Language learners take New Year’s Resolutions to extremes with uTalk Challenge
Hundreds of people across the world are taking New Year’s Resolutions to a whole new level in 2017 by joining the uTalk Challenge, which offers the chance to learn a new language free every month for a year.
The Challenge gives participants free access to 10 topics in a language of their choice (from over 130 available) on the uTalk multi-platform app. If they complete the 10 topics, they can choose a second language for February – and so on.
This year’s Challengers will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of Patricia Ochman from Toronto, who last year learnt 12 languages including Greenlandic, Samoan and Dzongkha. Patricia, an avid language learner, shows no sign of slowing down and has already made a start on her first language of 2017 – Hebrew.
“This year I’ve decided to take requests, so I’m starting with a suggestion from my close friend to learn Hebrew,” she explains. “I think having a ‘designated cheerleader’ for the month will make the challenge even more interesting!”
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Darren Cameron from Bristol also made it all the way to December in 2016, finishing Bulgarian just before Christmas and moving swiftly on to Afrikaans on January 1st. It’s fair to say he’s happy with his choice of language: “I’m officially in love with Afrikaans! My favourite word of any language – so far – is now aartappelskyfies (which means chips).”
uTalk chairman Dick Howeson is delighted with the response to this year’s Challenge, which is the biggest yet. “It’s great to see so many people are inspired to learn something new for 2017. We can’t wait to hear how they all use their new languages over the coming months.”
As for Dick, he’s learning Hindi this month as uTalk is developing some exciting partnerships in India. “Knowing even a few words in a language shows respect and can help create a great connection. Learning Hindi will certainly be a challenge – but I’m up for it!”
It’s not too late to sign up for the uTalk Challenge. To register visit utalk.com/challenge and enter your details. Good luck!
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