Thursday, July 23, 2009

Learning a new language opens your mind!

We are delighted to welcome the first of a number of guest writers to the Courses.ie Learning Blog.

Starting off our series of guest articles is Liz Hannon from Languagewise.

To learn a new language is an acknowledgement that you are willing to embrace the people and culture of another nation. Through learning how to speak the language of another country or state you will not only gain a better understanding of the attitudes of another group of people with a different social, historical and political background to your own but you will also gain an insight into their sense of humour.

To be able to even say a few words of greeting in a foreign language is a great ice breaker and an act of friendship. It shows that you are reaching out to someone of another nationality and are keen to know more about them , their language and culture.

It can be fun learning the different idiomatic expressions and discovering that something that "costs an arm and a leg" translates in French to "it costs the eyes in your head" or that "you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear" translates in Spanish to "although a monkey looks like its made of silk, it is still a monkey" !

Absolutely anyone can learn a new language. A lot of people say " I am not good at languages" or "I hated French in school" and from a bad learning experience close themselves off to the idea of learning a new language and feel that they they are not capable. Well they are wrong!! There is no mystery to learning a language. If there was how does a one year old child start speaking!

Once you have a qualified and experienced teacher (preferably a native speaker), they will guide you quite literally from A to Z! It is the experience of the teacher that allows them to interact with a student effectively to make them feel at ease and to progress at a pace that suits the student. Just like learning to swim or ride a bike absolutely anyone can do it and all it takes is practice!

Learning a language is one of the most positive steps one can take in life and enriches the learner who through their experience can open up a whole new world of travel and making friends in a different country. It is a pursuit that transcends age and class and unites people.

Learn a language and broaden your possibilities in life!
On a personal note, I think you also have to be prepared for some laughter as you find your way around accents and nuances of a new language. I was chatting to some friends who were helping me to learn Swedish by webcam and messenger. I had them hooting with laughter as I replied to what they were saying. I thought I was typing, 'I hear you', but it turned out to be something else entirely as I had forgotten to put an accent in the correct place! It was a great lesson as I have never forgotten and won't make that mistake again! What I did discover though was not to be nervous of making mistakes, because when I did (and do) it is beneficial and I found myself enjoying the experience even more.

If this article wets your appetite to explore another language and culture during the Autumn evenings Languagewise deliver courses in a wide range of languages for both business and personal interest, on a day or evening class schedule.

Monday, July 20, 2009

5th Year Student states "Guillotining in the Dáil"

Not old enough to vote yet but political parties take note, the students of Ireland are watching you closely if this blog post is anything to go by....

That time of the year again. Lots of work to be done but no time to do it. The holidays of TD’s and Brian Cowen’s tan takes precedence over the few dozen bills before the house in the coming days. Recently we’ve seen other problems in the Dáil with the house suspended for 3 hours one afternoon after TD’s ran out of things to say. The Seanad is the house that everyone talks about as being in need of reform however everyone forgets that the main house is just as flawed. Here’s some changes I believe will make things run better in the national parliament..........Read his suggestions at http://short.ie/7raa7c

Polish to be taught in NI Schools

Children as young as four will be taught Polish in Northern Ireland primary schools from September, it was revealed yesterday.

According to the Belfast Telegraph:

The aim of the language programme is to offer an enjoyable experience of language learning for the youngest pupils with a view to encouraging more to continue at post-primary level.

So far 25 schools have signed up to have a tutor provided for their Primary 1-4 classes under a scheme funded by the Department of Education. During the last school year 247 primary schools had regular Spanish lessons and 76 Irish lessons.


Do you think this is option to be considered by the rest of Ireland?

Thursday, July 02, 2009

Stop Press! The Adult Learning Festival dates are out!

Aontas - The Adult Learning Festival 2010 is coming to a venue near you! The festival will take place from February 2nd to February 6th 2009!

The Adult Learners' Festival is about

* Celebrating adult learning and the achievements of adult learners
* Showcasing the work of adult education providers
* Promoting the work of AONTAS and the adult education sector
* Ensuring that adult education is placed firmly on the political agenda

Aontas exists to promote the development of a learning society through the provision of a quality and comprehensive system of adult learning and education which is accessible to and inclusive to all.


Check the Adult Learning Festival site for information on courses being run as part of the festival which may tweak your fancy to go along and try.

Course Providers - If you are involved in community or adult education, why not organise an event during the festival? You will get publicity for your group’s activities, help to raise awareness about the value of adult learning, and be part of a national event which celebrates the achievements of adult learners all around the country. Contact your local Aontas link here

Email Aontas at mail@aontas.com or phone them on 01 406 8220

They will include details about your event, and send you out posters and other publicity material for your event.


Adult Learning - Something worth celebrating!