by nynasma | Oct 1, 2022 | BLOG
People learn in a remote learning way now than they did a few decades ago due to the interplay of education and technology. Mobile apps, interactive software, internet video classes, and an abundance of learning options are all implications for language study. The future appears promising for those who previously had no access to foreign language instruction.
But is it genuinely feasible to become fluent without going to school or relocating abroad? Can remote employees who wish to relocate overseas increase their marketability by becoming multilingual beforehand? Since remote writing and blogging jobs are among the most sought-after career options available,
Without ever leaving their phone or laptop, remote workers can make significant advancements in their language education. Here are a few advantages of online language study.
Remote learning is always accessible
The only people who could take language classes in the past were those who had the time, money, and access to language teachers and classrooms.
That is no longer the case. As a remote learner, you can access your “classroom” at any time and from any location. Take micro-lessons at any time, whether you’re waiting in line at the store or testing your knowledge on a packed bus.
Some fundamental guidelines still hold true whether dealing with someone in person or online. One of the most fundamental principles of language learning is the idea that “practise makes perfect.” Practice may happen anytime you want with your mobile classroom.
Remote learning doesn’t mean you never have a real conversation
The justification for traditional classroom instruction over online instruction arises from the fact that conversation-based courses provide you the chance to use your language abilities in practical situations. Sitting in front of a computer screen and clicking on things is all well and good, but what happens when you’re trying to arrange a cab from the airport in a foreign country? How much can your computer aid you at that point?
It turns out that there are a tonne of remote learning choices that put your on-the-spot speaking and comprehension to the test, just like international travel would.
You’re upping your chance at landing a remote job
Remote businesses frequently want to hire someone with experience. Those who are unfamiliar with remote work may need some time to become used to its intricacies. Learning new abilities, especially new languages, might improve your CV if you lack remote work experience. You are demonstrating your capacity for self-learning while operating remotely.
You gain an understanding of the culture associated with the language you are learning. You’re not only broadening your horizons personally, but you’re also displaying your adaptability and openness to many cultures in your professional life. This is particularly crucial for remote-first businesses with globally dispersed teams who struggle with the problem of communication failure. Win-win!
The ultimate line is that you can acquire fluency in a language online. But in order for remote learning to be effective, you must know how to use it. However, if you go about it correctly, nothing can stop you from becoming fluent in a foreign language, even if you’re doing it from your laptop. Check out Nasma Of NY’s virtual Levantine Arabic Masterclass now!
by nynasma | Sep 25, 2022 | BLOG
Every day, more than 6,500 different languages are spoken worldwide. Where should you start if you want to try learning one or two more of them?
The languages that are often used in international business, diplomacy, and the media are those that language learners tend to choose. What languages are you most likely to encounter while travelling the globe? The following are the languages that are currently most widely spoken, per the annual reference book Ethnologue, which keeps statistics on languages that are still spoken today around the globe.
Mandarin Chinese (918 Million Speakers)
Mandarin is a native language spoken by 918 million people worldwide, or more than 11%. Mandarin is the largest of the related languages that make up Chinese. Singapore, Taiwan, and the People’s Republic of China all recognise it as their official languages.
Despite being one of the most challenging languages for English speakers to master, it is definitely worthwhile to pursue. A working grasp of Mandarin will place you in an exclusive group of Westerners who can interpret between this potent language and culture and the rest of the globe, as it is one of the main languages in international trade, business, and diplomacy.
Spanish (418 Million Speakers)
Spanish is today widely spoken all across the world, from Southeast Asia and Africa to Central and South America, thanks to the conquistadors who disseminated it. 418 Million people are native speakers.
If ubiquity is what you’re searching for, Spanish has it in spades because it is an official language in 22 different nations around the globe. Given the close ties between the U.S. and Mexico, Spanish is typically the second language that Americans study. That indicates there are lots of options for practise as well as lessons and classes.
English (379 Million Speakers)
English and Mandarin compete to be the most spoken languages globally, despite the fact that English has fewer native speakers overall. There are about 379 million native speakers of it. Children begin learning English the year they begin attending formal school in many nations. At the greatest levels of international collaboration, trade, and communication, English proficiency is essentially a requirement.
We don’t need to spend a lot of time on this one because you’re reading this and already know how to speak English. However, we will point out that if you know English, you might find learning German and several Romance languages to be rather simple.
Hindustani (341 Million Speakers)
Hindustani is the name given to Hindi and Urdu when combined. The languages come from the north and west of the Indian subcontinent and are two dialects of the same language.
It is spoken daily in India, the second-most populous country in the world, where it is the official language. It has 341 million native speakers. Speakers of Hindi and Urdu can communicate effectively with one another because there are little differences between the two languages’ lexicon and pronunciation. In general, their writing styles differ, with Hindi appearing to be written the closest to written Arabic.
Arabic (315 Million Speakers)
Arabic is without a doubt one of the languages that is spoken the most over the globe. Arabic has 315 million native speakers worldwide, but that doesn’t tell the whole story because local dialects vary so widely that it may nearly be considered a set of languages. Two Arabic speakers from Sudan and Qatar may have difficulty understanding one another due to the huge differences between their respective languages. Djibouti, the Comoros, the UAE, and Yemen are just a few of the 25 nations that have Arabic as one of their official languages.
Which of these languages are you planning to study next? If Arabic is in your wishlist, Nasma Of NY is the ultimate destination for your language learning journey!
by nynasma | Sep 18, 2022 | BLOG
The way we learn has also gone more digital in recent months, as have many other elements of our lives. Distance learning is the most effective technique to ensure that students of all educational levels can continue their education during a pandemic.
Finding the drive to study might be difficult, whether you’re enrolled in more conventional college classes or a different kind of online school. Lack of a daily routine can make it particularly difficult to maintain a steady study schedule, and spending the entire day staring at a screen may make it feel tough to break up the day.
Here are some pointers to help you adapt and maintain your concentration.
Create an everyday schedule
The greatest approach to keep motivated if your normal schedule has completely changed is to establish your own habit. The best thing you can do to keep focused on your activities is to know when to study and when to concentrate.
The simplest method to do this is to set aside one day every week for organising your obligations and planning your study time. Be sure to include breaks as well as the time you spend studying and attending classes. Your ability to plan your daily activities and determine what to work on when will be easier the more ordered your timetable is.
Organize your study space
The most crucial aspect that many people neglect is their study area. It can be challenging to focus and get into the correct frame of mind when studying at a crowded desk.
Get inventive with the way you organise your area if your workspace is small and your resources are constrained. Pencils and pencils should be stored in cups, documents should be piled properly, and everything should be put away when not in use. Simple things like a clean, well-organized workspace can occasionally make studying and learning at home more motivating.
Keep distractions away
Being distracted by your phone while you’re learning may be quite detrimental, especially in this day and age when we are all more dependent on our phones for communication with friends and family. Even yet, you should make studying a priority to spend alone time, therefore think about leaving your phone somewhere else when in class or studying.
Take into account additional distractions, such as the news, neighbour noise, or the temptation to snack as you study. It will be simpler to stay on task if you keep all of these distractions out of the way.
Stay focused during classes
When it comes to online learning, the ability to maintain concentration during lectures and classes is essential. Even if it’s impossible to mimic the experience of being in a classroom, it’s important to pay attention to your teacher.
Take note of everything you read and hear. Keep thorough notes so you can go back and review them. It will be simpler for you to remain focused and motivated to learn the more you attempt to comprehend the material.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions
Asking a lot of questions in class is a terrific strategy to stay interested.
Writing expert and Supreme Dissertations editor Marie Fincher argues that asking questions is a natural aspect of learning a subject and making it your own. Additionally, it will enable you to get to know your teachers better. They will be able to identify your learning needs as a consequence, and they will assist you in moving forward with your academic endeavours.
Making distance learning work in your favor
Although distance learning and online classes may be unfamiliar to you, there is no reason why this should prevent you from achieving your objectives.
The best course of action is to adjust to this new way of learning; do this by creating a regular schedule for yourself, avoiding distractions, and asking lots of questions. The more quickly you can adjust, the simpler it will be for you to maintain motivated.
Nasma Of NY provides virtual Levantine Arabic Masterclass for students all over the world! Check us out now!
by nynasma | Sep 10, 2022 | BLOG
Why did you decide to learn a heritage language? Was it to go ahead at work or to get along with your neighbours better? A favourite TV show or a memorable trip? Or did your own culture inspire you?
The phrase “legacy language” is one you’ll hear frequently in conversations about learning languages, but what does it actually mean? Unaware that you are learning a legacy language And why is learning a legacy language worthwhile—and important? Explore all of these issues and more with us as we delve into the idea of “heritage language learning.”
What does it mean?
There are numerous ways to learn a legacy language.
Narrow definition: those who were exposed to a certain language as children but did not fully acquire it because another language overtook it. OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
Those who, typically through family interaction, were raised with a strong cultural affinity to a particular language. SUBSTANCE OF CULTURE.
Let’s analyse what this means now. Some so-called “legacy language learners” learned the language as children but ceased using it as frequently as they did another language. Additionally, some “legacy language learners” are culturally connected to a language even when they do not speak it.
Does mastering one language require mastery of another?
The children of immigrants were urged to acquire English and integrate as much as they could into American culture for the majority of the 20th century. Teachers believed that children who spoke more than one language would be held back, and parents who spoke any language other than English as their mother tongue felt pressure to produce English-speaking children. Experts now realise that is untrue and that bilingualism has several advantages.
This means that giving up a second language to acquire English is common. It takes effort to keep a heritage language alive. Direct education, access to the language in the classroom, a significant amount of time and effort, and—very importantly—social support are all necessary. In other words, it’s not surprising if you prefer learning English above keeping a heritage language if you’re surrounded by English speakers, all of your classes are taught in English, and everything seems to favour English above your heritage language.
Currently, Spanish, Mandarin, Russian, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Armenian, Arabic, Hindi/Urdu, and Japanese are the top 10 most popular heritage languages being studied in the USA. Only a small number of these languages are taught in the majority of public schools, and even fewer of those offer bilingual programmes for native speakers. It is expected that children who have a strong cultural connection to these languages may not develop into fluent speakers.
Although it is well known that learning a new language is easier when one is younger, many heritage language speakers don’t have the chance to formally study their native tongue until they are in high school, college, or later in life. However, this does not imply that they will never acquire fluency. Learning a heritage language has a lot of advantages.
Why should I learn a heritage language?
Many speakers of legacy languages claim to have better feelings of self-worth, belonging, and identity. Students may feel more confident about who they are and where they fit in the world if they sense a connection to their family and background. A heritage language can help learners interact with relatives, travel, enjoy popular culture (such as movies and music in the heritage language), and pass down traditions like songs and recipes that might otherwise be lost to time.
Heritage language learners also have a distinct edge over language learners who are “beginning from scratch,” as they will pick up the language and culture far more quickly. Because Hannah has been exposed to fluent Mandarin speakers, she may find it simpler to learn the pronunciation and tones necessary and may even discover that she knows more terms than she initially anticipated. Students that sense a personal connection to or investment in learning a language frequently participate more in the process as well.
For Levantine Arabic heritage language speakers between the ages of 4 and 8, Nasma of NY is the ideal option. These online lessons can aid in the prevention of language loss and/or the acquisition of basic Levantine Arabic by complete novices. We’re eager to meet you!
by nynasma | Aug 28, 2022 | BLOG
Learning a new language can frequently help you understand your own one even better. Speaking more than one language will enhance your English communication abilities. You might discover that you communicate with more assurance, consider word choice and context more carefully, and have a wider vocabulary! You can have a better grasp of your native tongue by learning the origins of certain regularly used English words.
Have a look at some of the intriguing words that the English language has incorporated into its vocabulary over time.
Latin
- An “apparatus for taking pictures, consisting of a light-proof enclosure having an aperture with a shuttered lens through which the image of an object is focussed and recorded” is referred to as a camera. The Latin word camera, which meaning “chamber” or “vault,” is where it gets its name. Early cameras were just boxes through which light was manipulated to pass in order to capture a picture.
- Speaking of cameras, the history of the word “focus” is fascinating! Focus is the Latin term for a hearth or fireplace. In the past, a hearth or fireplace served as the hub of the home since it was the spot where many elements crucial to human survival were linked. It offered shelter, illumination, and a place to cook. The noun focus today is used to denote a “centre of interest or activity.”
- Do you envision clowns and trapeze performers when we mention “circus,” or an amphitheatre from the Roman era? The Latin word “circus” simply means “circle,” and it was used to describe the circular arenas where everything from chariot races to gladiator fights were held.
Hindi
- Pajamas are loose-fitting articles of clothing that are typically worn while sleeping or unwinding in English. The name is derived from the Hindi word paijama, which is used to describe loose-fitting pants. Jamah is Arabic for “garment,” while Pai means “leg.”
- On a cot before? British citizens were first exposed to Indian khat when the British Empire started to build trading posts in India. A khat was a thin frame with ropes or tape hanging from it that people slept on. This term is the origin of the English word “cot,” which means “a narrow, folding bed.” When you say them out, you’ll hear that they are identical.
- The word for stolen money or things, loot, has the same pronunciation in Hindi and English. After the British Empire started trading with and plundering in India, it became a part of the English language.
Chinese
- Have you ever eaten a kumquat, a fruit related to citrus that resembles an orange? It can be consumed raw or used to make preserves. It has a delicious sweet rind and sour pulp. Its name is derived from the fruit’s similarly sounding Cantonese name, kamkwat. Chinese dialects that are spoken in Canton, or modern-day Guangzhou, in southeast China are known as cantonese. By breaking that word down, we can see that it is made up of the words kam (which means “golden”) and qwat (which means “orange”).
- Actually, the Chinese word dufu, which consists of the words du (beans) and f (feet), is written as tofu in Japanese (turn sour). Tofu was created in China, but before it reached English-speaking culture, it gained popularity in Japan.
- Possibly the most bizarre cuisine name with a Chinese origin? Ketchup! It derives from the Amoy dialect name kôe-chiap or kê-chiap (鮭汁), which means “brine of pickled fish.” In China in the 17th century, a sauce made of pickled fish and spices was well-liked. Later, it travelled to Malaysia and Singapore, where it was sampled by English vacationers. Of fact, pickled fish brine is not at all present in current ketchup! It is vegan.
German
- The term “gold” has roots in many different languages. The initial root is simple. It was directly translated from German into English. We follow the German gold back through the Dutch goud, the Gothic gulp, and finally to the Proto-Indo-European ghel, which meaning “to shine” (ha, see what we did there?).
- Kindergarten is a word that every Kindergarten student in America is familiar with. In German, it adorably just means “children’s garden.” “Children are like miniature flowers; they are varied and need care, but each is attractive alone and wonderful when seen in the community of peers,” said German educator Friedrich Froebel, who established the first kindergarten. Could it possibly be cuter?
- Unbelievably, noodle AND poodle are both derived from German words that have slightly different spellings but the same pronunciation. The name “noodle” is derived from the German word “nudel,” which is said to have come from the Old German word “knutel” or “nutel,” which meant “dumpling.” The German word “Pudelhund,” which translates to “puddle dog,” is short for “poodle.” Originally, poodles were water dogs that loved to splash in puddles.
Italian
- One of the numerous Italian words we use in music is piano. Italian speakers initially referred to the musical instrument as a pianoforte. A pianoforte may play both softly and loudly because piano means “soft” and forte means “powerful” in Italian. The original term, “a gravicembalo col piano e forte,” which translates to “a harpsichord with soft and loud,” was even lengthier. Although the name “piano” was abbreviated by English speakers, piano music can still be quite loud!
- Name a dish from Italy right away! Although you might not consider broccoli to be very Italian, its name most definitely is! It refers to a cabbage’s flowering crest or “cabbage sprouts” in Italian. Actually belonging to the same plant species, Brassica oleracea, are broccoli and cabbage.
- A complete failure, especially one that is embarrassing or absurd, is referred to as a fiasco. Actually, it has an interesting history and is an Italian word. In Italian, “fiasco” literally translates to “flask” or “bottle.” When someone fell or made a terrible error on stage, it was referred to as a “Far fiasco,” which is slang for “create a bottle.” How come they said that? Nobody is aware!
Did any of these terms catch you off guard? Do you feel inspired to learn a new language after learning about the etymologies of English words? Levantine Arabic language instruction is offered online by Nasma Of NY. Check us out now!
by nynasma | Aug 21, 2022 | BLOG
You’ve probably heard expressions like “inshallah,” “mashallah,” or “alhamdulillah” if you’re learning Arabic or talking to Muslims. It’s true that at first glance, all of these idioms may sound very similar.
Let me give you an overview of the most prevalent Arabic terms used in Islam, their meanings, and proper usage.
It’s helpful to know that Arabic is the source of all of these terms. The holy Quran was first authored in Arabic. However, Muslims in non-Arab nations like Turkey, Iran, India, etc. also frequently utilise them. These phrases are now used often in Arabic-speaking nations like Jordan. As a result, both Muslims and Christians use them.
Expression 1 : Inshallah
One of the most common Islamic terms used in daily life is inshallah. It is also written as insha allah and has the Arabic pronunciation of. It means “God willing” when translated literally. It is based on the Quran’s teaching that nothing occurs apart from God’s will. I’ll see you tomorrow, inshallah, is a phrase used to refer to upcoming occurrences. Or: Inshallah, I’ll take a vacation next month. In Arabic, it’s frequently used to indicate “hopefully” or “yes.” If you inquire: Will you be here tomorrow? You can anticipate hearing “inshallah” as a response. Most people will use this phrase to indicate their seriousness about their plans, not to escape being told no. As a result, inshallah is another Arabic word for “yes.”
Although the phrase “inshallah” has its roots in Islam, Arab speakers of various faiths frequently use it. When discussing upcoming events, many Christian-Arabs utilise the word inshallah in their regular talks. So when learning Arabic, don’t be afraid to utilise inshallah.
Expression 2: Alhamdulillah
Alhamdulillah, which is written in Arabic as “thank you,” is another often used Islamic phrase. It means “glory be to God” in the literal sense. Thank God is the comparable phrase in English. Alhamdulillah is meant to be recited in response to anything that occurs in our lives (both positive and negative). People typically use it to express thanks for good things in daily life. How are you in Arabic is frequently answered with the phrase alhamdulillah. Alhamdulillah is a means to express satisfaction. It can also be used when discussing accomplishments or a fortunate circumstance.
Alhamdulillah is additionally spoken after finishing a meal and after sneezing.
Alhamdulillah is frequently used by Muslims and Christians in Arabic, just like inshallah. If you learn Arabic, don’t be afraid to say “alhamdulillah” when someone asks you how you’re doing or when you’re discussing your accomplishments.
Expression 3: Bismillah
The phrase “start with bismillah, end with alhamdulillah” is used frequently in Arabic. The Arabic phrase bismillah, which literally translates as “in the name of God,” is used to signal the start of something. It serves as the start of an action for which a person asks God for his or her blessing. When you’re dining, for example, you’ll frequently hear the Muslim greeting bismillah. Before taking a bite, say Bismillah, and after your meal is over, say Alhamdulillah. Some individuals whisper it, while others speak it aloud.
Keep in mind that the salutation bismillah is not Arabic. The word is intended to initiate an action for which you would like to obtain God’s blessings, not a dialogue.
Expressions 4 : Mashallah
Mashallah is used for previous occurrences, whereas inshallah is used for future ones. Mashallah is an Arabic phrase that translates to “what God has willed.” Mashallah can be used to show excitement and thanks for something that has happened, similar to how alhamdulillah can. Mashallah is frequently utilised in daily life as a method to appreciate things like beauty.
Mashallah is an additional Islamic phrase, but it has significant cultural significance. This is founded on the notion that reciting mashallah shields one against vices like jealousy. Mashallah is typically mentioned when praising someone in daily life. For instance: Mashallah, you are beautiful. Muslims and Arab-Christians alike frequently utter “mashallah.”
Expressions 5: Subhanallah
This expressions means God be praised. Like mashallah, it has a similar meaning and use. It’s an additional way for us to express our gratitude and appreciation for things we appreciate or for events that have happened to us.
A fascinating phrase that mixes these typical Islamic sentiments was recently shared on social media, by the way. The ability to remember and comprehend each one is really beneficial.
Want to learn more such interesting expressions and facts about Islam and the Arabic culture? Head to Nasma Of NY and explore the Levantine Arabic world now!
