Why Are There So Many Languages in the World?

“Language diversity has played a key role in shaping the interactions of human groups and the history of our species, and yet we know surprisingly little about the factors shaping this diversity. We hope other scientists will become as fascinated by the geography of language diversity as our research group is and join us in the search for understanding why humans speak so many languages.”

Read more @ http://www.newsweek.com/why-do-human-beings-speak-so-many-languages-638130

Languages do matter

Kathy’s 10th Anniversary on WordPress! :)

10 years on WordPress — how time flies!

Many thanks to all of you who have taken the time to view, read, comment on, and follow.

Languages do matter

C’est magnifique! Melania Trump dusts off her French during visit to Paris children’s hospital

“First Lady Melania Trump dusted off her French to charm a group of sick children at a Parisian hospital on Thursday.

Shortly after touching down in Paris, Melania was whisked off to Necker Hospital where she visited the Enfants Malades wing.

Beaming in her red skirt suit, she greeted the children with soft ‘bonjours’ before taking her seat at a play table.

The 47-year-old then introduced herself enthusiastically.

‘Je m’appelle Melania. Et toi?’ she gestured to one child, urging them to share their name.

When one of the children replied in English, she commended them: ‘You speak very good English, very good.’ “

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4693250/Melania-Trump-speaks-French-Paris-children-s-hospital.html#ixzz4mkfBBEGH
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on FacebookRead more @ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4693250/Melania-Trump-speaks-French-Paris-children-s-hospital.html

Languages do matter!

Melania reads ‘The Little Prince’ to sick tots at Paris children’s hospital

“The former model also spoke with children at the hospital in French, one of five languages she speaks. She introduced herself, asked them where they grew up and gave them words of encouragement.”

Read more @ http://nypost.com/2017/07/13/melania-reads-the-little-prince-to-sick-tots-at-paris-childrens-hospital/

Languages do matter!

Bastille Day: Everything you need to know about the French holiday

“Bastille Day marks the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789, by angry Parisian crowds.

This seismic act demonstrated that ordinary people would no longer accept the absolute power of the king and signalled the start of the French Revolution which forced the creation of the modern French Republic.

The July 14 “Fête de la Fédération” – which marked the first anniversary of the storming of the Bastille – became a French national holiday in 1880 and has been observed ever since.”

Read more @ http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/0/bastille-day-everything-need-know-french-holiday/

Languages do matter!

As the Earth feels ever smaller, demand for translators and interpreters skyrockets

“The United States is becoming more globalized and interconnected each day. As a result, skilled translators and interpreters are finding their services in higher demand.”

Read more @ http://www.cnbc.com/2017/07/07/as-the-earth-feels-ever-smaller-demand-for-translators-and-interpreters-skyrockets.html

Languages do matter!

Language education celebrated across Canada today

” More than 7,000 international language students from around the world will celebrate Canada – their chosen study destination – during World Student Day today. They will take a short break from their English or French studies to take part in sports and cultural activities, connect with fellow students and share their experiences as language students in Canada.

World Student Day is coordinated by Languages Canada – the national association representing over 220 accredited English and French language schools across the country. This year marks the fourth annual WSD celebration.”

Read more @ http://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/language-education-celebrated-across-canada-today-633109553.html

Languages do matter!

More anglophone students are choosing French universities: study

“Quebec students whose mother tongue is English are choosing to attend French-language universities in greater proportions than they were in the early 2000s, according to a study published by the Office québécoise de la langue française.

Meanwhile, the proportion of Quebec-born students whose first language was neither French nor English who attended French-language universities went from 52.2 per cent in 2002 to 70.3 per cent in 2014.”

Read more @ http://montrealgazette.com/news/local-news/more-anglophone-students-are-choosing-french-universities-study

Languages do matter!

Why we should learn German — John le Carré

“To help make the European debate decent and civilised, it is now more important than ever to value the skills of the linguist.

By teaching German, by spreading understanding of German culture and life, today’s honorands and their colleagues will be helping to balance the European argument, to make it decent, to keep it civilised.”

Read more @ https://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/jul/02/why-we-should-learn-german-john-le-carre

Languages do matter!

The Most Commonly Spoken Foreign Languages in Each State

“9. Florida
> Most popular language: French Creole
> Residents who speak French Creole at home: 435,489
> French Creole-speaking population: 2.1%

Florida is not only the Sunshine State, but also the only state that has French Creole is its top foreign language. Unlike most states, the number of people who speak the most common foreign language in Florida is greater than the number of people with Creole ancestry. Only 1,709 people have documented Creole ancestry, despite the large group of 435,489 residents speaking the French variety at home.

18. Louisiana
> Most popular language: French
> Residents who speak French at home: 76,924
> French-speaking population: 1.6%

It’s no surprise that the most popular foreign language in Louisiana is French. Why? Two words: Mardi Gras. Close to one in every 10 Louisiana residents has French ancestry.”

Read more @ http://247wallst.com/special-report/2017/07/01/the-most-commonly-spoken-foreign-languages-in-each-state/2/

Languages do matter!