8 bizarre superstitions from around the world

This month, we’ve been having a look at interesting superstitions from different countries. There are literally thousands of examples – here are just a few. We suggest they should be taken with a pinch of salt… If you’re in Malta, don’t rely on the church clock to tell you the right time. Churches are sometimes … Read more

What language is spoken in France?

A quick quiz question for you: what language is spoken in France? Answer: well, French of course! But did you know France is also home to several small regional languages, including Alsatian, Catalan, Breton and Occitan? Like many other European countries, the French once spoke a wide range of regional languages and dialects. However, during … Read more

Go on… make a mistake!

Everyone’s had that embarrassing moment in a language class when the teacher asks a question and it’s followed by total silence. Nobody wants to answer; nobody wants to risk saying something wrong. You all look at the floor and hope someone else will say something, and pray the teacher won’t single you out. Because improvising … Read more

Business or pleasure – it makes no difference

In an earlier post, I talked about the importance of learning a little bit of the local language before visiting another country. Not only is it the respectful thing to do, it also saves you from embarrassing misunderstandings or spending your entire holiday communicating through pointing and exaggerated mimes. A few years ago, I visited … Read more

Join the revival – learn Cornish

Today we have a guest post from Elizabeth Stewart, from the Cornish Language Partnership, on why Cornish is a great language to learn. The Cornish language, or Kernewek as it is known by those who speak it, is enjoying a hugely successful revival.  Those who are fortunate enough to live in the Duchy, or visit … Read more

Don’t be shy, get talking!

A recent poll has found that only one in ten British travellers learn any of the language before they visit another country. Some claimed this was because English is now so widely spoken, while others blamed shyness and a fear of saying the wrong thing. I understand the second excuse much more than the first. … Read more

The beginner’s guide to London

As London welcomes visitors from all over the world this week, we’ve put together our own guide to the city, with a selection of hints and tips to help you feel like a local… While you’re here – Why not take the River Bus from Putney to Blackfriars, then on to Greenwich? It’s a fast and comfortable … Read more