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Learn Latin America Spanish In London

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Latin America Spanish vs Spain Spanish

Although many people around the world assume that Spanish is the same everywhere, the fact is that it is different. The Spanish language of South America, for example, is different from that of Spain and even within the two regions. In fact, even within the regions, the dialects differ. So can Spanish people understand each other? The answer is yes, it it just like English where different groups speak differently but can understand each other perfectly clearly.

Uruguay, Argentina, Canada, USA

Travelling around South America by learning Spanish – Source

The Spanish language spread around the world when Spain was conquering nations. People in different parts of the world adopted the language but their are mild variations from region to region caused by the native languages they found in places they conquered and this is what has made the slight variations there are in the language today. The laguage itself continues to continue its evolution. There are some pronouns, for example, that were originally Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay that are today becoming more and more commonly used in the rest of South America.

Verb endings are also different in different regions where the Spanish language is spoken. Verb endings for some phrases in Latin America are different from those spoken inside Spain and they will also change when you go to the Canary Islands. Most of the variations are found in pronounciation. Just like in English, where Americans have different accents from the British and from Australians and so on, it doesn’t matter very much as they can understand each other.

So what does this mean for those who are learning Spanish; not very much. So long as you can speak it, it wont matter how verbs end or about pronouns becuase Spanish speakers understand each other all over the world. In fact, thinking of these distinctions isn’t advised as it can distract you. Focus instead on what your teacher tells you and learn whatever variation of the Spanish language that they offer.

Languages in the Fashion Industry

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According to the Guardian, learning languages is of the utmost advantage in the fashion industry for one reason: fashion is international and if you want to be able to communicate with peers in the fashion capitals of the world such as Paris, New York and even Japan, you have to be able to speak in their language. According to them, fashion companies are now actively looking for language skills in new hires. For old hires, companies are offering language lessons to enable their employees to be able to communicate with peers abroad.

The fashion industry: a global player in the international business field.

Fashion companies are being careful with how they encourage employees to communicate in new languages. According to Aldo Liuori, the global head of PR and Fast Retailing at Comptoir des Cotonniers, it is very important to check your communication. Aldo says, “If you are not able to fully understand what someone is asking or telling you, take a step back and ask them to repeat. Even though I started many years ago, that has been a true success factor for me”. He recognized early in his career the value to his career that learning languages would bring.

Uniqlo Global Flagship Store ユニクロ

Uniqlo has shops in several countries – source

Speaking foreign languages might be the key for success.

Even the British fashion industry is beginning to buy into the idea that foreign languages brings a certain and unbeatable advantage to the industry. The British Fashion Council today recommends that people learn new languages if they want a competitive edge in the global market. Kat Salcross, the marketing administrator at New Look, agrees completely with this. She took a degree in French and Spanish and according to her, “It would definitely have been difficult to have done the job without my language skills. To be able to speak in French rather than just English made everything more efficient.”

She recalls a visit to France and Belgium when she had to do a presentation in French. That she could speak and understand French was a big advantage to her and she noted that the people she gave the presentation to didn’t have language skills. In her words, “the store managers couldn’t have explained everything in English that they explained to me in French”.

Patrick Clark agrees with Kat. When the Guardian met up with him, he was leaving for Milan to report on Fashion Week for the fashion magazine Schon. He says that although English is the most commonly spoken language in the fashion industry, is learning languages as been of great profit for him when he has to report on fashion events in non-English speaking countries. “Anyone you meet at Fashion Week is potentially a colleague. I’ve created a lot of links in Milan with people by speaking Italian – a photographer we’re working with now is a friend of a friend.”

But which are the right languages to learn? French and Italian are indispensable, but the market today is leaning towards China and Japan because this is where the bi buyers are. And the problem happens to be that most Chinese and Japanese people don’t speak English.

Clearly, if you want to be a success, you should start learning languages.

The Language Class and International Corporate Training in London.

If your company operates at international level and your staff needs language training our company is very happy to help. We can supply corporate language teachers who can come to your offices and teach directly to your staff.

Multilingual children in British schools

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According to the Telegraph, multiculturalism is sweeping British schools at alarming rates. In fact, out of over 15,000 primary and secondary schools, an amazing 1,755 include students that speak English as a second language. While the multi lingual wave is rapidly sweeping the school system, David Cameron believes there is still no cause for major concern. Earlier in the week, the PM stated that Romanian and Bulgarian immigration to the country was at a “reasonable level.” This, of course, coincides with the lifting of work restrictions, which has enabled moderate numbers of mainland Europeans to enter the UK. Cameron is also keen on limiting net immigration, citing recent reports that the nation is no longer under mass influx due to past Labor requirements.

While the PM is more concerned about a post-Labor era in the UK, the numbers still don’t lie. Based on recent reports, one out of every nine children in Britain speaks English as a second language. In fact, all it takes is a visit to your local school to witness a myriad of languages being spoken in the playground. For example: The Luton School cited 98.9 percent of their pupils as ESL speakers. This means their native languages and mother tongues are simply not English. While the Parliament discusses current immigration laws, over 14 languages are spoken and have been heard within several British schools. While multiculturalism helps tear down communication barriers, building bridges between native and foreign born students is still a trying task. In Luton, they have now employed translators at parent-teacher-meetings. This is truly a pro-active approach by the community and certainly in line with recent requests from Ofsted.

This is great news for Luton, who are also counting on immigrant parents to help their children assimilate into British society. This includes more help for immigrant students that want to learn and master the English language. English is vital for new arrivals that want to enhance their education in British schools.

London 11-08-2012

London is multicultural – source

 

British Police To Learn Polish

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British police have always been known for their smart appearance and respectful approach. In Northamptonshire, however, the police are adding a new skill to their repertoire. This is in the form of Polish and other Eastern European languages. As part of a new cultural awareness program, local police have partnered with The Association of Northamptonshire Supplementary Schools (ANSS). This marriage will provide officers access to foreign language courses, along with basic and short phrases. With multiculturalism on the rise in the UK, Northamptonshire police will learn foreign languages as part of an exciting and new training curriculum.

Polish Fair

Polish immigrants bring culture to the UK – source

The training will also help officers engage the local foreign population. This includes new arrivals, along with foreign born residents and citizens that have called Northamptionshire home for years. In addition, the training will teach local officers about different faiths and cultures. According to school members and police, this is the perfect way to break down communication and social barriers. In fact, the training is designed not only to unite the community, but also to build a lasting trust and confidence. This is echoed by PC Nick Stevens and DC Rachel Packman who both serve as Community Engagement Officers.

The multicultural training will also teach officers about local houses of worship. They will even partake in area festivals, which highlight the diversity of this growing and expanding county. With face-to-face sessions and regular meetings, the community can grow as one. The county can also ensure safety for all its residents and guests. This is something Packman and Stevens strongly believe in. In fact, they have helped organize the training sessions for local frontline officers. Along with the ANSS, the police hope to forge lasting relations with local residents. By learning a little about their customs, practices, faith, and especially languages, the county will build strong bonds and bridges that will hopefully last for generations to come.

As part of the initiative, the Northampton Muslim Police Association will also discuss aspects of their faith with local officers.

Learn Polish in London.

The language class is happy to offer Polish language lessons to anyone who wants to learn Polish in London. We have 10 years experience in teaching foreign languages in various formats. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you want to learn more about our language programmes.

 

 

The Guardian: Language Skills Deficit Costs The UK 48bn a Year

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According to The Guardian a new research done in the UK, the lack of language skills is hurting about 70% of businesses especially in the export sector. The research shows that the country is losing £48 billion every year which works out to about 3.5% of the GDP. The most affected are small and medium sized exporters. Trading abroad is easier if employees understand the language, can speak it and if they appreciate the culture and norms of many countries that import goods from the UK.

The guardian and the observer

The matter is simple really; many potential business partners are ready to work with UK companies that can talk to them directly and that are ready to tailor products to a language that they can understand. According to the research, people will have no problem if you are buying from them and you have no linguistic skills that they can understand. On the other hand, it is very hard to sell to them if you can only speak English.

The biggest economies in the world, China, Brazil and India have huge populations and hold great potential for English exporters but not many of these businesses are teaching their employees the languages needed to sell goods in these economies. In fact, employers do not even think of this when they are hiring; they will not choose new employees based on linguistic skills. These same businesses are the same ones that complain about how hard it is to get though these large economies. They simply want to assume that everyone speaks English.

According to Nick Brown, CEO of Nickwax, “We’re doing a little bit of work with China and we’re very aware that we’re behind there. One of the reasons is the language problem – we don’t have a Mandarin speaker.” Many other small and medium companies that export also echo the same, and the surprising thing is that they don’t seem to acknowledge the need to be strategic about these markets by finding employees who can communicate with potential markets.

Some companies are choosing to hire expatriates, but this is not really the answer if you look at how much they have to pay them; expats are usually paid more than employees from the UK and they also get perks. For a small business, this can be a huge cost and quite unnecessary. The better solution would be to hire someone who is already competent or train existing employees in foreign languages.
Looking at the other side of the coin, not enough people in the UK see the potential of learning new languages. It is very few people who have developed language skills specifically so that they can help their careers. Even with the availability of affordable language lessons, many people remain unemployed or in jobs that they want when a new language could change everything for them. It increases their chances of getting well paying jobs and opportunities for travel are numerous.

Why learn a foreign language? Benefits of bilingualism

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There are several benefits of learning a new or foreign language. In fact, I recently read an interested article in the Telegraph that highlighted the benefits of bilingualism. The article listed several valid points on the importance of learning new languages for business and social reasons. As a marketing specialist, I tend to agree with the overall theme and gist of this helpful and informative article. Whether it is formulating an advertising campaign or revamping a website, I often come across clients whose native language is not English. As a result, I have to employ the services of a translator to ensure optimal communications across the board. Suffice to say, this is very time consuming and still results in communication barriers from time to time.

the daily telegraph - Napier

 

According to the article, learning a new language can truly expand your horizons. In addition to making you smarter, you are able to effectively market your skills to broader and mass audiences. Whether it is learning French, Spanish, or even Chinese, the demand for bilingual workers is at an all time high. With a second language listed on your resume, your chances of securing higher paying jobs abroad are also greater. Learning a second language can also stimulate your brain’s capacity to think at higher levels. In fact, recent studies have show that students with foreign language capabilities are able to score higher on standardized tests. When translated to the business world, this means you can attract and engage more international clients to the products and services and seek. No matter which industry you are in, bilingualism can help you extend your brand’s reach to mass audiences.

As a marketing specialist, I consistently have to multi-task on a daily basis. This means handling multiple projects, while interacting with existing and new clients. Recent studies have also shown that people can multi-task much easier if they know a foreign language. In fact, mastering a new language allows you to juggle between your native tongue and the recently acquired language. This helps tear down communication barriers, while ensuring better productivity and performance across multiple departments. In recent months, my account executives have landed a number of Spanish speaking clients. As a result, I have had to learn this popular and growing language just to stay competitive in this globally challenging and diverse marketplace.

The Telegraph article also states several other benefits of learning a new language. This includes improves memory, better perception, and enhanced skills. Since you are keeping your mind active, you are also able to stave off dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Ever since I learned Spanish, I completely agree with the above mentioned points. Not only has my memory functions improved, my ability to correspond with domestic and Spanish speaking clients has increased as well. This has helped my business grow and expand, while generating more leads and revenue. Surprisingly, my English skills have also improved since I learned Spanish over the last few months.

There’s more to learning a new language than just sprucing up your resume. For me, learning Spanish has helped me connect with my Latino neighbors and friends. It is a sense of personal enrichment that simply cannot be explained. As the world grows smaller, learning a new language can truly propel you to new heights!

Does the UK Have Lack of Language Skills?

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Since 2004 the number of the UK students taking foreign language exams has dropped by nearly 50%. As a result, the current linguistic capacity of the British citizens stands behind most of the European countries. About 75% of the state’s population does not speak any of the popular tongues such as Russian, German, Italian, Spanish, Chinese or Portuguese. One of the reasons behind the issue is in the language classes which became no more obligatory in the UK schools about a decade ago. Lack of public awareness has brought people to assume that there is no real need in gaining additional verbal skills besides English.

UK coins

The lack of language skills in the UK is affecting the economy

However, in today’s multi-cultural world poor command of foreign tongues negatively affects any country from the political and the social aspects. The UK is no exception, and here are a few major points explaining how lack of language proficiency might be blocking the growth potential.

Weaker Trade and Export-Oriented Economy

Export companies greatly depend on good rapport with their overseas customers. Therefore, language skills often play a crucial role in establishing long term business relationships. Reports show that the UK trading activity has significantly decreased in the last 15 years reaching its highest deficit in September 2013. The export and import gap can be partly explained by the communication barrier: an overwhelming majority of exporters and companies’ owners are unable to keep a basic conversation in the native tongue of their potential patrons. Such acute language deficit prevents the UK enterprises from taking their products and services to new markets. Consequently, the export economy falls behind compared to where it was a decade ago.

Less Job Opportunities for the UK-Based Specialists

Being fluent in another tongue has always been a professional advantage for employees in different fields. Nowadays, multilingual specialists are all the more in demand, especially in the UK labor market where most people are familiar with no other language besides their mother tongue. Legal specialists, for example, such as attorneys, lawyers or advisors are extremely valued for their additional vocabulary knowledge. Hence, many UK-based experts face a challenge of finding a high-paid job, as local companies prefer hiring external bi-lingual contractors. In other spheres such manufacturing or IT, language awareness and intercultural competence are requires as well – otherwise companies follow the same pattern seeking workforce from abroad.

Looking Into The Future: The World’s Leading Markets

The world’s globalization and emerging economies have their impact on every state and government, including established ones such as the UK. The British export oriented industries and the employment rate are dependent, among the rest, on its people’s ability to deal with their foreign counterparts. English is still being an official international business language; however, the rapidly growing markets such as the Chinese, Russian or Brazilian – to take a few, gradually change the entire picture. It goes without saying that sticking to a single way of communication is not sufficient anymore. To beat competition and re-balance the economic situation in the future, the UK will have to change its attitude by encouraging students and employees to acquire as many foreign tongues as possible.

Sources:

http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/0/056eb1da-5ccd-11e3-81bd-00144feabdc0.html?siteedition=intl#axzz2mpNFvw1a

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-25003828

http://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/aug/17/language-skills-universities-business-hague

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/britain-falling-behind-due-lack-2810913

http://www.britac.ac.uk/policy/language-matters/position-paper.cfm

http://www.britishchambers.org.uk/assets/downloads/policy_reports_2013/13-06-06%202013%20Survey%20Factsheet%20SKILLS.pdf

http://www.legalweek.com/legal-week/news/2298421/lack-of-language-skills-leaves-uk-in-house-lawyers-off-the-pace-in-emerging-markets

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24865870

 

 

 

Why People Are Learning Japanese

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The Japanese language is one of the most challenging and unique tongues for a western person to learn. Its hieroglyphs and symbols completely differ from the familiar Latin script, yet, there are over 3 million students aiming to make Japanese their second tongue. A number of reasons encourage people to take language classes: some are attracted by the country’s abundant heritage while others are stimulated by the modern side of Japanese life – cuisine and entertainment elements such as sushi, karaoke or anime – to name a few. College students and young specialists are often attracted by the Japanese labor market – a highly technological and multi-industrial blooming zone with a huge potential for bi-lingual employees.
Below you can see how learning Japanese may benefit you both from personal and professional perspectives.
Japan - Kyoto

Japanese unique culture – source

Unique Traditional Culture

Despite modernization, Japanese cultural identity is well preserved and its original customs still have a solid impact on the daily routine. Throughout the last hundred years Japanese lifestyle has been gradually exposed to the outside world through books, movies, museums and art. Words like “kimono”, “hanami” or “tea ceremony” became strongly associated with the land of the rising sun. Translated films and books, however, cannot fully convey the true meaning behind the story; therefore historians, scholars or linguists are inspired to study the language in order to get access to the original literature, ancient scripts and other fragments of the Japanese culture.

Contemporary Food and Pop Culture

Japan is known for its rich cuisine traditions and pop culture. Many modern social elements that have become extremely popular around the world originate from Japan. Karaoke, anime or sushi are just a few examples that drive people to start learning Japanese. Some manga fans, for example, prefer to watch their favorite cartoons in their original version without getting distracted by the English subtitles. As it comes to karaoke, the Japanese language can come quite handy for those who plan to take part in a Japanese-speaking get-together party. Gourmet enthusiasts may enjoy preparing sushi, wagashi or other national delicacies using authentic recipes written in Japanese.

Access to Business and Employment

Many young employees, graduates or students see Japanese market as a bright career opportunity for which the language knowledge is a must. Various industries and professional fields offer positions for skilled experts, including Japanese-speaking foreigners. Job offers range from IT and software consultants to entertainment and gastronomy specialists. Since Japanese business culture and working ethics differ significantly from the western traditions, many students choose to learn Japanese locally or from a native speaker – to get the outmost for the future career plans.
***
For about 300 hundred years Japan and its citizens were cut off from almost all interaction with the outside world. Since the beginning of the 19th century the country has changed its isolation policy and a process of modernization has begun. Today it is a thriving, technologically advanced society that welcomes tourists, potential employees, foreign students or anyone wishing to get the authentic experience of this unique country.

Immersing Yourself In Everything Spanish

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Spain has been high on the UK tourist list for many years. Sun, sea and Sangria have long been the theme. If you are thinking about making a life for yourself and your family in Spain there will be plenty of reminders of home.

Ryanair

With Ryanair getting to Spain is faster than ever (and cheap) – source

The tourist invasion

When we ‘invaded’ Spain as tourists in the 1960s and 70s we took many of our familiar favourites with us. This is why you can find fish and chip shops, Chinese and Indian restaurants and English pubs over there. Typically then although we loved the sun, the temperatures and the cheap vino, we craved our ‘British’ food.

Ex-pat communities

Next it became a favourite retirement place. Consequently many communities of ex-pats grew up in popular resorts who got by with only a smattering of Spanish. The Brits who settled opened the English pubs and fish and chip shops so that others like them could enjoy the comforts of home … in the sun.

Making a life in Spain

For those wishing to work in Spain and make a life there now, immersion in the lifestyle and culture is recommended. Learning the language so that you aren’t restricted in either the jobs you can do or the company you keep is a great starting point.

Get a taste of Spain

Trying the Spanish cuisine is next in line so that you get a real ‘taste’ for the Spanish lifestyle. Some of the favourites which are good to start with include Tapas which is a selection of small dishes such as olives, cheese, shrimps, squid and chorizo. Others include Paella: most commonly a rice dish with chicken and seafood; Spanish omelette, Patatas Bravos – yes potatoes – or Gazpacho a chilled tomato soup.

Now that Spanish food is more readily available in restaurants and supermarkets over here this shouldn’t be difficult to accept.

Moving to Spain

As both the UK and Spain are part of the EU you are free to travel and work in Spain without requiring a work permit as long as you are a British citizen or a citizen of another EU country. You can stay for up to three months as a tourist. If you stay longer you must register and you will be given a certificate of residence. You must also show evidence that you can support yourself and evidence of healthcare insurance.

Keeping in touch with family and friends in the UK is easy. There are plenty of mobile networks that allow instant access but a cheaper and easy option is Skype where you can not only speak but see one another on your laptop or iPad screen.

There are many online sites that help you understand all the things you need to do or need to know to set up home in Spain. Check one of these out before you go to see what you need to do.

But at least there are now online sites to help your search for jobs in Spain and many which allow you to upload your CV so that it is available for prospective employers to read. The Internet has certainly helped to make it easier for people to be mobile.

By Harry Price

Harry Price  is a free-lance writer who enjoys hiking, camping and playing poker with his mates. He has 3 wonderful dogs who run his life.

What To Expect On Your Camino De Santiago Walking Tour

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You have made the decision to embark on one of the most famous pilgrimages in the world, you’ve booked your Camino de Santiago walking tour, you’ve read up on all the advice past pilgrims have to give about packing, and you’ve started training so your feet won’t be unpleasantly surprised when they’re suddenly walking miles and miles for days on end. However, do you actually know what to expect from the journey once you begin? Even the most seasoned of hikers have found that setting out on an expedition like this is nearly incomparable to anything else they’ve ever experienced, so having a little extra insight may be helpful as you get ready to start your travels.

Walking the Trail

Though there are many routes that lead to Santiago de Compostela, the one you will walk will already be designated by whichever Camino de Santiago walking tour you have chosen to be a part of. The hike is recommended for all ages, but pilgrims should be aware that there is some varying terrain as you walk through farmland, mountains, forests and coastal regions (all depending which path you’re on). Some travelers worry about the chance of getting lost along the way, but the Camino is clearly marked throughout the entire 500 miles with yellow arrows, scallop shell tiles and signs. Pilgrims also need not be concerned about staying with their tour group at all times or keeping the same pace. Guides are well aware that many use the Camino as a destination for self-reflection, meditation and peace and quiet and won’t pressure anyone to hurry up, slow down or participate in conversation.

Camino de Santiago route marker on the Cantabrian coast

Accommodations

Since it is such a well-traveled trail, accommodations are plenty along Camino de Santiago. There’s a good chance that your walking tour will have all of your lodging set up for you already, usually making arrangements in bed and breakfasts or some of the more luxurious hotels that dot the path. If you were to make the pilgrimage on your own and decide to select more economical boarding, albergues are the most popular and cheapest alternative, where you will be placed in a dorm like setting with shared rooms and bathrooms. Hostels and posadas are also an option.

Food

Bars, restaurants and grocery stores are not hard to find, and your Camino de Santiago tour guide will have plenty of suggestions on local cuisines. Each region will have its own specialties and are more than ready to share that with pilgrims as they pass through town. If staying at an albergue, you will also have the opportunity to cook your own meals if you wish.

Tapas!

Fellow Pilgrims

One of the most exciting expectations you should have is about all the different people you’ll meet during your journey. As you progress down the trail, you may just find that you’re really getting the most from your excursion from simply taking some time to open up to your fellow pilgrims and learn about other cultures, history and walks of life.

Challenges

While there are several challenges pilgrims can face on their trek, preparing for them in advance gives you a good chance of avoiding many of them. Blisters, tendonitis, dehydration, sunburn and heatstroke are the most common ailments that people have to deal with. Make sure to break in new hiking boots before you go, stretch, strengthen and condition your muscles every morning and night, don’t forgo the sunscreen and pace yourself as needed.

Each pilgrimage and experience will be different, so you can’t always be prepared for every little thing, however, this information should provide you with a good idea of what to expect as you begin your Camino de Santiago walking tour so that you may enjoy it to the fullest.

Featured images:

By Tiffany Olson

Tiffany Olson absolutely loves all things travel related. She worked at a hostel for many years in San Diego and it was there that she found her passion for traveling. Walking the Camino de Santiago is next on her list of adventures to try. When she’s not writing you’ll usually find her in the company of friends, reading, or cooking.