By Geralde Vincent-Bancroft
What were my readers most interested in this year? I love finding out which articles were the most popular with them. It helps me know what everyone is thinking about and how I can better serve them.
The 5th most read article of 2022 is:
Benefits Of Mind Maps In Language Learning
Mind maps are a great way to improve your language learning skills. They allow you to see the big picture of the language, and they make learning new words and concepts much easier. In this blog post, we will discuss the many benefits of mind maps in language learning. We will also provide some tips on how to create effective mind maps.
What are mind maps?
Mind maps a type of diagram used to visually organise information. They are often used to brainstorm ideas, plan projects, or take notes. Mind maps can be created using pen and paper, or using software on a computer or mobile device.
They are a great way to organise thoughts, and remember information.
Mind maps are easier to grasp
They are a great way to organise information. They are visual and easy to understand. You can see the relationships between concepts more clearly. They also help you remember information better. When you create a mind map, you are using both brain hemispheres. This means that you are more likely to remember what you have learned. Mind maps are also flexible. You can add new information to them easily. You can also change them if you need to. This makes them a great tool for students and professionals alike.
Mind maps encourage creativity
By visually mapping out ideas, mind maps help to stimulate new connections and associations. This can lead to more creative solutions and new perspectives on problems.
Additionally, they can help to increase the clarity of thoughts and improve problem-solving skills. For these reasons, mind maps are often used by professionals in fields such as advertising, design, and architecture. However, anyone can benefit from using mind maps.
Click Here to learn more about the Benefits of mind Maps
The 4th most read article of 2022 is:
The Myth: Older People Can’t Learn A Language
Anyone who has ever tried to learn a new language can attest to the fact that it is not an easy task. It takes time, patience, and a lot of hard work. However, many people believe that it is impossible to learn a language as you get older. This belief is nothing but a myth!
In this blog post, we will debunk this myth and provide evidence that proves that you can indeed learn a new language at any age!
Is there a decline in the ability to learn as people get older?
The answer may surprise you: there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that older people are less capable of learning a new language. In fact, recent research has shown that older learners may actually have some advantages over their younger counterparts. They can be good foreign language learners.
A great deal of research has been done on the topic, and it’s clear that while children may have an advantage in native-like fluency as they age, adults actually learn languages more quickly than kids at an early stage.
This is likely due to a number of factors such as motivation or engagement – but one important difference between these groups could be their belief about whether they can succeed at learning another language.
Young learners are often confident because there haven’t yet been any obstacles during development periods where other skills metres improve greatly over time (e.g.., reading). On the other hand, older individuals sometimes feel discouraged by past experiences which make them question if anything will come easy again later down in life.
The ‘critical period‘ hypothesis was developed in the 60s based on current brain development theories, which argue that after puberty there is little room for learning new skills. However recent research in neurology has proven that children and adults learn languages differently because of developmental differences between them. Adults have superior language learning capabilities especially in the areas of vocabulary and language structure.
The stereotype of the older adult as a poor language learner is to be quashed. Adults use their previous learning experience to help them acquire a new skill such as learning a language. They also use their long-term memory function allowing them to apply their new knowledge in a more constructive way.
Older learners often have an advantage over their younger counterparts in that they tend to be more strategic in their approach to learning. They are more likely to set realistic goals and develop a plan to reach them. This can help them make the most of their time and avoid frustration.
In addition, older learners often have more life experience to draw on when problem-solving. As a result, they may be better equipped to handle challenges and setbacks.
Whether you’re looking to learn a new language or simply brush up on your skills, there’s no need to feel discouraged. Learning is a lifelong process, and it’s never too late to start reaping the benefits.
Click Here to find out more about this topic
The third most read article of 2022
Hand Gestures: Reasons Why Italians Use Them
When you think of hand gestures, what country comes to mind? If you said Italy, you’re correct! Italians are well known for their hand gestures, which they use to communicate with each other. But why do they use them so much? And what do these hand gestures mean? In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating history and meanings behind Italian hand gestures.
We will also take a look at some of the most popular ones used in Italy and what they mean. So, whether you are planning on travelling to Italy or just want to learn more about their culture, be sure to read on!
The use of hand gestures in Italy is a form of non-verbal communication and expression. The gestures within the Italian lexicon are dominated by movements that involve both hands as well facial features such as eyebrows or mouth which can be moved to communicate thoughts, feelings etcetera without having any need for words!
History of hand gestures in Italy
It is believed that hand gestures originated in Italy as a way for people to communicate without having to use words. This was especially useful during times of war or conflict when speaking out loud could be dangerous. Over time, they have become an integral part of Italian culture and are now used daily.
The professor of Italian culture, de Jorio believes that hand gestures were introduced to Southern Italy by the Romans. But others believe that they were developed during the occupation of Italy by the Germanic tribes ,Moors in the Middle Ages, the French, Spanish, and Austrians. Regardless of their origin, hand gestures are an important part of Italian culture and are used by people of all ages.
Why are hand gestures prevalent in Italy nowadays?
There are a few different theories as to why hand gestures are so prevalent in Italy. One theory is that it is simply because Italians are very passionate people and tend to use their hands when they speak. Another theory is that they help Italians to better express themselves, as many words in the Italian language have multiple meanings. This can often be confusing so using hand gestures can help to make the meaning of a sentence clearer.
Whatever the reason may be, there is no doubt that hand gestures are an important part ofItalian culture. If you are planning on travelling to Italy, it is worth taking some time to learn about the most popular hand gestures and their meanings. This way, you will be able to communicate with Italians more easily and maybe even make some new friends!
Difference between North and South
There is a difference between the north and the south in the meaning of certain gestures. For example, People use the ‘chin flick’ differently across Italy. In Northern regions, it means “get lost” while in Southern areas of the country this gesture merely means “no or not available for whatever reason.”
Role of hand gestures in communication
InItalian culture, hand gestures have always served an important function. They contribute to the expression and indication of emotion as well as substitute for verbal communication when needed.
They are a form of expression in Italy and they are an integral part of conversation. This prevalence is due, on one hand, to the need for visibility where people want their message heard; and on the other hand it is a means to diminish competition in their subconscious quest to be more visible.
Hand gestures are also a form of cultural coding in Italy that children carry out without realising it. They imitate their parents and peers’ behaviours which causes them to develop gesticulating during conversation as an automatic habit
Click here to see pictures of the most popular and gestures in Italy.
The 2nd most read article of 2022
Rise Of Online Language Learning
online language learning is on the rise all over the world. Did you know that?
More and more people are choosing to learn a new language online and for good reasons!
There are many benefits to be gained by learning a new language, and with online tools, it has never been easier or more fun!
In this blog post, we will take a look at some of the reasons why online language learning is becoming so popular. We will also explore some of the different types of online language courses available so that you can find the perfect one for you!
Online language learning is becoming increasingly popular, with people of all ages and backgrounds using it to improve their language skills. There are a number of reasons for this growing popularity.
Convenience
Online language learning offers convenience and flexibility. You can study at your own pace and you can learn at any time of day or night, and you don’t even need to leave your home.
Whether you’re a busy professional looking to learn a new language for work or a stay-at-home parent who wants to brush up on your Spanish skills, online courses make it easy to fit language learning into your busy life.
More Flexibility with online language learning
Learning can be customized to meet each student’s individual needs. For example, learners can choose the pace at which they want to study and focus on the areas that are most important to them.
With so many online resources available, it can be tough to know where to start. However, the best approach for each student may vary depending on their individual learning style. For example, some students may prefer a more structured approach with online lessons and drills, while others may enjoy a more relaxed approach with listening to podcasts and reading online articles. The important thing is to experiment and find what works best for you.
With a little effort, anyone can learn a new language online – it just takes finding the right approach for you.
Affordability
Another advantage is that it’s often more affordable than traditional language classes. Thanks to the low overhead costs associated with online courses, many providers are able to offer their courses at a fraction of the cost of offline alternatives.
Many language learning websites and apps offer free or discounted subscription plans, so you can learn a new language without breaking the bank.
Click here to learn about more reasons.
And in prime position……
Use a Foreign Language in Your Daily Life
Do you want to practice a new language? This blog post is perfect for you! In this article, we will discuss 5 ways that you can use your foreign language skills in your daily life. Whether it be with friends or strangers, knowing another language will help you communicate more easily with the people around you. So, what are these 5 ways? Keep reading to find out!
You have been studying this new language and you’ve acquired a lot of knowledge by now. But you do not have the means to practice it.
When you speak, you train your brain, mouth, and tongue to coordinate with one another. It is essentially a physical exercise that can be very difficult at first but gets easier over time if the language becomes more automatic for you. Here are some tips to use it in your daily life.
Speak out
Practice speaking out loud in the language of choice daily. Narrate your day in the foreign language. Not only will this help improve your language skills, but it will also make you more confident speaking in public. The more you practice, the better!
When you produce sentences, it improves understanding and retention of the language. When you speak, you train your brain, mouth, and tongue to coordinate with one another. This is how muscle memory works in language learning! The more often you use a language the better it becomes at forming words together quickly and accurately.
Pro tip: Speaking French for five minutes every day can help students retain an additional six percent of the language’s vocabulary after a month!
Another great way to practice is by recording yourself speaking the language and narrating your day. This is a great language learning tool. You can simply speak your thoughts and review them later when studying the language. This can help with your pronunciation and intonation. You can also use this method to practice your dialogue skills.
This method of language practice provides a way for you to capture any mistakes that may occur while speaking in another language, so it’s beneficial if you have trouble understanding yourself on recordings!
Try reading books or articles out loud in the language you are studying. This is a great way to improve your understanding and fluency of the language.
Click here to find out more ways.
These were the 5 favourite readings of the year.
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Here’s for a successful 2023 jam-packed with strategies for better language learning.
Cheers ! 🥂🌟🎆
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