The Language Learning Specialists
Newly-wed Megan Markle touched our hearts when she called Prince Harry “my love” at a recent gala performance. But how much more fun would it have been if she’d used one of these quirky terms of affection from another tongue? Here’s our top ten suggestions: French: ma puce meaning my flea. Portuguese: chuchuzinho meaning little squash (the vegetable). Persian: … Read more
Why every language in the world uses the same two words for “tea” and why in fact, that assumption is wrong! (There’s actually only one word for tea!) Our friend and language guru Brian Loo Soon Hua explains all: The word “tea”, in almost every language in the world, is ultimately of Chinese origin. Whoever … Read more
By our multi-lingual friend Brian Loo Soon Hua aka uTalk’s Language Guru Did you know that Canada was almost named Efisga? Or, even more unusual, Hochelaga? Imagine the jokes Americans would have been making about their Efisgan or Hochelagan neighbours to the north! Thankfully, “Canada” came into official use in 1791 when the Province … Read more
New languages and a faster app are waiting for you when you update to uTalk 2.08. Languages added in 2018 are Ancient Greek, Southern Saami, Manx, Kinyarwanda, Dzongkha, Lingala, and Xhosa. Tech improvements – in FULL – are: *Sound effects now muted when your phone is in silent mode – we’ve listened … Read more
Language learning company uTalk has launched an app to help save the threatened Southern Saami language spoken by reindeer herders in Norway and Sweden. The herders are nicknamed the people of eight seasons because their culture divides the calendar year into eight or more seasons to tie in with the life cycle of the reindeer. … Read more
Emirates Airline has launched an extended series of 45 videos to help passengers on all its flights grow confidence in learning languages. The specially commissioned and exclusive language learning films are now available in 15 languages and allow passengers to learn the basics needed for when they land in a new country and want to … Read more
uTalk has been chosen to be part of the roll-out of +Air Time; a pioneering new in-flight entertainment system that allows passengers to interact and play with games. Passengers can broaden their horizons and learn to speak a few words and phrases in 150+ languages before they touch down on selected routes thanks to the unique collaboration between uTalk … Read more
7000 languages, 7 billion people – one museum’s answer The word of God, children’s novels, recipes, drunken talk, rumours or political promises: everything is about speaking. It’s estimated that there are 7000 spoken languages in the world and a billion different ways to say all those things. This uninterrupted discussion among people of generations started … Read more
Wonderful atmosphere and heart-warming stories at the Junior Language Challenge final 2017 A total of 32 children battled it out at Junior Language Challenge 2017 Final on Friday Oct 13, each with their own motivations and stories. The winner, Jeevan Macro, from Salisbury, wants his success to send a message back to the children’s home in … Read more
Friday 13th may be unlucky for some but for one young budding linguist it could mean holding the Junior Language Challenge 2017 trophy high with pride and winning a trip to Africa! A record number have taken part in the UK’s only national language challenge for primary school children this year. 32 finalists from all … Read more