Welcome to the Dolphin Languages Online Blog
Amazing England
This week end, I went to London with friends, we visited all the touristic monuments like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Picadilly Circus …
During the night, we stay in a typical English hotel, and this is an English breakfast :
On Sundays, we stayed in Brighton, visiting the beautiful Royal Pavilion, and doing at lot of shopping in Western Road!
A week end in Brighton …
During the week end in Brighton, there are many things to do…
On Saturdays, I walked to Brighton Marina, it’s a nice walk along the sea … You can observe big waves, the seagulls or just breathe.
When you arrive to Brighton Marina, you can see all the boats! It’s a such beautiful place…
And some people went surfing!
On Sundays, I have a walked in Brighton, in the street you can see some graffiti, and the following one is for the Brighton Festival.
Or you can see some little shows in the street, like this man. It was really amazing!
Elsa
Good life in Brighton!
Working as an intern at Dolphin Languages in Brighton permits me to discover a beautiful city!
There are a lot of things to do, and to visit all day and all night …
Brighton is a city with lot of students with many nationality … So we can meet people …
Or going to the beach … Eating an ice-cream … Or just sunbathing !
I think I am going to have really good times here for two months!
Trinity Exams
We are now a registered examination centre for Trinity Exams. Our centre number is 47796.
Trinity exams are internationally recognised and fully accredited by Ofqual (Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation) and other education authorities in many countries around the world.
Each year nearly 1 million candidates in over 60 countries take a Trinity assessment and the international network is growing fast.
More Information: http://www.trinitycollege.co.uk/
Register as a host family
We require families to accommodate up to 4 students per house in the summer season.
Summer Season
10 June – 05 October 2013
We can place with students with you for all the period mentioned!
It is halfboard service.
Full payment made via bank transfer 48 hours after your student departs.
Please call 01273 685389.
Learn Italian in Sardinia
Interested in learning Italian in Italy? Why not in Sardinia?
The best way to learn a new language is through immersion. Easy enough to do, provided you encompass yourself in an environment where you can live, breathe, and hear the spoken language as it is used daily. With this, you will have an opportunity to practice what you learn immediately, picking-up the variances and all important communication styles, and culture. That which has to be experienced to be appreciated, and cannot be fastidiously conveyed and learned via books, DVD’s or other media, is the promise of immersive language learning.
Learning a new language is a major investment in time and commitment. Why not give yourself the best opportunity to succeed? Sardinia has much to offer for Italian language learning, including an impressive array of archeological wonders, pristine seascapes, and dramatic shoreline views. Explore pre-historic ruins or make new friends at one of the regions late-night social spots where you can eat, dance, and be merry. Or relax out of doors in solitude, or one of the many night-life hubs around the island.
Sardinia, the second largest island in Italy hosts a number of pristine beaches in a region reputed for being Italy’s cleanest. Dramatic cliffs, home to a variety of bird species, including the elegant peregrine falcon and a number of kites, await your exploration. In fact, part of the Alghero region of Sardinia is pledged to the International Marine Reserve that boasts a resurgent population of monk seals, previously thought to be extinct!
And situated among this wealth of breathtaking scenery and natural beauty, is the Italiano in Riviera language school. Based in Alghero, in Northwest Sardinia.
Italiano in Riviera Language School
Language learning, of course, is the primary function of this school, but it wouldn’t be Italy if your course options didn’t include lifestyle and cultural excursions. Enjoy Italian art or cooking? Combo courses are available. Are you a water-sport enthusiast? Consider combining Italian lessons with scuba diving, sailing or windsurfing. There are also tennis and history lessons, and some of the best trekking throughout the country.
Courses are suitable for elementary level learners with little or no Italian language knowledge, as well as advanced level learning for those that need practice or brush-up on their Italian. Classes are held in the mornings, Monday through Friday, leaving afternoons and evenings open to do as you please!
Combined Courses are as follows:
- Italian language and Italian and Sardinian art history, including excursions of historical, archeological, and artistic interests.
- Italian language and water sports. Choices are sailing, windsurfing, and scuba diving.
- Italian language and tennis lessons at the Alghero Tennis Club, taught by professional instructors.
- Italian language and local, regional Italian cooking lessons.
Interesting facts about Alghero
Despite its strong Italian atmosphere, the area is distinctly Catalan. 15th century Catalan settlement had experienced little in the way of cultural and population dilution until roughly a century ago. The Island of Sardinia was possessed by the Italian Savoys in 1720 and united with the rest of Italy in 1861. Despite a century of Italian influence, Alghero still retains its Spanish flavor with many of its festivals and traditions thriving alongside the rest of Italy. Alghero, established in the early 12th century, is rich in historical buildings.
The old city also boasts street signs in Italian and Catalan from its Spanish period, to include a number of unique attractions of historical interest:
- Grotta di Netturno (Neptunes Cave), a remarkable natural attraction.
- The Cathedral of Santa Maria with its Gothic-Catalan architecture.
- A number of churches and cathedrals constructed Baroque style
- Torre di Porta Terra, an immense structure built by Jewish settlers.
- A cloister of 14th century structures and bastions.
Activities in Alghero
Picturesque scenery and graceful eateries, boutiques, and other shops, make for romantic strolls and plentiful shopping. Expect a flood of high profile appearances made by the rich and famous, owners of the captivating yachts that line some of Sardinia’s choicest seashore. Elegant options for fine dining are another major draw for visitors from around the world.
Although Sardinia may be enjoyed year round, the summer draws a particularly large crowd. Expect a number of musical concerts between July and August, known as Estate Musicale Internazionale di Alghero, or International Summer of Music.
Find your rhythm at El Trò, with a dance floor seaside. Although there are a number of other popular spots around Alghero, discovery is half the fun! Other suggestions in your pursuit of activities in Alghero:
- Enjoy Catalan-style renaissance architecture tours of the old town.
- Experience sailing excursions with dolphin watching.
- Trek the coast line and discover secret beaches at the edge of clean cerulean sea.
- Explore the cliff sides, home to peregrine falcons and kites, and enjoy spectacular bird watching.
- Tour the Alghero Ruiu Necropolis, a sophisticated cave of unusual artifacts.
- Explore Nuraghe Palmavera, from prehistoric dwellings to a 14th century palace.
Nightlife
Alghero hosts a variety of social opportunities at a number of popular places in old town. Food and spirits served “late and Latin,” and medieval cobbled streets lined with cafes, restaurants, and seafront discothèques offer plenty of atmosphere.
Getting around town and the island
Busses and taxis are available between the major hubs of Via Cagliari and the airport. Of course, cars, scooters, mopeds, and bicycles are also for hire, and at a reasonable cost.
Alghero offers a variety of satisfactory experiences for every type of personality, and vaunts a unique history of archeological wonders and savory cuisine; Inexplicably Italian, yet richly Catalan. Impressive Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic architectural delights, from beach to Cliffside, and a chance to learn Italian in a place that makes it easy to put into practice what you learn. Studying Italian in Sardinia is the alternative to larger, less personable schools. So why not study Italian in Sardinia?
Find out more about Italiano in Riviera School here: http://www.italianoinriviera.it/eng/ one of the best Italian language learning schools among some of the most prime location in the Mediterranean. A current schedule of courses, may be found here: http://www.italianoinriviera.it/eng/italian-courses.htm
Using Social Media To Aid Your Business English Skills
We ping, like, tweet and share using social media. But there’s one use that we often overlook: to ‘learn’. If you are studying Business English, trawl through the social media platforms below and you’ll find a treasure trove of resources to help you build your language skills, practice what you’ve learnt and get many insightful tips.
Image credit to khalid Albaih from Flickr
1) Twitter
The beauty of Twitter is that it’s easy to use, continually updated and global, meaning that you can get up to speed on the latest news and access a wealth of useful information to assist you in your business English training without any hassle. You can hear about conversation practice groups in your area, key industry exhibitions and events, as well as get daily words and tips to boost your ability. Here are some accounts that you might want to add to your follow list:
I) english247 (@english247)
Provides links to Free online English lessons and activities – like tests on using formal language in the workplace.
II) englishfeed (@englishfeed)
Kenneth Beare – Guide to ESL at About.com, English language learning content developer and industry strategist – is a serial tweeter. Throughout the day he shares multiple tips for everyday English and English for business and provides links to some great instructional articles he’s written at About.com.
III) CollinsELT (@CollinsELT)
Collins, the publishers of COBUILD – the International Business English Dictionary – regularly tweet about the latest news in the world of English language learning. Well worth subscribing to is the team’s free newsletter, delivering ‘Business English Words of the Week’ and quick grammar and vocabulary tests straight to your inbox.
2) Subscribe to Feeds
By subscribing to RSS feeds you can ensure you don’t miss out on the latest regularly published content to assist you in your business English learning.
Updated information from the feed is automatically downloaded to your computer and can be viewed in Internet Explorer and other programs.
English listening lessons. An assortment of free online listening activities and podcasts for English language students.
I) BBC World Service: English at work
The excellent regular podcasts from the trusty BBC World Service will arm you with “the phrases you need to succeed in business and avoid embarrassing mistakes with colleagues and clients.” Useful for helping you ‘fit in’ in any English speaking office environment.
II) Reuters: World business news
Subscribing to news updates is one way in which you can become acquainted with common business terms whilst catching up on the latest happenings in international business.
3) Linkedin
Apart from being an indispensible site for business networking Linkedin features a wide network of groups where people in every industry and from every background discuss and share information. Be sure to check the ‘Business English’ group (with 1423 members) and the ‘Business English as a Second Language’ group (1032 members).
4) Livemocha
Livemocha is a bit like Facebook – it’s social networking on a seriously big scale but specifically for the language learning community. Launched in 2007, the Livemocha community is the biggest of its kind with a staggering 14 million plus members from over 195 countries. After building a profile, you can practice your foreign language conversation skills in the chat room. But the main emphasis is on helping each other, through reviewing fellow members’ written and spoken submissions and correcting translations. You get points every time you engage with the site (which you can exchange for course materials) and the main features of the site are free.
Author | Amie is a business language trainer working on sites like Linguarama – Business English Training. In her spare time she is passionate about developing her foreign language skills.
Might you have a hidden talent for language learning?
How far can natural talent really go and what if it could change your life? Hidden Talent is a new six-part series which discovers people with extraordinary hidden talents they never even dreamed they had. Hundreds of randomly selected people are put through a series of tests to identify those with hidden abilities, and nine participants discover if they can go from being a total novice to a top class performer in record time.
Overseen by scientists and academics, over 900 people from all around the country undergo testing, and a number are found to have special physical, mental, sensory or creative talents – of which they were totally unaware. The Hidden Talent experts then take them on, training and developing them to face extraordinary challenges and push their newly discovered Hidden Talent to its limit, a process which could even change the rest of their lives.
Presenter Richard Bacon follows each of their progress – uncovering the amazing science which enables these individuals to achieve what others can only dream of. These talents range from latent linguistic skills that allow an individual to become fluent in a foreign language in just a few months, to the mammalian diving reflex enabling some people to hold their breath for up to four minutes and dive to a depth of 60 metres without scuba gear, or even an extraordinary sense of direction that makes someone a Human Sat-Nav, capable of finding their way through an uncharted wilderness.
The tests carried out on potential contributors are designed to assess aptitude rather than skills or knowledge, so viewers can also take part through specially designed interactive tests on the Channel 4 website (URL to follow). Mirroring those in the series, these absorbing and fun challenges are devised in consultation with the series’ experts and give viewers the opportunity to uncover their own Hidden Talent – ranging from memory games and humming tasks to being a human metronome.
Developed and produced by Silver River, in association with American Express, this series explores how remarkable we are as human beings and reveals just what we could really capable of, using our Hidden Talent.
Prod Co: Silver River
Exec Prod: Helen Hawken
Series Prod: Spencer Kelly
Comm Ed: Jill Fullerton-Smith
The fifth episode of Hidden Talent sets out to discover two individuals with extraordinary mental abilities they never knew they had. The first is someone with an exceptional talent for multi-tasking; someone whose brain can literally do two or more very demanding tasks simultaneously. Scientists call these ‘super-taskers’.
To find a super-tasker, candidates sit two tests. Both tests involve answering maths questions while remembering words and carrying out other tasks on computer screens. Overseeing them is neuropsychologist Dr Jo Iddon. The tests get harder and harder and the candidates’ multi-tasking abilities are pushed to their limits. Out of all the candidates tested, just six unlikely finalists emerge. They include a barmaid, a shelf-stacker and a call centre worker. All have proved they have a hidden talent for doing multiple tasks at the same time, but are any of them genuine super-taskers?
To find out, the final six are invited to a state of the art driving simulator for more demanding tests. Here they are asked to answer maths questions, memorise and recall words and drive at the same time. To run the test Dr Jo Iddon enlists the help of US academic Professor David Strayer. In his previous research, he found that some people had a remarkable ability to do multiple tasks whilst driving without any deterioration in performance. He labelled these people super-taskers.
After a gruelling day of mental tasks behind the wheel, 27 year old Cassie Gledhill scores the highest Professor Strayer has ever seen. The score is even more surprising considering Cassie is a track cyclist used to focusing on a single goal. The ultimate challenge of Cassie’s new found talent is a real world scenario doing one of the toughest multi-tasking jobs there is. Cassie will work as an ambulance crew dispatcher where decisions can mean the difference between life and death. After a three day intensive course that normally takes three weeks, Cassie takes the hot seat working a shift co-ordinating ambulance crews on a busy Friday night in Birmingham city centre. Within minutes she deals with a deluge of emergency calls including a heroin overdose. Will Cassie’s super-tasking ability cope under the intense pressure or will her senior supervisor have to step in and take over?
In the next search, Hidden Talent looks for someone with a rare ability to never forget a face. Most of us can remember familiar faces, but the latest scientific research has discovered that 2% of us are super-recognisers who can remember faces they’ve only ever seen once sometimes many years later.
To find someone with that natural talent, candidates sit two tests overseen by neuropsychologist Dr Ashok Jansari. In the first test, candidates identify celebrities from their childhood photographs and in the second they must memorise and later identify computer generated faces that become increasingly obscure. Three exceptional finalists emerge, – 19-year-old graphic design student Richard, legal clerk Charlie and business student Higo who grew up in the slums of Brazil where he claims remembering faces was key to survival.
For the final test the three are brought to one of the country’s busiest train stations – London’s Liverpool Street. Here a group of fifteen actors are dressed in identical hooded sweatshirts and beanie hats and asked to mingle amongst the hurrying crowds. Each candidate has just a matter of seconds to spot the actors and memorise their faces. Later they will have to pick out the faces they’ve seen from a line-up of twenty people. Who out of our final three will have the talent to really pick a face out of the crowd and be a super-recogniser?
In the third programme, the tests are designed to seek out one extraordinarily talented, but unknowing, linguist, whose way with words could change their life. Language experts: Dr Radia Kesseiri, Lecturer in Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies at The University of Leeds; Dr Anil Biltoo, Coordinator of Less Widely Taught Languages and a language teacher at School of Oriental And African studies and Major Eddie Trowbridge, The Defence School of Languages, all tested groups of people from across the UK using the MLAT test (Modern Languages Aptitude Test), which requires participants to have no prior knowledge of foreign languages other than school level, ensuring only those with a natural talent for languages come through.
For the next test they are challenged by the language experts to work a shift as waiters in a Turkish-speaking restaurant, after only day of Turkish lessons. The five hopefuls find themselves thrown into the lunchtime service, tasked with recalling the menus and greetings they’ve learned and serving the correct food orders. It’s a tall order. The experts monitor their progress to see how well they perform under pressure and whether they have the practical skills to learn a complex language.
Surprisingly it’s A level drop-out, 19-year-old James Whinnery who impresses the experts and wins the chance to unlock his linguistic ability learning one of the world’s most complex languages – Arabic. When James came to the Hidden Talent test days he was living in a homeless hostel after falling out with his mother. Having dropped out of his studies and with no full time job, it’s a huge opportunity for James as he’s suddenly thrown into learning this extremely different language not in two or three years, as it takes most talented linguists to become fluent in Arabic, James has just 19 weeks.
Faced with this exciting, but hugely daunting prospect, James takes on tasks such as ordering in Arabic in a restaurant, driving around London using an Arabic-speaking Sat-Nav, memorizing nearly a hundred words a day and getting to grips with a strange new alphabet and pronunciation. During his training, James also reveals that this opportunity means much more to him than learning a new language – it is a chance for him to prove his true potential to himself and his family.
Nearing the final stages, James travels to Jordan to immerse himself in Middle Eastern culture and prepare for the ultimate challenge: a live interview on Jordanian breakfast television after only 19 weeks of learning Arabic. But as the stress mounts, James struggles with old demons, anxious about failing and about his family situation. Will he crack under the pressure or manage pull off this unbelievable ask and open up a potentially different future?
French Tutorial – Basic Verbs (être, avoir, faire, aller)
This is an excellent free french tutorial. I recently traveled to Paris and found it very useful easy to follow. I will continue to upload the videos onto our blog as they appear on Youtube.
