LTC Language Solutions

by  Doug Price The time it takes to learn a second language varies depending on several factors, including the language being learned, your previous language learning experience, your motivation, the amount of time you dedicate to learning, and the resources available to you. Here are some general considerations: 1. Language Similarity: If the second language is similar to your native language or a language you already know, it may be easier to learn due to shared vocabulary, grammar structures, or phonetics. For example, an English speaker learning German or Spanish may progress faster than learning a language with a different linguistic background, such as Mandarin or Arabic. 2. Language Difficulty: Some languages have more complex grammar, pronunciation, or writing systems, which can make them more challenging to learn. Languages like Chinese, Japanese, or Arabic, which have different writing systems or tonal aspects, may require more time and effort to master. 3. Learning ...

by Lauren Cameron Virtual language classes have become increasingly popular in recent years, and with the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, they have become the norm for many language learners. However, some people still believe that virtual language classes are not as effective as in-person classes. In this blog post, we'll explore how virtual language classes are just as effective as in-person classes.     1.  Flexibility Virtual language classes offer flexibility that in-person classes cannot. Students can schedule classes at a time that is convenient for them, regardless of their location. This means that language learners can access the best teachers and instructors from around the world. It also allows learners to fit language learning into their busy schedules.     2.  Access to a Wide Range of Resources Virtual language classes offer access to a wide range of resources that can enhance the learning experience. Students can access online dictio...

written by Doug Price “…And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!” What follows a statement like this is understandably a venture into the less obvious, the misunderstood, even the invisible. The “culture iceberg” is one popular permutation of the analogy that has been bobbing its way through the decades. Freud originally applied the iceberg image to the human psyche. Edward T. Hall (1976) and Gary Weaver (1986) broadened its application to cultures. Decades later, you now find hundreds, if not thousands, of versions of iceberg models adapted to every nuance of interaction between cultures. Academicians define culture by internal and external attributes of a society’s behaviors, beliefs, values, attitudes, etc. There are more than I need to list, but the key ingredient to any definition you find is that a culture must be shared. You can’t have your own personal culture. photo credit by working together global Set your Titanic on a crash course for a culture iceberg. Get...

      Written by Steve Reynolds      “Steve, we have 100’s of Burmese employees. Why should we invest in a Cross-Cultural Training for our company?” – Indiana business owner “Great question. Simple answer. Cultural intelligence (CQ) builds TRUST.” And nothing is as effective as the speed of trust in an organization. Honing our cross-cultural skills leads to positive outcomes, including productivity, performance, employee retention and workplace happiness. Photo Credit by nrev.jp Stephen Covey reminds us to do the math. Instead of the standard business formula of S x E = R (Strategy times Execution equals Results), he highlights the hidden value of TRUST. (Strategy x Execution) x TRUST = Results. Trust can be a performance multiplier where 10 x 10 = 100 x TRUST actually produces a dividend. “Above all, success in business requires two things: a winning competitive strategy, and superb organizational execution. Distrust is an enemy to both.”...

We asked 2 experts at LTC this question. Here is what each of them said.  Expert 1 - Written by Wendy Carson One of the most common questions people ask is “How long will it take me to learn a new language?” The problem is there’s no ideal answer. The Foreign Service Institute calls for 10,000 hours of study to become proficient while others claim they can teach you a language in as little as 3 months.  So where is the disconnect? Largely, your language learning depends on you- what your native language is, what language you want to learn, the quality of your instruction, and the amount of time you’re willing to put in to practice. Anyone who has studied a language in school knows that, despite hundreds of hours and years of instruction, you still don’t feel comfortable speaking and communicating in that language. But why? Think about the way language is taught in school. You fill in a grammar book. You translate new image source words and memorize vo...