Tag Archives: language

Sep26

Fall Words – Høst Ord

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Fall Words – Høst Ord

Hello everyone! Today, my friend Christina of Stiina Marie is back to teach us some fall words and phrases used in Norway. If you recall, Christina guest blogged on lifewithlilred a few weeks ago and has been kind enough to return to teach us some more of a new language. As you all know, I personally love to learn different languages, so this post is right up my alley! Thank you so much, Christina! xx

Fall Words – Høst Ord

Today, I am going to teach you various words pertaining to fall that are in Bokmål – the main language of Norway. Read the pronunciation in italics as it would be in English.

There is a slight “R” roll in Bokmål. This is similar to Spanish. To properly learn Norwegian, this exercise is a great start! Try listening to Norwegian movies and music that are already familiar to you. Disney movies are almost always a hit!

Words to Practice:

Rain = REGN reh-gin

Storm = STORM  storm

Cloudy = OVERSKYET ohver-sheeyet

Cold = KJØLIG cher-leeg

Sweater = GENSER gehn-ser

Hoodie = HETTEGENSER heht-teh-gehn-ser

Scarf = SKJERF sh-ehr-ff

Coffee = KAFFE kafffeh

Soup = SUPPE sue-pppeh

Squirrel = EKORN eh-korn

Black cat = SORT KATT sort kahtttt

Owl = UGLE oooog-leh

Acorns = EIKENØTTER eye-ken-nohttter

Tree = TRE treeh

Spooky = SKUMMELT skoooommmelt

Dark (color) = MØRK murrrrk

Sentences and Phrases:

I love fall. = JEG ELSKER HØST. Yuh-eye el-skerr huhst.

I want a cup of coffee/tea. = JEG VIL HA EN KOPP KAFFE/TE. Yuh-eye vil ha ehn kohppp kahffeh/teh.

Pile of leaves = LØVHAUG luhv-haowg

I love to eat! = JEG ELSKER Å SPISE. Yuh-eye el-skerr a speeeseeh.

Any words that you would like to learn that I can help you with? Drop a message below!

Thanks again to Christina for taking the time to teach us something new! What languages can you speak? What do you think is the best way to learn a new language? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep8

The Magic Of Koselig

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The Magic Of Koselig

Hi everyone and welcome to a guest post brought to you by my friend, Christina, over at Stiina Marie! As a reader of my page, Christina knows that I have a fondness for learning new languages and, today, she is going to teach all of us about the Norwegian term called “koselig”. Read on to find out more!

The Magic Of Koselig

Warm light from candles, a cold breeze, and rustling leaves as you scoop up some stew your friend just made. You take a sip of some beer and talk with your friends about everything and anything. A fire is lit and you hang out well into the night. You get drunk, forgetting that the weather is not so great – or is it? This is Norwegian Koselig.

The more popular sister to Koselig is Hygge from Denmark.“While there’s no one English word to describe hygge, several can be used interchangeably to describe the idea of hygge such as coziness, charm, happiness, contentedness, security, familiarity, comfort, reassurance, kinship, and simpleness” says hyggehouse.com. Let’s describe it better in pictures:

koseligkoselig1koselig2koselig3koselig4

Thank you lifewithlilred for allowing me to post about my beloved Norway! Learn more about me and my new life in Norway by following my blog: Stiina Marie. Next time we will learn Koselig words in Norwegian! Any questions? Comment below!

Is there a word or phrase in your country similar to koselig? What is fall like in your country? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

 

Jul15

Duolingo Progress (Finally!)

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Duolingo Progress (Finally!)

Hello!! So for a solid month I felt like I was completely slacking not only on Pacer, but on Duolingo, too. I was feeling super unmotivated and depressed and, damnit, I just didn’t feel like doing anything. But, now that I’m back to my normal, chipper, go getter self, it was time to get back on the horse and start making some progress again.

I’ve recently began working on my advanced French and beginner Spanish again and, I’ve got to tell you, it feels great. The mental exercise that I get from spending time with my languages daily makes me wonder why I ever stopped practicing in the first place, because I feel so good afterwards. In fact, it has motivated me to start practicing sign language again, which I took a hiatus from after having difficulty finding folks to practice with. Regardless of regular use or not, knowing a plethora of languages is an amazing skill to have, and I want to keep sharpening those skills on the daily.

I was halfway nervous to start practicing my languages again after a depression break, because I was worried that I had lost all of my knowledge in one short month. But, like riding a bike, I was able to pick up right where I left off and have since been enjoying every second of it. I’m proud that I didn’t let my anxiety about forgetting my skills get the best of me in regards to whether I should bother practicing again or not. And, even if I did forget anything, the worst that could happen is that I relearn something – and what’s the harm in that?

I’m getting back to feeling great mentally and physically after a rough past month and I am ready to continue making daily progress again just like in the good old days! 😀

Are you learning a new language right now? Who else utilizes Duolingo? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May3

Duolingo Progress

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Duolingo Progress

Howdy! Thanks to everyone’s recommendations to me about the Duolingo app, I have been obsessed for close to two months now. For funsies, I finally completed their French program for an enjoyable review and to sharpen my skills. Although it was tedious, it was well worth the time and effort and it felt good to finish the lessons that I started for a language that I love.

I have now moved onto Duolingo’s Spanish program and have been working on it for the past week or so. Once I complete these lessons, Spanish will be the FOURTH language that I’m familiar with, which is pretty good for an American! I haven’t taken a Spanish course since grade school, which has been over a decade ago, and I am already pleased with the progress that I have made.

My only complaint about the Duolingo app is the new update, where there are now three levels to complete per topic. I wish that they just did more extensive training on the subjects rather than having to go back to each one twice more once you complete level one. Three levels means a really repetitive curriculum, which was confirmed when I tried some of the advanced French levels only to find that it was a lot of the same thing over again.

When people ask me my level of fluency in French, I always reply with “If you transported me to Paris right now, I am sure that I would get along fine”. So, I can’t say that I will complete the additional levels for it. However, if I feel the need, I will certainly go back and give it a go. Spanish, on the other hand, will probably require all three levels of training, as I am completely unfamiliar with the language – despite eight years of it in grade school!!

Which languages are you learning on the Duolingo app? How many languages do you know and how did you learn them? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb28

Duolingo Obsessed!!

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Duolingo Obsessed!!

Hey everyone and happy Hump Day! Okay, so on a recent post that I made talking about how I enjoy learning new languages, I got so much positive feedback and some great tips. Thanks for that, by the way! Many of you mentioned the Duolingo app in your comments, and I decided to give it a go and I am in LOVE!!

Normally, when I’m learning a new language, I just like doing the tapes in my car and practicing on my own. I had heard of the Duolingo app before but never thought of giving it a try until it got such positive reviews from my readers. I am SO thankful for that, because I am enjoying it so much!! I’m working my way through the French lessons as a fun refresher and then I plan on starting Spanish within the next month.

I just can’t emphasize enough how pleased I am that you guys shared such positivity for the app with me, because I’m bullheaded enough that I would have just kept trudging through doing things my own way without it. Learning a new language is such an amazing workout for your brain and if you are interested in a great mental workout, then Duolingo is the way to go. I can now join the rave reviewers, because within a handful of days, I have become obsessed!!

How do you practice a new language? Are there any other handy language apps that you like to use? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: MUO

Feb24

Trying Something New

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Trying Something New

Hello everyone and happy weekend! Saying that this winter has been below average would be putting it nicely, because it really freaking sucked. But, life goes on, and sometimes you just have to keep pushing through until your next big exciting break happens. To keep myself from going insane, I have been trying to incorporate some new things into my life to keep my mental health in check and to have some fun.

One thing that I love to do is learn new languages. I speak English and pretty above decent French, if I do say so myself. Learning new languages has always been a fun thing for me, rather than a chore. So, to add to the fun, I began teaching myself American Sign Language about two months ago and I’m really enjoying it. I try my best to practice for at least a little bit every day and am proud of the progress that I’ve made. I also like to watch French films and TV shows or movies with sign language in it to keep myself sharp.

The great thing about learning a new language, is that there is always something new that you can learn within the language that you’re practicing. Constantly gaining knowledge helps keep my mind off of some of the bullshit, and it is one of my favorite ways to pass the time. I plan on learning Spanish next because, despite taking it for eight years in grade school, I can’t remember a darn thing and I’d like to have it in my language arsenal.

Another new activity that I have been trying, as per recommendation of my therapist, is yoga and meditation. I have taken yoga classes before and really enjoyed it, and with my therapist pushing it every week, I decided to give it another shot. I found free yoga and meditation classes at one of the local libraries and have had nothing but good experiences so far. And, since I ball on a budget, you can’t beat free!

Although I haven’t been having the best of times in life by any means at the moment, I am proud of myself for getting up and trying to learn something new instead of giving up and doing nothing with my day. I always feel good when I activate my mind and body and now, I just need to remind myself to keep doing it because I know that it works.

What is something new that you would like to try? Are you taking any classes or teaching yourself about a subject that you’re interested in? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Pinterest

Jun14

Keeping Multiple Doors Open Throughout Your Career

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Keeping Multiple Doors Open Throughout Your Career

Securing a great career is one of the most rewarding accomplishments that anyone can ever achieve. But given the fact that we are individuals, you cannot fall into the trap of placing all of your eggs into one basket. Maintaining a sense of flexibility could be the key to finding a pathway tailored to your unique needs. As such, keeping multiple doors open is essential.

Gaining a sense of direction is important, or else your career could start moving backwards. Nonetheless, retaining a sense of versatility will bring many benefits as you aim to juggle the various aspects of your life. Here’s how you can achieve that goal in just five easy steps:

1) Don’t commit to the longest course: You never know when an opportunity may surface. You may even have a chance to secure your dream job without taking your education to the very highest level. Community college transfers allow you to switch over to an advanced course after graduation from a foundation level. Split your education into two parts and see where you stand at the end of part one. With the money saved thanks to reasonable community college tuition costs, you’ll be glad that you did!

2) Be open to digital opportunities: The evolution of modern tech has opened up several new doors ranging from freelance work to working at home. Build a suitable home office space, and your prospects will look better than ever. Not only can this enable you to reduce the need for commuting, but it may allow you to work during hours that are better suited to your current lifestyle. If you’re a parent, for example, this can make a world of difference to your family life and financially.

3) Consider learning a new language: Let’s face it; the world of business is a smaller place than ever, and even small companies now do international deals. Having the ability to work with clients and partners from all over the world will make you a far more attractive prospect for employers. Moreover, it could potentially open up the possibility of relocating for another role. That might not be an avenue you wish to take, but having the option can only be a positive. And, if nothing else, learning something new is fun!

4) Sign up to job sites and networking channels: In business, it’s often who you know that matters. As such, using LinkedIn and similar platforms can be hugely helpful. Meanwhile, posting your details for potential employers to find you could result in new jobs being offered to you. Even if you’re happy in your current role, you should never rule out the possibility of something better being out there. You might not necessarily chase those vacancies. But still, shutting the door on them completely would be a tragedy.

5) Have the ambition to do something on the side: This could mean increasing your skills with additional courses and experience. Alternatively, you may wish to start a small business of your own with a goal to eventually make it your full-time career. In any scenario, following your passions in a productive fashion can bring many rewards. Not only for your long-term earning potential but for your continued happiness, as well.

The business world is expanding daily with new advances and ideas. Being open to all of the future possibilities only makes sense in a world of constant change!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jun2

Education You Might Not Have Considered

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Education You Might Not Have Considered

It’s a competitive world out there and even if you’re more than qualified for the position that you’re interviewing for, you can lose out to someone equally qualified who has that little bit extra. No matter how old you are, it never hurts to learn new skills or earn new qualifications to boost your career. You don’t have to quit your job and go back to school full time to get a Masters. Nowadays, there is more than one way to develop desirable skills to revamp your resume:

Short Courses/Workshops: If you’re not too sure that you’re ready to get back into learning right away, you can test the waters by checking out short courses or one-day workshops. Short courses may cover any area from soft skills such as communication and leadership to industry-specific skills like accounting, web design, or photography – so you’re guaranteed to find something that will be useful for your career. If you’re not sure which courses might be useful for your current job, then you can still learn something by taking a short cooking course or signing up for a series of yoga classes to better understand the teachings.

Online Education: Some of the most prestigious universities in the world now offer college courses through the Internet to anyone who wants to take them. Additionally, you’re more likely to find a specialized qualification such as lean manufacturing courses online than you are through your local college class listings. Not only do online courses save you on the cost of commuting, but they give you far more options.

As we have learned from the pandemic, online schooling can be difficult. It might be the isolation, lack of motivation, or maybe your internet that freezes every hour. Difficult as it is, your education is important and you can learn more about bettering your experience through online searches and discussing with your friends and teachers.

Volunteer: Taking time out of your busy schedule to help others can boost your career for several reasons. First, volunteering gets you out of your comfort zone and teaches you how to communicate with empathy. Second, it gives you valuable experience in a field that you hope to enter, which will make it easier for you to gain experience or a full-time job in the future. Finally, it shows potential employers that you are willing to go beyond what is required of you and that you are passionate enough to go for what you want in your own time.

Enroll in Your Community College: You need a certain motivation to complete online courses or learn skills in your spare time. If you feel that you could do better in a more structured environment, you can take a course at your local college for a term or even go for a full degree if you are ready to commit to it. Any credits that you earn at the end will have real value when hunting for jobs or eventually pursuing your formal education even further.

Group Language Clubs: Knowing a second language is invaluable in any job, but some people might not do well learning by themselves with an app. You should try finding a club that meets in your area and practice with a real teacher and other hopeful learners. Even a basic understanding of another language is better than nothing!

Ready, get set, and learn yourself to the finish line of a better job or further in your education!

Featured Image By: Soft9000

Apr27

How Education Can Help You Get Fluent in the Language of a Business

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How Education Can Help You Get Fluent in the Language of a Business

The language of a business is the models and practices in place within it. No, it doesn’t mean the employees literally speak a language created by the business (although, sometimes it might seem that way!). It means that each business has its own way of doing business and its own methods that it chooses to use to do so. And each business speaks its own language in the sense that they provide different things and expect different things in return. And, like with any language, it is possible to get fluent in a business’s language through taking courses.

Different businesses are like different cultures. Each one differs from the next, even when they are in the same market. But just because there’s such a variation in businesses and their languages, it doesn’t mean that you can’t get fluent in them. In this day and age there are a whole host of courses to take and degrees to earn. So, fear not, because you’re always going to be able to find one that helps you in the business that you work in. Gone are the days where you could only get a grasp of the language of business by obtaining a Business Management degree. Today, you can take any number of courses to help you better understand the business that you business in.

For instance, if yours is a business in the Geriatric Care Management sector, then you can get fluent in the language of dealing with your older customer base by earning a Gerontology degree. In doing so you can learn and understand the behavioral habits of the elderly. You can also garner a deeper understanding for their societal standing. In learning these things and becoming fluent in this particular language, you are setting yourself up for success in this sector.

Despite the variation in businesses today, there are still some overarching languages spoken. A language that is spoken in every business is accounting. It is an integral aspect of every business, as it determines how protected and sufficient it is in a financial sense. If you want to be a successful business owner, then it is imperative that you become as fluent in accounting as you are in your mother tongue. To do so, you can try earning an Accounting degree from the UAB Online School of Business. In taking such a venture, you are giving yourself the best opportunity to be fluent in this crucial area of business. Plus, because 100% of this degree is completed online, you need not let any of your important everyday business aspects slip while you take it.

Whether you major in the liberal arts and humanities or in the STEM fields there are skills from both sides of the divide that can be translated into the language of business. As a liberal graduate you stand yourself in good stead to be able to speak persuasively. As a STEM grad, you have the skills to be able to deal with tasks logically. When taking a degree, in order to get the right qualifications needed for your career path it is imperative that you choose the right one. But when you are taking a course in order to better your knowledge, you can find different skills and techniques in all sorts of different classes. It’s just about how you implement the knowledge that you’ve garnered when the time comes.

Featured Image By: Wikimedia