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Jan

Culture Smart: Is the Rain in Spain the Same?

by Sheron Long on January 27, 2014

Dark clouds and a downpour, prompting colorful rain sayings in different languages. (image © Gregor Kervina / Hemera)

What do you say to describe a drencher?
© Gregor Kervina / Hemera

Rain Sayings in Different Cultures

The one thing about rain is that it’s wet! All over the world. But apart from that essential characteristic, the different cultures and languages of the world have found varied ways to describe rain, especially when it’s a gully washer.

Bucketloads of Wet

In Spain, a heavy rain comes down a cántaros (in jugfuls). In a number of other countries—Finland, Romania, and Russia, for example—it “rains like from a bucket.” Read more...

Sheron Long 6 Comments

Cultural Diversity/Language & Culture/Proverbs & Sayings/Worldwide Sites

Dec

Heading South to Ecuador And North on Life Goals

by Bruce Goldstone on December 30, 2013

Bilingual sign in Ecuador, part of a language learning experience that caused a shift in life goals. (Image © Bruce Goldstone)

Take note: That’s not Señor Chancho and it’s not Mr. Pig.
© Bruce Goldstone

How I Started in on Language Learning—And Gained a Lot More

Twelve years ago, this Mr. Chancho sign would have meant little to me. But now, whenever I look at this photo, it reminds me that any journey is full of surprises, if you’re open to them. I started out on a language learning mission, and wound up shifting my life goals along the way.

Goal One: A Healthy Brain

In 2002, I signed up for Spanish lessons at the Cervantes Institute in New York City. My goal was to keep my brain shipshape. Read more...

Bruce Goldstone Comments

Becoming Bilingual/Crossing Cultures/Ecuador/Language & Culture

Nov

Culture Smart: What’s the Trouble with Translations?

by Sheron Long on November 3, 2013

The word to say when you miscommunicate in another language

Communicating Across Cultures

An oft repeated story faults Chevrolet in marketing the Chevy Nova in Latin America because “no va” means “does not go” in Spanish. The only problem with this classic international business blunder is that it’s just not true. Read more...

Sheron Long 2 Comments

Language & Culture

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