How The Pomodoro Technique Can Help You
In a recent article, I touched on the Pomodoro technique as a means of being productive when it comes to revision over the Easter break. But, such a fleeting mention doesn’t do justice to just how useful it can be.
The What
The Pomodoro Technique is a strategy aimed at helping people who struggle to focus for long periods and have a short attention span. If you get easily distracted, the Pomodoro is definitely for you. Developed in the 1980s by a University student who struggled to focus on his studies and assignments, the Pomodoro Technique is a strategy for doing work in short stretches. Twenty-five minutes of focus broken up by five-minute breaks, with a longer break of 15-30 minutes after every fourth stretch. It’s a technique that’s applicable beyond revision and can be applied to how you work, manage tasks, and helps you completely remove procrastination as a problem—which is an issue many of us deal with, especially when it comes to those things we just don’t want to do. By breaking tasks down into smaller, more manageable chunks to deal with systematically, that mountain in front of you is reduced to a series of steps. It makes you more efficient, mitigates distraction and ultimately makes you much more accountable to yourself.
The How
The Pomodoro Technique is designed to get work done while preventing the chance of overwhelm or the temptation of distraction. It works best with a bit of preparation and with a timer beside you (that timer should not be your phone, we’re here to remove distractions not add them). To prepare, make a list of the tasks or a single large task broken down into smaller ones. Assemble everything you need and remove anything you don’t. What you’re going to do is flip your perspective from sitting down for the long haul and instead stack a series of small wins through short bursts of focused work with breaks in between.
Once you’re ready, the process is fairly straightforward:
STEP ONE: Choose the task.
STEP TWO: Set your timer and work ONLY on that singular task.
STEP THREE: Once the timer goes off take a five-minute break. Stretch your legs, grab a drink, or check your phone.
STEP FOUR: Repeat steps one to three FOUR times.
STEP FIVE: Take a longer break of between fifteen and thirty minutes. Have some lunch, walk the dog or meditate.
Keep working through the steps like a cycle as you progress through your to-do list, and you’ll soon find yourself racing through it. It may seem deceptively simple, but that’s why it works. The idea behind this method is that the timer instills a sense of urgency. Instead of sitting back with the whole day ahead of you, finding ways to put off the work, time is turned against you. The breaks are there to help you catch your breath and not burn out.
If a task overruns, simply pick it up on the next interval, while if you have tasks that you know won’t take long at all, group them. If you have a sudden revelation of something that needs doing, simply make a note and add it to the list to do later, don’t ruin your momentum by diving into that task immediately. And of course, there are always moments of unavoidable interruption. Whether it’s a knock at the door or being informed of an important phone call, it’s not the end of the world. Simply take that break there, and then start fresh with a new interval from there.
What if you finish that task before the timer is up? Don’t call it early, use your remaining time to brush up further on whatever that task is. Research it more or go over what you’ve done; you’re focused on that particular topic at that moment so it’s important to keep that focus.
Things To Note
This technique isn’t going to change your life and solve all your problems, but it can be a huge help if used properly. With that in mind, it’s important to note that it doesn’t apply to everything and has its limitations. Long-form writing isn’t always the best for this. To really get into the flow of a piece, you do need longer to get the thoughts out of your head, so save the Pomodoro technique for research, editing and planning. Timing-wise, while the windows are relatively short, as you adjust to the technique it’s important to consider lengthening the windows of focused work. As your attention span and working mind adjust to it, you’ll likely find that the short windows begin to hinder more than help and longer stints will be more beneficial. Indeed, with that in mind, you might just come to a point where one day, you may not need it.
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Exam Questions On The Horizon
It might only be March, and May may seem so far away, but two things are worth mentioning: it’s never too early to be exam-ready, and time moves faster than you think it does.
So while you’re stepping up your revision, one of the best and most effective approaches is getting stuck into past exam papers. You’ll have a lot of the fundamentals of whichever subject you’re tackling in your memory already, but these questions will test how you apply what you know. It’s not just about information retention, but how you can use it alongside your problem-solving skills to reach an answer. Don’t think of them as tests but as puzzles.
The Anatomy Of An Exam Question
First of all, let’s pull apart these questions, and typically how they’re put together and the big clues they contain that will tell you what kind of response examiners are looking for (unfortunately, it won’t outright tell you the answer, just how to structure it).
The Prompt: This is the stem, the important part of the question amongst all the jargon and other information you’re given. It’s here that you’ll find the core information and the context for the question. It’s also where the imperative verbs will be that will tell you how to answer it.
Imperative Verbs: pay attention to these, because they are the indicator of just how to go about it. ‘Describe’, ‘compare’, ‘evaluate’ and ‘justify’ will all demand different answers. ‘Describe’ simply wants you to explain, while ‘compare’ will want you to look at the differences between two sets of data/sources. ‘Evaluate’ is likely going to want to you point out the flaws and the strengths of a source and decide on its reliability, and ‘justify’ will be wanting you to back up your answer using evidence from the text. These are just a few examples, so be sure to make a note of all the different ones you run into when looking at past papers, you may just notice a trend.
Supplementary Materials: these will be your data sets/graphs/images/sources depending on the exam you’re taking. It’s important to take the time to give them a good read-through. Your impulse will be to do so quickly and the temptation will be there to skim. Don’t. You’ll run the risk of misreading the information and that can derail your entire answer.
Mark Allocation: Have a glance at the marks available for the question. While not applicable to all exams (those that require longer-form responses) these can be a good indicator of just how much time and effort is required. If there are only a couple of marks at stake and you’re scratching your head at the way to answer it, chances are you’re overthinking it.
Planning Makes Perfect
Be sure to spend a few minutes before writing your answer to plan out what you’re going to say. Jot down some key arguments and examples, and highlight anything you think could be relevant. Prioritise the points you think best fit the answer, and then write. Taking the time here will help focus your writing and stop you from meandering from your point. Plus, should you run out of time, that plan will point out where your answer is going. It may not have much of a bearing on your marks, but you can’t rule out the marker not taking it into account.
Timing
Spending too much time on one question has the consequence of leaving you considerably less time for any subsequent ones. If you’re struggling with a question, the next one you may find much easier—how you’ll kick yourself if you waste time on a lost cause when you could maximise your marks elsewhere on the paper! Two partially answered questions will net you more marks than one good one and one terrible one, bear that in mind.
Using your time wisely is very important, and while it’s understandable that exam situations can cause a bit of stress, and once you get momentum in a question you can lose track of that clock; discipline with your timing is one of the most valuable assets to have in an exam.
Cross Your ‘T’s, Dot Your ‘I’s
Keep in mind to leave yourself five minutes at the end to give your answers one last read-through to catch any errant spellings and missing punctuation. The amount of marks dropped for not adhering to the fundamentals of writing keeps teachers up at night, and you wouldn’t want to lose out on a grade because you misplaced too many commas.
Whatever You Do, Don’t Do Any Of These
Panic! Of course, that’s easier said than done, but keeping your cool will help you save precious time. You can help mitigate your angst by practicing exam papers under timed conditions. It won’t solve everything, but at least it will give you one less thing to be worried about.
Waffle! Keep in mind the points above, and don’t jump straight in to writing your answer, and you’ll do well to avoid this. Long answers that dance around the point don’t score as well as concise ones that are half the length.
Dwell on it. Coming out of the exam wondering what could have been and talking to your friends comparing answers is a great way to bring your mood down. Once time is up, there is nothing else you can do. Take a break, do something to take your mind off it—then on to the next one!
There’s plenty of time between now and the exam, so use it wisely. Just remember, whatever may come results day, if you can get to the end of May and tell yourself that you tried your very best, what else could you do? Nobody can ask more of you than that.
You’ve got this, good luck.
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Your reading list probably asks you for newest editions of novels and textbooks. If you own some older editions of these texts already, you might think; ‘why do I need to rebuy something I already own?’ It can be an annoying question, particularly for your parent or legal guardian. After all, it’s their money! Due to cost-of-living pressures, many parents are now spending less on books for their kids. If you have an older sibling, it’s even possible your parents were planning on passing their books down to you. Unfortunately, it’s a plan that’s unlikely to succeed. So, why do you need to purchase the newest editions of books that you may already own? Well, we’ve tried to provide a few different answers to that question for you below.
Presentation for Curriculum Requirements
Over the years, the curriculums have changed. Studying is a lot more learner-friendly than it used to be. Let’s use English literature as an example. Textbooks for the subject would often present quite rigorous, factual questions, very much looking for answers that were distinctly ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. However, things began to change in the mid-1990s.
Some of the textbooks for English literature test pupils quite differently today. Now, schoolkids and home learners alike are tested on more interpretative questions, ones where your reading of the text is more important. You’re allowed to argue your points, and so long as they’re well-structured, well-written, and well-reasoned points, they’re generally marked favourably. It might seem tempting to get an older textbook for a more affordable price, but you’ll also be subjecting yourself to a different mode of learning when it comes to English literature. One that’s incompatible with modern curriculums! That difference likely extends to several other subjects as well.
The Condition of the Book
You might agree that, generally, many people don’t treat their books very well. Instead of arranging them neatly on a shelf at home, some of these books might live in bags or under furniture for months at a time, folded and creased. Others might doodle in their books, spill drinks on the pages, or even playfully use them as weapons against friends. They can also be rudely vandalised for a laugh. So, publishers quite understandably think that passing these texts down and around isn’t always a good idea. Older editions are bound to carry a few ‘battle scars’.
So, if your reading lists ask you for a new edition of a text, it possibly means the person curating it may be trying to evade some of these common issues. It’s not a guarantee – new editions of a text are typically released every 3-4 years with most publishers. Still, the newest edition of a text is harder to buy or borrow second-hand. It all means your learning is less likely to be interrupted, and you can enjoy the reading precisely as intended.
Author Changes
Many authors publish their books and insist the first copy is the final copy. They can get quite touchy about it, believing their integrity and reputation as a writer is on the line.
Others take a more relaxed approach when it comes to making changes. It’s still quite rare they do so, but it does happen! For example, Stephen King rewrote the ending of his 1978 novel, ‘The Stand’, revising the ending once in 1990, and then again for the 2020 TV miniseries adaptation. You’re unlikely to read a Stephen King text for study before university, but the larger point here is that even high-calibre authors do make changes, sometimes. The changes aren’t typically small, either. They can be so large that they fundamentally alter the message and mood of a text. So, in buying the newest edition, you can be sure that you’re grappling with the most relevant copy of a fiction.
Textbooks Can be Wrong
It’s easy to think of study as memorising bulletproof facts. Empirical information is presented to you with great authority, and your learning is rightly taken quite seriously. However, it’s not just authors that might like to change things around. It’s also true that so-called ‘factual’ textbooks can be wrong. After all, even long held scientific understandings about the age of the universe can later be questioned or even outright disproved. The knowledge of the human race is pretty ‘far off’ sometimes, and that’s okay.
This doesn’t mean everything you’re reading is redundant. However, it does mean that buying the latest edition of a text means that you’re more likely to engage with information that is accurate, up-to-date, and has been revised and amended as many times as possible. It also teaches you a valuable a lesson, too; that the learning journey never ends. Professional scientists and scholars are always experimenting and updating their knowledge, presenting incorrect answers to eventually find the correct ones. Equipped with that understanding, you may approach your own learning more comfortably and confidently. It’s okay to be wrong sometimes!
Bonus Material
Newest editions of a text often come with bonus material to make a purchase more enticing for consumers. Some of these add-ons can benefit you during your home learning. You’ll likely know what an appendix is. It’s a section of nonessential writing at the end of an academic text. It’s bonus material, featuring anything from quick notes to scanned letters and maps. Sometimes these are updated for newer editions of books and provide unique insights into the text you’re reading. However, appendices in older editions are not always reprinted for newest editions. It may vary on a text-by-text basis!
Newer editions of a text may also feature better quality, brand-new, and more frequent illustrations, graphs, and other visual spectacles too. It may seem like a small thing, but these additions can break up an overwhelming wall of text and make it more engaging to engage with as a result.
So, there you have it. In reading the points above, we hope you’ve come to understand that newest editions of books bring you, as the reader, ‘closer’ to the text. You can more easily understand and relate to what’s written and the people who wrote it, which should benefit you greatly on your learning journey!
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What Are The Most Influential Languages In The World?
Before discussing the most influential languages, we must outline what makes a language influential. The influence of languages can be determined through various factors such as the number of speakers, economic power associated with speakers, cultural impact, political significance, and global usage. This is perhaps the classic and most logical way to assess a language’s global influence.
Modern technology has allowed an even more sophisticated answer to the question of a language’s influence. In what was a truly big data analysis, a group of scholars at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) looked at over 2.2 million book translations between 1979 and 2011 from over 150 countries and over a thousand languages, 382 million Wikipedia edits in 238 languages by 2.5 million editors, and finally reviewed 550 million tweets in 73 languages from over 17 million users! This analysis led them to postulate that the influence level of a language is less about the language itself but about how it connects to others.
It’s Not All English!
Their visio-spatial charts presented on the world economic forum website show clearly that English, with over 1.5 billion speakers and being the most heavily translated in the world, was the most actively connected and influential language. However, their research didn’t point to a dominant language after English but showed German, French, Spanish, and Japanese were the most heavily translated into and from English, and this seemed to be the next most influential cohort.
What About Chinese?
Being the second most spoken language with 1 billion speakers, it begs the question as to why Chinese isn’t the second most influential language. In fact it is due to what is termed ‘linguistic isolation’ because its usage is limited to networks such as Sina Weibo (Chinese Twitter) and Baidu Baike (Chinese Wikipedia). Russia has a similar form of linguistic isolation via VK (Russian Facebook).
Finally
This research also showed that informal communication channels like Twitter have been allowing less widely spoken languages to rise in influence. Swahili, Malay, and Filipino were over-represented on Twitter given the numbers of actual speakers.
If you are interested in studying a language, Oxford Home Schooling offer courses in French and Spanish at several levels. You can find out more on those available by clicking on the relevant subject listed below. You can also find our Contact Us page here.
Learning Another Language
Language is more than just a means of communication; it’s a gateway to new cultures, opportunities, and perspectives. Today, September 26th, we celebrate the European Day of Languages, a day dedicated to recognising the value of multilingualism and language diversity.
In a world so connected, any country on the globe is no more than a few clicks away. With that in mind, the ability to speak multiple languages is a valuable asset that can open doors to personal growth and career success. In this blog post, we’ll explore the numerous benefits of being multilingual and where it can take you in your career.
Enhanced Communication Skills
Learning another language is a journey that sharpens your communication skills. Whether you’re conversing with native speakers, navigating through a foreign country, or collaborating with international colleagues, multilingualism enables you to express yourself more effectively and build deeper connections. You not only learn words and grammar but also gain insight into the nuances of culture and social norms, allowing you to communicate more sensitively and persuasively.
Cultural Awareness And Sensitivity
Language and culture are intertwined, and learning a new language often involves immersing yourself in the traditions, values, and customs of a particular community. This exposure fosters cultural awareness and sensitivity, which are invaluable in our globalised world. Being attuned to cultural differences can help you avoid misunderstandings and miscommunications and make a positive impression when interacting with people from diverse backgrounds.
Increased Cognitive Abilities
Studies have shown that multilingualism can boost cognitive abilities. Learning and using multiple languages stimulates the brain, improving problem-solving skills, multitasking abilities, and even delaying age-related cognitive decline. It’s like giving your brain a regular workout, keeping it agile and adaptable.
Career Mobility
Being multilingual can enhance your career mobility. In some industries, opportunities for advancement and leadership positions may be more readily available to those who can communicate with a broader range of people and cultures. Multilingual employees are often considered for international assignments and can work in various regions around the world.
Knowing multiple languages can be a game-changer in the business world. It facilitates effective negotiation, market research, and relationship-building with international clients and partners. Companies often seek multilingual professionals to expand their global reach and compete in international markets.
In a job interview, having proficiency in a second or third language can set you apart from other candidates. Employers see it as a sign of adaptability, dedication, and an ability to take on challenges. It can be the differentiating factor that lands you the job.
Personal Enrichment
Beyond the career benefits, being multilingual is personally enriching. It allows you to enjoy literature, films, music, and art from different cultures in their original forms. It also enables you to connect with people on a deeper level when travelling or engaging in cultural exchanges. Learning another language can be a fulfilling and lifelong pursuit.
Making A Positive Impact
Being multilingual can empower you to make a positive impact on the world. You can volunteer or work for organisations that focus on international development, humanitarian aid, or refugee assistance. Your language skills can be a lifeline for those in need, and you can contribute to bridging linguistic and cultural gaps.
Where You Can Make That Impact
It’s all well and good talking about what you can do but where can you actually put that second (or third) language to good use? As it turns out, there are a fair few places where such a skill is invaluable:
Multinational Corporations: Tech giants, international banks, and automotive companies value employees who can communicate with international clients and partners.
Government Agencies: Foreign ministries, embassies, and customs and border protection agencies require bilingual professionals for international affairs and diplomacy.
International Organisations: The United Nations, WHO, and EU employ multilingual staff to carry out global missions.
Healthcare Institutions: Hospitals, clinics and medical facilities need bilingual medical staff and interpreters.
Educational Institutions: Schools, universities, and language institutes hire bilingual teachers and coordinators for language programs.
Translation and Localisation Companies: Firms specialising in translation and localisation actively seek bilingual professionals.
Nonprofit Organisations: NGOs involved in international development and humanitarian aid rely on bilingual professionals.
Media and Broadcasting: News organisations and media companies seek bilingual journalists and content creators for global coverage.
Start Your Journey Today
The European Day of Languages is a reminder of the rich tapestry of languages that make up our world. Embracing multilingualism is not just about learning words; it’s about embracing the richness of human culture and enhancing your own life in the process.
Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone passionate about lifelong learning, consider the multitude of benefits that come with being multilingual. It’s a journey that opens doors, fosters understanding, and empowers you to navigate our diverse and interconnected global community with confidence and grace.
So, on this special day, take a moment to celebrate the languages you know and to consider the languages you’d like to explore in the future. Each language you learn is a new world waiting to be discovered, and the journey is as rewarding as the destination. Happy European Day of Languages!
Have you ever wondered how Latin evolved into the Romance languages or why some of us speak with different dialects and use different words and phrases? Language defines who we are, the cultures we live in and help us communicate effectively in an ever-changing world.
We, as human beings, are now more connected globally than ever before through travel, technology, business, art, literature and media. Through this melting pot of cultures, there are suggestions that some languages may be evolving at a faster rate than ever before.
Why Do Languages Evolve?
As our society and culture is forever changing, so too is our need for effective communication. New concepts and ideas, cultural shifts, technology and social dynamics all give rise to language evolution. Through processes known as adaption, borrowing and innovation, new words and expressions may be included, old words may become unfashionable and grammar rules may be modified to help us accurately convey our meaning.
Changing Attitudes
Cultural shifts in values, beliefs and practices can be seen in the categorisation of gender identity and sexual orientation. Where boundaries have become more fluid, societies have striven to be more inclusive and respectful, leading to the adoption of gender-neutral pronoun usage, new terminology such as “non-binary” and inclusive non-gender focused terminology such as ‘police officer’ replacing policeman or policewoman.
Cultural Identity
Language is deeply intertwined with our cultures and society and can explain why some countries, such as Wales, practice language revitalisation to preserve their heritage and avoid the loss of their language forever. They have both played a significant impact on the evolution of the Romance languages from Latin, from foreign substrate languages incorporated from the expansion of the roman empire to the later barbarian invasions of Germanic-speaking tribes after its fall.
Modern Day Influences
Globalisation has increased the level of interactions between our diverse cultures. The advent of writing systems, printing press and digital communication platforms have all significantly impacted the way languages are used and disseminated. New communication platforms like social media have increased the level of language exchange, leading to a rise in informal language use and abbreviations, emojis, memes and cultural appropriations.
Languages also play a significant role on an economic level, where multilingual individuals and societies can engage in international trade, diplomacy, tourism and cultural exchange more effectively. Proficiency in languages can enhance employability and create avenues for business and professional growth in a globalised world.
The Future Of Language
The dynamic nature of language evolution highlights its resilience and adaptability to changing societal needs and contexts, demonstrating that languages are living entities that reflect and respond to the diverse influences and developments within human societies.
A side effect of this evolution is that many minor languages have become endangered or extinct, as speakers shift to those that are more dominant or widely spoken. This can lead to a loss of cultural identity, knowledge and cultural homogenisation. Understanding changes in language can therefore help provide insights into our linguistic past, present and future, helping us to appreciate the rich and complex nature of human communication.
Interested in learning a language while gaining a professional qualification? Oxford Open Learning’s flexible French, German and Spanish IGCSE or French and Spanish A-level accredited distance learning courses can help you learn with greater flexibility. Get in touch with us today to find out more.
Language allows us to express our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Yet there are moments when words in one language defy direct translation into another. Such words often carry unique cultural and linguistic nuance. Exploring these untranslatable words not only broadens our understanding of different cultures but also offers a glimpse into the intricacies of human existence.
Schadenfreude
One such example is the German word “Schadenfreude,” which refers to the pleasure derived from someone else’s misfortune. The term encapsulates the complex mix of emotions experienced when witnessing another person’s downfall. While other languages may attempt to describe the concept, “Schadenfreude” embodies the exact sentiment, reflecting the German cultural context and its acknowledgement of this complex human reaction.
Komorebi
In Japanese, the word “komorebi” refers to the interplay of light and leaves when sunlight filters through trees. It evokes a sense of tranquillity, and the word paints a vivid picture of a specific natural phenomenon. Translating “komorebi” as “sunlight through the trees” lacks the poetic essence and the emotional impact of the original word. It exemplifies the unique appreciation of nature in Japanese culture.
Sobremesa
Moving to the Spanish language, we find the word “sobremesa,” which refers to the lingering conversation and enjoyment that takes place after a meal. It captures the relaxed atmosphere, the intimate connection between people, and the unhurried enjoyment of each other’s company. “Sobremesa” embodies the importance of socialising and human connection in Spanish-speaking cultures. Untranslatable words often hold cultural and historical significance.
Taarof
In Arabic, the term “taarof” represents a complex system of social etiquette and politeness. It involves subtle gestures, deference, and a dance of compliments. “Taarof” reflects the intricate social dynamics and the deep-rooted respect ingrained in Middle Eastern cultures.
These examples illustrate how untranslatable words encapsulate unique experiences, emotions, and cultural values that are not easily expressed in other languages. They offer a glimpse into the nuances and idiosyncrasies of different societies, inviting us to appreciate the richness and diversity of human language and experience.
Illuminating The Meaning Behind Untranslatable Words
Furthermore, exploring untranslatable words encourages us to reflect on the limitations of language itself. Each language has its own history, cultural contexts, and semantic subtleties that shape the way people perceive and express the world around them. The existence of untranslatable words asks us to question how well we convey the depth of meaning and cultural nuance between different languages.
In a world increasingly interconnected by globalisation and technology, understanding and appreciating these untranslatable words can foster cultural empathy and open doors to deeper cross-cultural understanding. These words remind us of the beauty and complexity of human experiences, transcending language barriers and connecting us on a fundamental level. They serve as windows into the rich tapestry of our existence, reflecting cultural, emotional, and linguistic nuances that cannot be fully captured in translation.
Have you ever wondered how Latin evolved into the Romance languages or why some of us speak with different dialects and use different words and phrases? Language defines who we are, the cultures we live in and helps us to communicate effectively in an ever-changing world.
We, as human beings, are now more connected globally than ever before through travel, technology, business, art, literature and media. Through this melting pot of cultures, there are suggestions that some languages may be evolving at a faster rate than ever before.
Why Do Languages Evolve?
Our society and culture is forever changing, and so does our needs for effective communication. New concepts and ideas, cultural shifts, technology and social dynamics all give rise to language evolution. Through processes known as adaption, borrowing and innovation, new words and expressions may be included, old words may become unfashionable and grammar rules may be modified to help us accurately convey our meaning.
Changing Attitudes
Cultural shifts in values, beliefs and practices can be seen in the categorisation of gender identity and sexual orientation. Where boundaries have become more fluid, societies have striven to be more inclusive and respectful, leading to the adoption of gender-neutral pronoun usage, new terminology such as “non-binary” and inclusive non-gender focused terminology such as ‘police officer’ replacing policeman or policewoman.
Cultural Identity
Language is deeply intertwined with our cultures and society and can explain why some countries like Wales practice language revitalisation to preserve their heritage and avoid the loss of their language forever. They have both played a significant impact on the evolution of the Romance languages from Latin, from foreign substrate languages incorporated from the expansion of the roman empire to the later barbarian invasions of Germanic-speaking tribes after its fall.
Modern Day Influences
Globalisation has increased the level of interactions between our diverse cultures. The advent of writing systems, printing press and digital communication platforms have all significantly impacted the way languages are used and disseminated. New communication platforms like social media have increased the level of language exchange, leading to a rise in informal language use and abbreviations, emoji’s, memes and cultural appropriations.
Languages also play a significant role on an economic level, where multilingual individuals and societies can engage in international trade, diplomacy, tourism and cultural exchange more effectively. Proficiency in languages can enhance employability and create avenues for business and professional growth in a globalised world.
The Future Of Language
The dynamic nature of language evolution highlights its resilience and adaptability to changing societal needs and contexts, demonstrating that languages are living entities that reflect and respond to the diverse influences and developments within human societies.
A side effect of this evolution is that many minor languages have become endangered or extinct, as speakers shift to more dominant or widely spoken languages. This can lead to a loss of cultural identity, knowledge and cultural homogenisation. Understanding changes in language can therefore help provide insights into our linguistic past, present and future, helping us to appreciate the rich and complex nature of human communication.
Interested in learning a language while gaining a professional qualification? Oxford Open Learning’s flexible French, German and Spanish IGCSE or French and Spanish A-level accredited distance learning courses can help you learn with greater flexibility. Get in touch with us today to find out more.
Language learning is a transformative journey that opens doors to new cultures, enhances communication skills, and broadens horizons. Whether for personal growth, professional opportunities or travel purposes, mastering a new language can be an immensely rewarding experience. In this article, we will explore effective tips and strategies to help you navigate the path to language proficiency and unlock the power of multilingualism.
Set Clear Goals And Stay Motivated
Establishing clear goals is essential when embarking on your journey. Define why you want to learn the language and what level of proficiency you aim to achieve. Setting specific, achievable goals helps maintain focus and motivation throughout the process. Additionally, find personal sources of inspiration, such as connecting with native speakers, exploring their literature or music, or envisioning the doors that subject fluency will open for you.
Immerse Yourself In The Language
Language learning is most effective when you create an immersive environment. Surround yourself with the target language as much as possible. Watch films, TV shows, and documentaries, listen to podcasts or music, and read books, newspapers, or online articles. Immerse yourself in the culture associated with the language, as it helps to understand the context and nuances of what you are learning.
Practice Speaking And Listening
Speaking and listening are crucial aspects of language learning. Find opportunities to practice speaking with native speakers or language exchange partners. Engage in conversations, even if you make mistakes, as it is an essential part of the learning process. Listening, whether through conversations, podcasts, or audio resources, helps improve pronunciation, comprehension, and familiarity with the language’s natural rhythm and intonation.
Build Vocabulary And Grammar Skills
Developing a robust vocabulary and understanding grammar structure is fundamental to language proficiency. Create a personalised vocabulary list and practice regularly. Use flashcards, mobile apps, or online resources to expand your word bank. Study verb conjugations, noun cases, sentence patterns, and other grammatical elements, gradually incorporating them into your speaking and writing.
Embrace Language Learning Tools And Resources
Take advantage of the vast array of learning tools and resources available today. Mobile apps like Duolingo, Memrise, or Babbel offer interactive lessons and exercises. Online platforms such as FluentU, Lingoda, or italki provide access to language tutors and virtual classrooms. Language exchange websites like Tandem or HelloTalk connect you with native speakers for conversational practice. These resources can supplement traditional textbooks and courses, making learning more accessible, engaging, and tailored to your needs.
Be Consistent And Practice Regularly
Consistency is key. Dedicate regular time to practice and study, even if it’s just a few minutes each day. Short, consistent practice sessions are more effective than sporadic, intensive cramming. Incorporate language learning into your daily routine, whether it’s listening to podcasts during your commute, reviewing vocabulary before bed, or participating in language exchange sessions during your lunch break.
Embrace Mistakes And Learn from Them
Making mistakes is an inevitable part of the process in this subject. However, you should embrace them as opportunities for growth and improvement. Don’t be afraid to speak or write, even if you’re unsure of your abilities. Native speakers appreciate the effort, and feedback from others can help identify areas for such improvement. Treat mistakes as valuable stepping stones on your language learning journey.
Mastering a new language is a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. But by setting clear goals, immersing yourself in the subject, practicing speaking and listening, you will gradually build up a good knowledge of vocabulary and grammar skills. And then, if you take a holiday beyond the English-speaking world, you may find it all the more enjoyable!
Oxford Home Schooling offers the chance to learn several languages itself. You can take a look by clicking on any of the links below.
There are many different A Level courses on offer when home schooling, and so choosing the right ones for you can seem like a maze to navigate. By having a clear understanding of what you want to pursue in your education and career, such as the A Levels to be a lawyer, picking your courses becomes much easier.
We have outlined the key things to consider when selecting your A Levels at home. You can find the full selection of our courses here.
What Do You Want To Study?
This is the most important question to ask yourself when choosing your A Levels. Do you want to be a doctor? Or a lawyer? Perhaps an engineer? Universities will have specific requirements for different courses, so once you have a path to follow, selecting the A Levels you need for that discipline are easier to pick out.
For example, to become a lawyer, you typically benefit from having the following A Levels:
• English
• Politics
• History
To be a doctor, you will always need specific A Levels, including:
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Maths or Physics (studying both will open up more options)
It is useful to select subjects that complement each other, like the above. You will sometimes need to have studied the GCSE equivalent before studying the A Level course. The prerequisites for each A Level can be found on their respective course page.
A Levels To UCAS Points
The grade you receive for your A Level is assigned a point score, which universities then use to determine your entry suitability once all of your grades are added up.
Aiming to achieve your best should always be the goal, but if you think your UCAS score may be lower, consider what universities will accept that total.
The UCAS points tariff is as follows:
A Level
• A* – 56
• A – 48
• B – 40
• C – 32
• D – 24
• E – 16
Choose What You Enjoy
This may sound a little obvious, but ensure you are choosing A Levels for subjects and a career you enjoy. Picking A Levels based on what your friends are studying for example does not guarantee that you will enjoy the courses in the long term.
Likewise, consider your strengths. It is considerably easier to build motivation for a course you are studying, if it is a skill you possess.
Benefits Of Home Schooling
There are unique benefits to home schooling that can make choosing your A Levels that little bit easier. One such benefit is the ability to choose exactly which A Levels to study and how. A traditional school curriculum will require you to undertake a set structure of courses, whereas home schooling A Levels gives extra freedom to select your own, on a timetable to suit you.
Each of our A Levels are also built to match the same study material in schools, so you know you are studying the material universities will be looking for.
