Browsing Category

Languages : Society & Culture & Entertainment

Tools Used to Make the Rosetta Stone

In 196 B.C. King Ptolemy V gave a royal edict from the city of Memphis in Egypt, which has been immortalized in the now-famous Rosetta Stone. When curators cleaned the stone in 1999, they revealed it was dark grey-pinkish granite and not basalt, as earlier believed. The tools used in making this sto

agent (grammar)

The person or thing that performs an action in a sentence.

Perspectives on Language Change

Language change is the phenomenon by which permanent alterations are made in the features and the use of a language over time.

Refroidir - to cool

Learn how to conjugate refroidir, a regular -ir French verb.

Résumer

What does the French word résumer mean? How is it pronounced and used?

Tao Yan - Daily Mandarin Lesson

The Mandarin Chinese word for "doesn't like" is "tao yan." This daily Mandarin lesson has audio files for your pronunciation and listening practice.

How to Draw Chinese Calligraphy

Mandarin Chinese is a unique language in that its written characters do not follow the principles of the Roman alphabet. Instead, Chinese letters are a form of calligraphy, which in many cases requires years to master. Among many required practices to master this art is understanding the various str

Affecter - to affect

Learn how to conjugate affecter, a regular -er French verb.

The Meaning of Puka Shells

Puka shells are found in Hawaii and are recognizable because of the naturally occurring hole found in each one. Because of this hole, the shells are easily made into "good luck" and "well wishes" jewelry.

How to Write Your Own Tall Tale

A tall tale is a fictional story telling of impossible events with exaggerated, heroic characters. Think about Paul Bunyan, Hercules and the Jolly Green Giant. Tall tales are often humorous, simple stories of great feats. Exaggeration is very important in writing your own tall tale, so make sure you

le dédommagement

What does the French word dédommagement mean? How is it pronounced and used?

flippant

What does the French word flippant mean? How is it pronounced and used?

Tomber dans le panneau

What does the idiomatic French expression tomber dans le panneau mean and how is it used?

Zhi Yao - Daily Mandarin Lesson

The Mandarin Chinese word for "is only" is "zhi yao." This daily Mandarin lesson has audio files for your pronunciation and listening practice.

The Disadvantages of Growing Up Bilingual

Being bilingual has many advantages. It can make learning other languages easier, open the door to many different career opportunities and make life experiences, such as international travel, a breeze. However, growing up bilingual also can have several disadvantages, especially for a child of paren