Language & Culture, Holiday Traditions, World Languages, Christmas

December 22nd and 23rd around the world: unique Christmas Eve’s traditions

While Christmas Eve and Day get most of the attention, December 22nd and 23rd — the quiet nights before — holds its own magic across the globe. This date is a fascinating window into the diverse cultural and linguistic traditions that build anticipation for the holiday. Let’s explore how different cultures spend this day, and pick up some unique vocabulary along the way!

Valodu mācīšanās, Jaunā gada apņemšanās, Skandināvu valodas, Tulkojumi, Motivācija

No apņemšanās līdz plūstošai sarunai: kā 2026. gadā beidzot iemācīties jaunu valodu

Būsim atklāti - Jaunā gada apņemšanās mācīties jaunu valodu visbiežāk paliek tikai uz papīra. Bet ko tad, ja šogad tā beidzot kļūtu par realitāti? Iedomājies sevi brīvi sarunājoties zviedru fika's laikā vai stāstot norvēģu nisse pasakas ģimenē. Mēs, valodu eksperti, dalāmies ar 7 pārbaudītiem soļiem, lai Tava apņemšanās mācīties zviedru, norvēģu, dāņu vai somu valodu nestu augļus. Sāc jau tagad!

Language Learning, Norwegian Bokmål, Christmas Folklore, Nisse Traditions, Translations, Family Stories

Norwegian Nisser Tales: Learn Bokmål Fairy Phrases from Santa’s Elves

Step into Norway's enchanting nisse world this God Jul og Godt Nytt År ("Merry Christmas and Happy New Year")! These mischievous gnomes—red-capped farm elves—sneak porridge on Christmas Eve, much like Sweden's tomte or Denmark's nisse. Norwegian Bokmål phrases from their tales build fluency through fun folklore.

Language Learning, Swedish, Christmas Traditions, Fika Culture, Translations

God Jul Greetings: Master Swedish Christmas Phrases for Cozy Fika Chats

Embrace Swedish winter magic this God Jul (Happy Christmas)! As snow blankets Stockholm and cinnamon buns scent the air, Swedes gather for fika—that soul-warming coffee break. Mastering key phrases turns holiday cards and toasts into fluency boosters. Compared to Norwegian God Jul or Danish God Jul, Swedish adds a melodic lilt perfect for cozy chats. Let's break it down with pronunciation tips (use our audio guides!).

Language Learning, Cultural Traditions, New Year, Translations, Motivation

New Year’s Resolutions Around the World: Vocabulary to Nail Your Goals

Kick off 2026 with a global twist! While you're crafting resolutions like "hit the gym" or "learn a language," cultures worldwide have unique traditions packed with inspiring vocabulary. Mastering these phrases boosts fluency and ties self-improvement to fun cultural rituals. Let's dive in and translate your goals.

Language Learning Tips Learning Psychology Study Methods

Language Learning for Introverts: Ditch the Small Talk, Not the Progress

Does the thought of a crowded language exchange event make you want to hide under the duvet? Does the pressure to make charming, flawless small talk in a new language drain your energy before you even begin?

Language Fun Language Learning Tips Cultural Insights Community

Tongue Twister Tournament Friday: Can You Handle These Linguistic Knots?

Happy Friday, language lovers! We’re ending the week not with a quiet whisper, but with a spectacular stumble of sounds. Welcome to our first-ever Tongue Twister Tournament Friday!

Language Facts Finnish Language Culture & Traditions Holidays Language Learning

Did You Know Santa Speaks Finnish? A Nordic Twist to Your Holiday Language Learning

While children around the world write their Christmas lists, the address is always the same: the North Pole. But did you know that, officially, Santa Claus calls Finnish-speaking Finland his home? The enchanting Arctic region of Lapland is his official postal address!

Language Learning Tips Culture & Language Holidays

Festive film & music guide: watch & listen your way to fluency

The holidays are almost here, bringing magic, relaxation… and a perfect opportunity to boost your language skills! Forget the textbook for a moment. This season, you can immerse yourself in the sounds and stories of your target language through classic festive films and music. It’s a delightful, effective way to train your ear and learn cultural nuances.

Pašattīstība Izglītība Hobiji Ceļošana Jaunais gads

Jauns gads, jaunas valodas: kuru valodu apgūt 2026. gadā?

Kāds ir tavs ierastais Jaungada rituāls? Daudzi no mums, atvadoties no aizejošā gada, apdomā dažādas… hm… “optimistiskas” apņemšanās. “No pirmā janvāra katru dienu sportošu!” vai “Pārtikšu tikai no zaļajiem dārzeņiem!”. Godīgi? Lielākā daļa šo apņēmumu izgaisuši jau līdz februāra sākumam. Bet šogad iesakām nospraust mērķi, kas nesīs izaugsmi, būs pilns piedzīvojumu un varbūt pat jaunu draudzību: apgūt jaunu valodu!

Language Learning Cultural Awareness travel phrases

Bad Words You Should Know (For Your Own Safety): Linguistic Self-Defense 101

Let's be honest: the most thrilling part of learning a new language isn't ordering a coffee or asking for directions. It’s the secret, slightly forbidden world of those words. The ones your tutor might skip over.

language quiz beginner language courses language learning

Which language should you learn based on your favorite pizza topping?

Forget complex personality tests and in-depth career assessments. Sometimes, the deepest truths about ourselves are revealed in the simplest choices. Like what we order on a Friday night. That’s right—we believe your go-to pizza topping is a direct window into your soul… and the perfect language for you to learn.

language learning language courses multilingual

If languages were dating profiles: find your perfect linguistic match

Ever swiped through a dating app and thought, "Hmm, this person sounds like a vibe, but what if they were a language?" No? Just us? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to play matchmaker for your brain. Choosing a language to learn is a lot like finding a partner—it requires commitment, patience, and a good sense of whether they’ll argue with you over grammar or bring you croissants.

word origins names of months linguistic history

December around the world: a month of many names

Whether it’s called the “tenth month” by ancient Roman habit, the “Yule Month” in the Nordic dark, or described by the frosty earth in Eastern Europe, December’s many names all point to a universal human experience: marking the end of a journey around the sun and the hopeful anticipation of a new beginning.

Corporate Training Business Growth Human Resources

5 myths about corporate language training (and why they’re costing you money)

Is your company's growth being limited by outdated beliefs? We debunk the top 5 myths about corporate language training and reveal how a modern approach can boost your ROI, morale, and global reach.

Baltic languages Lithuanian Latvian Baltic culture

We need to stop romanticizing the “dying” Baltic languages

We’ve all heard the story. It’s a powerful, poignant narrative: the ancient Baltic languages, noble survivors of history, now teetering on the brink of extinction, threatened by globalization and English. It’s a story told with the best intentions, meant to spark concern and action. But what if this well-meaning narrative is actually holding us back?