Funny Video on Importance of Learning a New Language

      Yet another reason to learn a new language:

Daniel Tammit

     I have always maintained that anyone can learn a language if they put their mind to it.  However, one such person has an incredible gift -- if you haven’t heard of Daniel Tammit -- it is about time.

     Here is a link to some of his brilliance.  Check it out:

Troops to Teachers gets Fresh Start

    This week it was reported in the Air Force Times that Congress is jump-starting the 20-year-old program of troops to teachers.  As a part of the Defense Authorization Act for 2013 the program has been expanded.  The act already had a focus for bringing in new teachers with skills in math and science, now with the 2013 Act, Foreign Languages has been added as a sought after skill. 
     About 2,000 people a year are expected to benefit from the changes.  The program pays a stipend of $5,000 to help cover the cost of getting teaching certification and a signing bonus of up to $10,000 for becoming a full time teacher.  The highest payments go to teachers in schools with large numbers of students from low-income families. 
     In their proposal to Congress, defense officials said having veterans with foreign languages could have long term national security benefits "because of the importance of increasing the number of bilingual and multilingual young men in the military.” 

For more information about Troops to Teachers, you can go to the link below:

Proud to Serve Again -- Troops to Teachers

  
Please let me know if I can answer any questions you may have.



   

Top Jobs for Linguists

   

    

     Being multi-lingual can be very valuable in today’s job market.  Today I wanted to share with you a few links that you might find useful if you are looking for a job and if you speak more than one language fluently.

1.   USAJOBS

    This is the link to finding a job with the federal government.  There are always jobs listed here for translators and teachers.  I did a simple search today for “French” and found a job at the United States Air Force Academy as an Assistant Professor of French.  I also saw a job for a translator at a national
park.


2.  CHRONICLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION

     If you have a Master’s Degree or higher, this link could prove to be very useful.  It lists the most current jobs around the world seeking jobs in the education industry.  If you click on the faculty/research link, then go to the humanities section -- you’ll see a link for teachers of foreign languages.  Most of the positions listed request that you have a Master’s Degree or higher in your foreign language.  However, unlike specialized areas -- many colleges and universities will higher you to teach your foreign language even if you don’t have a degree in that language.  Simply having a Master’s Degree sometimes is enough.

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3.  CENTER FOR APPLIED LINGUISTICS

    Taken from CAL’s website:  "As the world gets smaller, effective communication becomes even more important. The Center for Applied Linguistics is dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of research-based information, tools, and resources related to language and culture.

CAL is a private, nonprofit organization working to improve communication through better understanding of language and culture. Established in 1959, CAL is headquartered in Washington, DC.

CAL has earned a national and international reputation for its contributions to the fields of bilingual, English as a second language, literacy, and foreign language education; dialect studies; language policy; refugee orientation; and the education of linguistically and culturally diverse adults and children.

CAL's experienced staff of researchers and educators conduct research, design and develop instructional materials and language tests, provide technical assistance and professional development, conduct needs assessments and program evaluations, and disseminate information and resources related to language and culture.”

     Listed on CAL’s website are a number of jobs and opportunities in the linguistics arena.  Stopping by is a great start to your journey if you are looking a job to use your bilingual skills.

4.  TEACH ENGLISH ABROAD

     Learn to teach English Abroad.  This can be one of the most rewarding experiences for an inspiring linguist.  According to their website, "The world’s leading TEFL course provider, i-to-i TEFL has trained more than 127,000 people in the last 18 years. With more than 250 years of combined TEFL experience across our staff, tutors and TEFL academics, i-to-i TEFL offers you world renowned training that you can take in a style that suits you - either face-to-face training in the classroom, distance learning online or a combination of the two!”

5.  LANGUAGE JOBS

6.  TRANSLATE IN COURT

     This site is an example of a NY Court -- but explore the local court where you live.  I once translated from French to English for a divorce proceeding in Mississippi.  They are always looking for translators in court.

7.  TRANSLATE FOR A HOSPITAL

    Just like courts, hospitals always need assistance with translation services.  Sometimes it is as easy as getting your name placed on a waiting list -- where you can be called when needed.  The above link is for a service that assists  hospitals with finding translators, but sometimes just contacting the hospital’s HR department can be just as easy -- if not easier.

    Whatever you decide to do, keep your options open.  Finding a job that will use your linguistic skills is quite easy.  Let me know if you need suggestions or more helpful hints.  I’ve worked in a number of these areas and would be happy to help.

Air Force Strategic Language List

   Many people have asked me where they can find the Air Force Strategic Language List for purposes of the Foreign Language Proficiency Bonus (FLPB).  Here is the list of languages as outlined in AFI 36-2605 (remember -- you only receive FLPB if you meet certain conditions -- read my previous post on the subject if you have questions)

     If you have questions about a specific language, let me know.  I'm sure I can track down where it is listed and how it is categorized.  Good luck! 

Ace Your French DLPT

Advanced French Vocabulary Made Easy

      Studying for your French DLPT?  Here is an excellent book to prepare you for the test.  

     Unless you were raised speaking French it can be difficult to ever completely understand the nuances and artistic variances that French offers. This book will bring you one big step forward in your quest towards obtaining native proficiency. To do this Professor Western offers a unique approach using mnemonics to help anyone acquire a more profound understanding of French vocabulary. Having this understanding will help you speak like a native, ace your language proficiency exam (like DLPT) or enrich your travel experience and ability to communicate in French. Dig in, have fun, and improve your French today!

     Here are a few sample pages from the book:

A simple way to remember the word “guerre” or “war” in French.

A simple way to remember the word for “Machine Gun” in French.  Sounds just like “me try it.”

     Advanced French Vocabulary Made Easy is a great tool.  Let me know what you think?  I’d love to hear from you.

Arabic Vocabulary Made Easy

Arabic Vocabulary Made Easy

     Please check out my book.  For those who would like an easy way to learn Arabic Vocabulary this is it!     

     Vocabulary is key to understanding a language, yet memorizing vocabulary is one of the hardest tasks anyone can do. This book gives the reader an easy method of memorizing key Arabic vocabulary using mnemonics. By associating Arabic terms to clever phrases and unique allusions, any reader from beginning to advanced will almost instantly improve their vocabulary. And with over 300 words to work with, that vocabulary will soon be immense!

     Here are a few samples:

    Just think of a tattoo and the word “washm”  -- what would you tell someone trying to wash off their tattoos?  Hey dude, you can’t “washm” off!  Associating “washm” and what it sounds like in English with the word tattoo in Arabic --- makes learning easy.

     Here is another example:

     How easy is it to remember the word for “woodpecker” in Arabic when you remember it sounds like “knocker” -- which is exactly what a woodpecker is.  

    Overall my book has a ton of words that I hope you will find useful.  It is on amazon.com -- check it out.