Valentine’s Day Around the World

Valentine’s Day is celebrated in many wonderful ways around the world. uTalk’s Language guru, Brian, presents five countries and their colourful customs all done in the name of love! Argentina Argentineans are so passionate about love that in addition to Valentine’s Day, they celebrate an entire week in July called La Semana de la Dulzura … Read more

What Does the Loch Ness Monster Have To Do With Language Learning?

When it comes to learning a new language, where do you start? Pronunciation, maybe, or some listening? Then you’ll start learning words, phrases. Grammar. How to write. All these building blocks come together to help make up a language you can then communicate with. But, of course, communication is more than just words—it’s culture, too. … Read more

Namaste: Appreciation or Appropriation?

If you visit India, you might feel inclined to greet everyone with ‘namaste,’ a traditional Hindu greeting that shows your respect. But you might not hear the same thing in reply. In this blog post, we explore the origins of the word ‘namaste,’ how it is used in India today, and the impact of its … Read more

German Cuisine: Is It Really the Wurst?

Germany is famous for a lot of things—but its cuisine doesn’t really top that list. Most stereotypes around German food include sausages, potatoes and lots and lots of beer. And while these stereotypes may be somewhat grounded in fact, Germany has much more to offer—as we’ll share with you today. If you’re in any city … Read more

Basque Boys’ Night Out—And Other Cultural Surprises

Speakers of the Basque language, a language spoken in self-governing parts of France and Spain, have a tradition of male-only nights out. The evenings take place behind closed doors in specially rented or purpose-bought premises, often basements. But the events, which are called txoko—from the Basque word ‘zoko,’ meaning ‘cosy nook’—are far from questionable; sweetly, … Read more