24/09/2008 by stefi.

Hello!

I would like to present you the Language Portal Babelyou,
awarded by the German Ministry of Economics and Technology
in the last International Funkausstellung (International Radio Exhibition)
in Berlin.
Language students from the Herder-Institut and the Studienkolleg of Leipzig’s
university are already working in Babelyou.
The Babelyou project, where people from different cultures meet, unites more
than 70 countries and 40 languages. Babelyou is planning to connect the whole
world today in order to create an international network without borders.
With a unique platform Babelyou offers the possibility to establish
international links, this means, getting in touch with people from all over
the world and keeping in contact with them.
Among the typical options of a 2.0 web Babelyou offers the chance to make your
own profile, post photos and videos and create discussion and common interest
groups.
Those who want to learn new languages will have the possibility to find, all
over the globe, a proper language partner through especial searching criteria. I
n our language portal they can learn a language efficiently and without obstacles.
In addition, they can use our translation tool which will allow them to
translate a world into different languages during their learning sessions.
At Babelyou you can get in contact with any country through its own chat room
and you can communicate yourself in different languages and countries immediately.
Babelyou was elaborated by Andreas König in February 2007 and it was launched
online in May 2008. The idea was to unite and connect people from all the
countries and cultures in the new social network Babelyou, regardless of the
language they may speak or the country they may come from.
The registration and the use of Babelyou are totally free of charge.

Contact:
Babelyou
Andreas König
Hainstraße 9
04109 Leipzig
Germany
Tel.: +49 341 9625256
E-Mail: kontakt@babelyou.de
Internet: http://www.babelyou.de
Internet: http://www.babelyou.com

Posted in Languages for Holidays, Corsi di lingua, Holidays, Language Courses, Experience | No Comments »

15/09/2008 by stefi.

Ciao a tutti!
If you follow my blog, you know that I am fascinated about Poland and Polish culture and I am learning Polish.
Today, I would like to introduce to you www.anglisci.pl

www.anglisci.pl is a new portal that has been created in order to help both student of English and English teachers in Poland. Editors and contributors are developing all the time writing about new, interesting topics, connected with English language learning and teaching.
As the European Day of Languages is approaching, editor-in-chief Gabriela Oberda asked me to share my ideas and experience with Polish teachers. I was honoured to contribute with our experience, and an article was written especially for the portal and its important initiative. You can view the article at http://www.anglisci.pl/europejski-dzien-jezykow-obcych/the-european-day-of-languages.-a-great-opportunity-to-raise-language-and-cultural-diversity-awarene.html.

There are some important features, which makes this portal special and different from others Polish portals concerning English language:
- it was created for students to find all necessary materials
- it was created for teachers to show them new methods and ideas
- it is to show how English language is taught in other countries, that teachers have the same problems
- to make all people aware that languages are important

Have a look, and post your views!

Czesc

Stefania

Posted in Languages for Holidays, Evoluzione di WLS, Corsi di lingua, Experience, Uncategorised | 4 Comments »

11/09/2008 by stefi.

The Centre for Lifelong Learning (CLL) offers daytime and evening courses in the following languages (from beginners to very advanced level):

 Arabic
 British Sign Language
 Bulgarian
 Chinese
 Dutch
 Farsi (Persian)
 French
 German
 Greek
 Italian
 Japanese
 Malagasy (Madagascar)
 Polish
 Portuguese
 Russian
 Spanish
 Turkish
 Vietnamese

We also offer specialised courses:

 French Current Issues
 German Current Issues
 German Area Studies with trip to Berlin
 Spanish Literature and Cinema
 French-English Translation
 Grammar (French, German, Italian
 South American Language and Culture
 Total Immersion courses in French and Spanish

And also: SEPTEMBER INTENSIVE REVISION COURSES

For further details and to enrol, please contact:
Centre for Lifelong Learning

Office: 2nd Floor, Bedson Building, Kings Rd, Newcastle University Campus, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU

Telephone: 0191 515 2800

Email: lifelong.learning@sunderland.ac.uk
Online brochure: http://cll.sunderland.ac.uk

Posted in North East News and Events, Languages for Holidays, Corsi di lingua, Language Courses | No Comments »

06/07/2008 by stefi.

The European Day of Languages (EDL) is celebrated every year on the 26th September. We support this inititative since 2004, and we have submitted an event-competition this year on the official website http://www.ecml.at/edl/default.asp.
We report here the details of the event:

DETAILS OF COMPETITION:
We invite all creative language learners to design a poster and a slogan to celebrate the European Day of Languages 2008.
The picture should attract people to learn a new language.
The slogan on the picture should be a pun, a game on words. The slogan combined with the picture should have a catching effect on the audience. All languages are accepted (English translation and explanations required if the entry is in another language).
The entries will be judged by a panel of linguists and the winning poster will appear on our newsletter and used to launch our online language school in Spring 2009.

The winner will receive a free copy of our guide to intercultural dialogue “How to Speak Culturese” (available for sale from our bookstore www.translate-it.org/english/promo.html).

Note: originals will not be returned. Paper and electronic copies are accepted. Name and details of the winner will be disclosed in the newsletter and in any marketing material, unless otherwise requested. Participants should agree to transfer all rights to Williams Language Solutions for any marketing/advertising purposes.

Please send all material to Williams Language Solutions (Ref.: EDL 2008) and send it to the following address:
By Post:
Williams Language Solutions (Ref.: EDL 2008)
22a Woolsington Gardens
Woolsington
Newcastle upon Tyne NE13 8AR
United Kingdom

By email at info@translate-it.org (Ref.: EDL 2008)

Posted in Languages for Holidays, North East News and Events, Evoluzione di WLS, Language Courses, Experience, Uncategorised | No Comments »

03/06/2008 by stefi.

Bonjour!

l’été va vite arriver, L’estate sta arrivando, summer is coming!!!!!!!!

Profitez de cette offre spéciale pour acquérir notre guide de voyage (travel dos and don’ts) dans 10 pays, “How to Speak Culturese” (en anglais). 10% rabais pour les actifs de la blogosphère (jusqu’à la fin Juin), seulement £7.19!!!!!. Une idée cadeau originale pour vos amis qui aiment les vacances à l’etranger (frais de livraison pour l’Angleterre [pour une seule livraison à une même adresse] £3.49 jusqu’a 4 exemplaires!!!!!! - pour l’Europe: £5.00 jusqu’a 3 exemplaires!!!!!).

Profitez de notre expérience pendant vos voyages a l’etranger! Aujourd’hui, nous sommes donc fiers de vous servir à point nos fameux “Fais pas ci, fais pas ca”, en France, Italie, Japon, Allemagne, Tunisie, Etats Units, Pays Bas, Hongrie, Russie, Pologne. Apprenez les petits trucs pour vous debrouiller en vacance!!!

Stefania

ORDER FORM

How to speak “Culturese”
“A great tool for the traveller. Gives a rapid inside view on people you are about to meet.”…
“I found your piece on Italy to be really excellent.”
These are just some of the comments from the readers of “How to Speak Culturese”, the guide on dos and don’ts when travelling to 10 different countries, France, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Tunisia and the USA. Learning the customs and culture of a foreign country signals communication competence and shows a great respect for others, and it is particularly important when doing business and teaching. Culture speaks louder than words. Each text was prepared by an expert consultant with the specific goal of raising awareness about cultural diversities. The illustrations by Fern Wood help to explode stereotypes while offering something very typical of each country The booklet, 56 pages in black and white with colour cover page, is now for sale.

Please Print and Send to the address below together with your cheque (keep a copy for your records)
Order your copy today – SPECIAL OFFER FOR STUDENTS AND PARTNERS OF INTERCULTURAL DIALOGUE 10% OFF LISTED PRICE!
Description Unit Price Quantity Total Price

How to speak Culturese
Paperback (56 pages) 7.99 GBP (9,99 EUR; 15.55 USD)

How to speak Culturese
Download (PDF, 1.5 MB) (> 5 copies) 5.99 GBP (7,55 EUR; 11.66 USD)
Name Address

Organization Email address

Phone Postal Code
Payments: Paypal (stefi@translate-it.org)
I require an invoice Sub Total
Cheques payable to Williams Language Solutions Ltd (in GBP)

Special Delivery UK £5.15
International Recorded £2.60
Bank transfer - details: Bank of Scotland
Sort code: 12-24-82 Account n. 06110353 P&P (please see table)
(for Bulk orders see table)
Accepted payment: paypal, cheque (GBP), bank transfer. Total

Post & Packaging table (FOR PAPERBACK ONLY)
UK £3.49 Rest of the World £7.00
Europe 1 copy
Special Delivery UK
International
Recorded £5.00
£5.15
£2.60 Bulk Orders (UK delivery by post)
5 copies
10 copies
more than 20 £13.00
£19.00
£tba
Please allow 14 days for delivery. Ask for discounts on bulk orders

Posted in Languages for Holidays, Corsi di lingua, Vacanze, Holidays, Language Courses | 1 Comment »

31/05/2008 by stefi.

Hello!

I am a loyal fan of The Apprentice. I missed last week episode (the day was changed due to the football match) and I cannot wait for the replay tonight.
The best episode so far - for me - was the buying task in Morocco. As a translator, I was interested to see how the candidates managed the language and culture barriers. A bit of “offshore English” helped the language communication, but in terms of culture….
“How can five candidates, who are meant to be relatively smart, and whose number includes one half-Jewish boy as well as a 36 year-old know-it-all, not know the meaning of the word KOSHER?”
Learning a bit of culture of the place you go - especially on business - is vital to avoid embarrassment. This is why we designed the dos and don’ts guide How to speak Culturese. This is a unique quick reference guide on business culture in 10 countries (France, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Tunisia and the USA). “A great tool for the traveller. Gives a rapid inside view on people you are about to meet.” At only £7.99, the guide could help you winning the international task on the next edition of the Apprentice, or solving the challenges of your next meetings abroad.

Stefania

Posted in North East News and Events, Languages for Holidays, Evoluzione di WLS, Experience | No Comments »

11/05/2008 by stefi.

Appreciating that individuals from different cultural backgrounds have different cultural customs, business etiquette and expectations is vital for success in international business.
Newcastle-based company Williams Language Solutions has just developed a guide on dos and don’ts when travelling abroad in 10 different countries, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Russia, Hungary, USA, Japan, the Netherlands, and Tunisia. “In cultural terms, we explain the best ways to make contact, host a meeting, enjoy a meal of visit the factory or offices abroad”, says Managing Director Stefania Williams.“ The knowledge of cultural differences is also important when meeting foreign guests at home. Nobody wants to offend others unintentionally, and our guides teach those little culture p’s and q’s which are vital in business”.
Each guide was prepared by a linguist consultant with marketing and sales experience in the country with the specific goal of raising awareness about cultural diversities. The guides are available in paperback or downloadable, ideal for internet use and intranet sites, and are also used as part of the cultural awareness training offered by the Company to businesses.
“Business etiquette is part of the cultural marketing programme offered to our clients, together with translations of press releases, catalogues, company documents, and most importantly, localisation of websites. The internet is serving as an international business medium; if you reach the rest of the world with your website your hope is that the rest of the world will then respond in some way, and you must be prepared to it.”
According to Stefania, a linguist should always be consulted when creating a new brand name or logo. She explains that Gerber, the name of a baby food maker, is also a French word for vomiting. “Simple faux pas can sink you,” she says. Learning the customs and culture of a foreign country signals communication competence and shows a great respect for others. Culture speaks louder than words.
For further information on the Travel dos and don’ts guides, contact Stefania Williams at 01912860612 or visit www.translate-it.org.

Posted in Languages for Holidays, North East News and Events, Evoluzione di WLS, Corsi di lingua, Language Courses, Experience | 1 Comment »

04/04/2008 by stefi.

Illustrations speak more than words!

An Interview with Fern Wood, the illustrator of How to Speak “Culturese”, the booklet on dos and don’ts when travelling abroad by Stefania De Angelis Williams of Williams Language Solutions Ltd.

When did the project start?

I was just finishing off my like 400th illustration for a language course when the phone rang and an Italian accent asked to speak to me. It’s a rare thing for a client to phone me, I’m a computer geek and correspond wholly these days on the net. Stefania [Williams] had seen my silk work in the Aurora catalogue, a North East Artists group and had liked my illustration work on my website www.fern-wood.com which is very different to my freelance silk paintings.

Did you like the idea of illustrating a booklet on dos and don’ts when travelling abroad?
The ‘How to Speak Culturese’ seemed like a great idea and I accepted the job then and there… I admit half of the acceptance was in order to read the booklet. I love travelling and, like most, don’t want to innocently offend anyone in their own country. Although originally aimed at business folk, I think it would benefit any traveller to know those little culture ‘P’ & ‘Q’s’.

How did you create the illustrations?
I got sketching straight away, I wanted a main image that would evoke the country, this was best done by architecture, and my husband’s an architect student so I have access to plenty of books for reference. Then I wanted to show the people, that’s what it’s about after all, I wanted the illustration to set a story, was the person in the illustration the visitor or the native? Could it be the reader? Here showing that with a bit of knowledge one should be able to fit in and relax.
I then thought lots of mini illustrations would work well with headers and hit my first faux pas. Having sent my samples to Stefania she enlightened me that my waving hand icon was considered rude in Greece… amazing, I was learning things all the time.
There’s no doubt that I hit a few stumbling blocks with this project, some countries have such an immediate stereotypical view, which makes them so much easier to illustrate, France with its baguettes and Parisian street artists, Germany and its sausage stalls. I was completely stuck on Poland and Hungary.

Would you like to work again with Stefania on a second edition of How to Speak Culturese? Which countries would you like to illustrate?
Having been born and brought up abroad I’d love to work on the English, Welsh and Scottish ‘Culturese’ booklets because I think that like our neighbours we must be an intriguing bunch of people with strange ‘Dos & Don’ts’.

The booklet “How to Speak Culture” by Stefania De Angelis Williams illustrated by Fern Wood is for sale at at lulu http://www.lulu.com/content/2275452 or by contacting Williams Language Solutions at www.translate-it.org at the promotional price of £4.99.

Posted in Languages for Holidays, North East News and Events, Evoluzione di WLS, Corsi di lingua, Language Courses, Holidays, Experience | No Comments »

31/03/2008 by stefi.

We would like to hear in our blog views and experience on language and culture when travelling abroad. “I wished I knew….”, for example, that in England windows open towards the outside, and not towards the inside, like in Italy: I would have avoided a bump on my head running outside my friends’ house. “I wished I knew…”, not only culture differencies, but also language phrases, false friends. “I wish I knew” that “phon” (the German word for hardryer in Italy) is not an English word, as I thought…..I could not dry my hair calling a telephone helpline….So many embarassing situations could be avoided by knowing a bit more about foreign languages and other cultures. I cannot wait to hear from you!

The project is featured on the UNESCO International Year of Languages website http://portal.unesco.org/culture/en/ev.php-URL_ID=36630&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html

The best stories will be awarded with a copy of our publication “how to speak culturese”, a guide to intercultural dialogue (dos and don’ts when travelling abroad). Prepared by expert consultants and translators, it aims to raise awareness on culture diversities and to show the importance of the knowledge of languages and culture in interpersonal contacts. To do or not to do? Si fa o non si fa? Macht man das oder macht man das nicht? There are no better or worse cultures, just different cultures.

Posted in Evoluzione di WLS, Languages for Holidays, North East News and Events, Vacanze, Language Courses, Translations, Experience, Uncategorised | No Comments »

07/02/2008 by stefi.

Hi, everyone!

Today, I would like to tell you about a French Language Club in Sunderland.

·         Based in the Centre of  Sunderland, “Fun French Language Club” is a dynamic club that provides French language tuition to school children and their parents throughout the local area.  Parents can come along with their children  to learn French through games, crafts and songs.

·         The French club also offers tuitions with a professional teaching service. With new IT facilites and native speaker staffs, the service is designed to make French language learning enjoyable.

·         The French club has now a few years experience in the language tuition sector and has native speaking tutors who are qualified to a high standard.

For further information, visit http://funfrench.googlepages.com or contact Janie 0777 951 6947 

 Au revoir!

Stefania

Posted in Languages for Holidays, North East News and Events, Corsi di lingua, Vacanze, Holidays, Language Courses | No Comments »