Endangered Romance: Languages on the Brink
Not all of Rome's linguistic children are thriving like Spanish or French. We shine a light on endangered Romance languages like Aragonese, Picard, and Istriot, telling the stories of their…
Linguistics
What’s the Hardest Romance Language to Learn?
While most language learners ask about the easiest Romance language, we're flipping the script to find the toughest. From the treacherous pronunciation of French to the complex, case-based grammar of…
When Did Latin Become French and Spanish?
There was no single day people in Paris or Madrid woke up and stopped speaking Latin. The evolution from Latin to French and Spanish was a slow, fascinating process of…
Gallo-Romance: The Tongues of Ancient Gaul
Beyond the familiar sound of Parisian French lies a hidden linguistic world born from Latin's encounter with ancient Gaul. The Gallo-Romance family includes a rich tapestry of languages like Occitan,…
The Mystery of Rhaeto-Romance Languages
Venture deep into the Swiss and Italian Alps to uncover the story of the Rhaeto-Romance languages. Learn about Romansh, Ladin, and Friulian—these fascinating descendants of Latin, born from mountain isolation—and…
The Most Spoken Romance Languages Today
Ever wonder which child of Latin reigns supreme? We dive into the numbers, comparing the world's most spoken Romance languages from the native-speaker giant, Spanish, to the geographically vast French.…
Are Romance Languages Just Dialects of Latin?
Are Spanish and French just modern forms of Latin? This provocative question opens a fascinating window into language evolution, revealing why the answer is a definitive 'no'. We explore how…
From Rome to Romania: A History of Romance
Ever wonder how the Latin of Roman soldiers evolved into languages as diverse as French, Spanish, and Romanian? We trace the incredible 2000-year journey of the Romance languages, from the…
How Many Romance Languages Are There Really?
How many Romance languages are there? The simple answer is five—Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian—but the real story is far more complex. The true count could be over 40,…
The Living Echo of Latin: Is It Italian?
Is Italian the true heir to Latin? While it boasts the most similar vocabulary, the answer is more complex than you might think. A deep dive into grammar and pronunciation…
The Ultimate Guide to Romance Languages
Ever wonder what connects the Spanish of Madrid, the French of Montreal, and the Italian of Rome? Journey back in time to the Roman Empire to uncover the story of…
Learning a Language with Dyslexia
Learning a new language with dyslexia can feel overwhelming, but it is entirely possible with the right approach. This guide offers compassionate advice and multi-sensory strategies that bypass traditional text-heavy…
Does Learning a Language Prevent Dementia?
The claim that learning a language can prevent dementia is popular, but what does the science say? While it doesn't stop the underlying disease, compelling evidence shows that the mental…
The Truth About the ‘Critical Period’
Is it too late to become fluent once you're an adult? We debunk the persistent myth of the 'critical period' for language learning and explore the surprising truth. Discover the…
Why Your Language Learning Has Plateaued
Feeling stuck in your language learning journey? You're not alone. The intermediate plateau is a common hurdle where progress seems to stop, but it's not a dead end. We explore…
Learning a Language with ADHD: A Guide
For those with ADHD, the initial excitement of learning a new language often gives way to frustration, but it doesn't have to be that way. This guide offers specific, brain-friendly…
The Real Reason You’re Bad at Languages
Have you ever thought you just don't have the "language gene"? The truth is, your struggles likely have nothing to do with your age or talent, but everything to do…
The Truth About Learning a Language While Sleeping
The dream of learning a language while you sleep is alluring, but is it just science fiction? We dive into the real neuroscience to reveal that while you can't learn…
The Polyglot’s Reading Method
Ever felt the frustration of reading in a new language, constantly stopping for a dictionary until you lose the plot? Polyglots use a different strategy, one that transforms reading from…
Learning vs. Acquisition: The Big Secret
Ever wonder why years of high school French left you unable to order a coffee, while others seem to soak up new languages effortlessly? The secret isn't about talent; it's…