October 31st is a holiday in Germany, but people won’t be knocking at neighbor’s doors asking for candy. While Americans celebrate Halloween, people in Germany commemorate Martin Luther (1483 - 1546). On October 31, 1517 the theologian Martin Luther supposedly … Continue reading
Monthly Archives: October 2011
Celebrate Halloween Around the World
While Halloween, or All Saint’s Eve, is most popular in America, countries around the world are beginning to adopt the holiday. If you’re an American abroad this week, here are a few fun ways to celebrate. Halloween in Italy If … Continue reading
Hold on to Your iPhone and Get This App
Like many, I waited anxiously for Apple’s announcement for the iPhone5. It never came. But last week I giddily picked up my brand-new iPhone4s. (I also picked up insurance. Be mindful of your big slouchy open purse in crowded bars. I learned my lesson … Continue reading
Meet Our E-Tutors: 5 Questions with Diego
In developing Living Language Platinum we hired a crew of language teachers from all over the world. These native speakers will contribute to this blog, answer questions on Twitter and our forums, and teach small group sessions. There’s nothing like … Continue reading
Meet Swabian, A German Dialect
Did you know that there are numerous regional dialects in Germany that, if spoken in their true original form, are virtually unintelligible to non-native speakers of that dialect? It wasn’t until Martin Luther, the theologian who in the mid-16th century … Continue reading
My Travel Words and Phrases: Around Paris
Part III of Shaina’s essential words and phrases cover interesting tidbits on things to do in Paris, including some helpful advice about why (and when) not to ask for ice and butter in restaurants. 1) TTC—toutes taxes comprises (taxes included) … Continue reading
BBC broadcasts “My Brother Is an Only Child”
The BBC recently broadcasted “Mio fratello è figlio unico,” a 2007 Italian film by director [regista] Daniele Luchetti. The title comes from a 1976 song by the very influential singer [cantante] Rino Gaetano. Although the movie is set in the 1960s, it gives … Continue reading
4 Apple Recipes from Around the World
A fresh, ripe apple is one of the greatest joys of autumn. After a day of apple picking or a trip to your local farmer’s market, try making one of these delicious foreign apple dishes! German – Apfeltasche (“Apple Pocket”) … Continue reading
A Masterpiece of French Cinema: ‘Children of Paradise’
Often considered one of the greatest masterpieces of French cinema, ‘Les Enfants du Paradis’ (‘Children of Paradise’) possesses all the qualities of a nearly perfect movie: a great love story supported by a shining, multi-layered screenplay, beautiful cinematography, and most of all, superb … Continue reading
Five Reasons to Learn Spanish
1. Make More Friends! If you learn Spanish, you’ll be able to communicate with about 500 million native and non-native speakers of Spanish around the world. According to Wikipedia, Spanish is the second most natively spoken language in the world, … Continue reading