What are the advantages of bilingualism? “Bilingualism is the ability to speak or write fluently in two languages.” – The Canadian Encyclopedia In Canada, being bilingual is more common than in other countries due to its two official languages: French and English. Canadian instructions on food packaging at the supermarket, and signs around the city, are generally written in both languages. However, speaking, writing, thinking or dreaming in more than one language could also be enhanced thanks to the brain’s constant activity. So what are the real advantages of being bilingual? Boosts cognitive performance Many scientists who study linguistic development talk about “the bilingual advantage”. When a bilingual person has to solve a conflict, he/she will think in two languages. This flexes the cognitive muscles. This in turn improves the working memory and one’s ability to switch attention from one thing to another. Multi-tasking The most specialized scientist in bilingualism is Dr. Ellen Bialystok, Rotman Research Institute Associate Scientist, Professor of Psychology at Toronto’s York University, and Officer of the Order of Canada since 2016. Her research shows that bilinguals are better than monolinguals at tasks that require controlling several goals in mind at once. Multi-tasking and avoiding distraction during tasks are such examples. Read more about Dr. Bialystok’s research here. Improves linguistic skills When you are already bilingual, it’s easier to become multilingual. Your brain already knows how to learn new words and switch quickly between different languages. Scientists have proven that bilinguals have better listening and communication skills than monolinguals. Protects against Alzheimer’s disease Between 2008 and 2010, Dr. Ellen Bialystok wrote a research paper on “the...
Birthday Song Have you ever wondered how your birthday would be celebrated in other countries? What birthday song would be sang? For example, which song do you sing if you are in a Spanish-speaking country? Well, each Spanish-speaking country has a different birthday song. The birthday celebration itself is more or less the same everywhere: gifts, party, food, and of course, a birthday cake! And along with a birthday cake there is always a birthday song and candles! The Song The song is important and represents the main purpose of the party: to celebrate the birthday boy or girl. Even though customs in Spanish-speaking countries are pretty similar, the song will vary. Replacing the “Happy Birthday To You” song characteristic of Anglo-Saxon countries, the Spanish countries range from “Las Mañanitas” in Spain and Mexico to a 10-minute song in Venezuela, and each song carries unique cultural differences. Most of the songs are full of good wishes and blessings, and the way they are sung also reflects the country’s culture and customs. For example, in Mexico the guests sing “Las Mañanitas” and then the birthday boy or girl bites the cake and pushes his or her face into the cake as a joke. In Venezuela, guests sing “Ay que noche tan preciosa”, which can last for up to 10 minutes because people say funny things and they repeat parts several times to make fun of the birthday boy or girl. In Paraguay, the guests slap the back of the birthday boy or girl with their hands at the end of the song. Whereas in Chile, the birthday boy or girl...
Accents in the UK Are you from a non-English-speaking country and want to move to the United Kingdom? If you are and you have decided to go, you need to be aware of all the different British accents. Check out our article about how you can recognize British accents and get familiar with the different dialects and accents in the UK. English as a second language I am from Spain and in my country, when we are in school, we learn English as a second language. The English we learn is the general English (Received Pronunciation English) and many of us believe that this type of accent is the only one that exists in the UK. Then when we move to the UK for work or study, we realize that we were wrong. Depending on where you go, people speak with many different English accents. Check out our English voiceover services. We work with voiceover artists who record native British, American and Canadian accents. In the south, you will find the Received Pronunciation English, Cockney, estuary English and West Country. Further out, you find the Midlands English and Welsh English. And in the north, you will find the Northern England English, Geordie accent and Scottish English accent. Received Pronunciation English Currently I am living in the north, in Leeds to be precise, and I would like to point out the differences between the Northern English and the Received Pronunciation English. The Northern England English is spoken in the area of Manchester, Leeds, York and Liverpool. The features of this accent are: Non-rhoticity, except in some rural areas. The diphthong in words...
The Best Translation Apps For Travelers While travelling, understanding people, directions, signs or restaurant menus is not easy if you do not really speak the local language. To obtain quick help in these cases we often use translation apps on our smartphones. Here are the best translation apps selected by LingoStar to ensure you easy travel. Google Translate With over 90 languages in its database, Google Translate is the translation app from the Californian giant Google. The app gives you several ways to enter a word or a phrase: typing, drawing with your finger, speaking through the microphone, or using your camera to take a photo of what you want to translate. The app is free and can be downloaded on Android and iOS; you can also use the browser version on your computer. Here for iOS download Here for Android download Pros: You can easily switch between languages Ability to use your camera for translations History of your translations Cons: Can be inaccurate with long texts or phrases Some languages are not very accurate iTranslate iTranslate is one of the easiest-to-use translation apps on the market due to the simplicity of its interface. Like Google Translate, the app has over 90 languages in its database and you can type or speak to get your translation. In its premium version ($5) you can type in long texts, use voice commands, and get rid of ads. A plus is that you can share your translation with somebody else via text message or social media. The app is available on Android and iOS in free and premium versions. Here for iOS...
Canada and France: are there many differences? We love to discover new cultures around the world. Here are a few cultural differences between France and Canada about the language they speak, the food they like and the sport they play or watch. Differences in Languages The two main languages spoken in Canada are English and Canadian French. English is by far the most spoken language in Canada with 58% of Canadians speaking English and only 22% speaking French. Canadian French is a variation of the French language from France, originating from the 18th century. In France, French is the official language and many people know some English but less are fluent. Differences in Food Canada has a large variety of dishes from East to West. Most of them are based on meat, cheese, and potatoes. First of all, poutine is one of the most famous dishes in Canada and especially in Quebec. It is a delicious meal made with French fries, gravy and cheese curds. In addition, British Columbia salmon, and Alberta beef and bacon are also very much appreciated in Canada. Coincidentally, meat, cheese and potatoes are also much appreciated in French cuisine. For example, Raclette and Tartiflette are typical French dishes composed of potatoes, bacon and cheese. On the sweet side, Canada is famous for its maple syrup and beavertails. Nevertheless, in France, pastries and bakery goods are also very typical with the classic baguette, croissant and pain au chocolat. Differences in Sport The national sport in Canada is ice hockey. However, most American sports, like football and basketball, are also represented in Canada. The National Hockey...
Lonely Planet: Best Travels 2017 For those who are dreaming of this year’s holiday but find themselves overwhelmed by a deluge of exotic options, help is at hand from the experts at Lonely Planet. The travel guide company has published its list of the top places to visit in 2017. Published every October, the list predicts the hottest trends and experiences, highlighting the top five countries, cities, regions, and best value destinations for the months ahead. TOP 5 Countries and there Languages 1. Canada The Lonely Planet Traveller 2017 guide presents Canada as the top country to visit thanks to its beautiful scenery, friendly locals, and a weak Canadian dollar. Thumbs up, Canada! LingoStar will be happy to guide you through Canada’s language mosaic! Check out our wide range of translation services provided in Canada >>. 2. Colombia Colombia, sitting at number two on the list, was lauded for its “rich tapestry, nature and hospitality”. Pictured is Cartagena in Colombia. Spanish is a beautiful language and it’s one of the main languages we translate into: English to Spanish translation is one of the most requested language services in Canada. 3. Finland Finland was awarded third place, with a whole host of events planned for the country’s centenary this year, including outdoor concerts, communal culinary experiences, and sauna evenings. Yes, we translate English into Finnish as well! 4. Dominica Dominica. “The Caribbean’s ‘Nature Island’ opens its doors this year with first-class resorts.” The official language of this beautiful beach country is English. Locally Dominican Creole French is spoken. 5. Nepal Nepal. “Witness its road to recovery from the devastating 2015 earthquakes.”...
