체 ♡ Also relatively outdated but not uncommon ♡ Can be used by middle-aged adults to other adults (usually lower socially) ♡ Can be used by higher-ranked ppl on social ladder talking to people lower than them (Ex. CEO talking to a lower-level employee) 

해라체 ♡ Formal speech used for the same level or lower ♡ Even though there’s no added respect, it’s not considered disrespectful if you use it appropriately ♡ It’s not as common as 합쇼체, 해요체, 해체 though it’s still used frequently ♡ Necessary to know this level though as it’s used to quote people ♡ Also known as “plain form”

해요체 ♡ Informal but still polite speech ♡ This is the most common and natural speaking level in Korea ♡ 고마워요 // 안녕하세요 // 아니요 ♡ Regardless of relative rank, this level can be used politely and respectfully

해체 ♡ The most informal / casual speech level

Here are examples of the formalities using the verb “사랑하다” - to love:

Even though 해라체 and 해체 are both considered “반말”, 해라체 is considered more formal (remember, “plain form”)

Next, how to use them is a little bit more difficult. I will link resources with each formality (with examples) so you can check it out for your own convenience as well:

하소서체

합쇼체

하오제

하게체

해라체

해요체

해체

Where I acquired the above resources, is a great website for Korean Language Learners. You can check it out here. 

I really really hope this helped in some way! I know that formalities are really difficult to grasp but once you get it, it becomes easier. Like I said above, it’s really easy to start recognizing which formality is used because of how the conjugation ending looks (you even have a bit of a hint inside the formality’s name itself). Formalities can look and sound different / confusing / difficult, but as long as you get the basics down, it becomes a lot easier with more practice. 

If you’re still confused, please shoot me a message and we can figure it out together! 

Happy Learning :) 

~ SK101