Category: Tips and Tricks

8 Things You’ll Need to Travel to Europe

Posted on by Nick Fischer

how to pack for a trip to Europe

1. Essential Travel Documents

To travel to Europe, you’ll need all of your essential travel documents, like:

  • Your passport or visa
  • Flight information
  • International Driving Permit (if you plan to rent a car)
  • Car rental confirmation
  • Hotel confirmations

It’s a good idea to have backup copies of your documents (digital or physical) just in case you lose the originals. If you don’t want to worry about losing physical backup copies, you can scan your documents and email them to yourself for easy access anywhere, anytime.

2. Translation App

translation app for traveling

Although English is widely spoken in many major cities throughout Europe, it’s helpful to have a translation app on hand to speak with locals or when traveling to places off the beaten path.

Vocre (available for iPhones and Android devices) makes it easy to communicate with people who don’t speak your native language. Just speak into your smartphone, and Vocre will instantly translate to your chosen language (pick from 59 different languages).

With an app like Vocre on hand, you don’t have to feel intimidated about traveling to areas where you may not find English speakers. It also allows you to have meaningful conversations with locals to truly immerse yourself in the local culture. At the end of the day, that’s what traveling is all about, isn’t it? Meeting new people and learning about their life experiences. Vocre helps you do just that.

3. Cash

Credit cards are generally accepted throughout Europe, especially in cities. However, you never know where and when you may need cash, so make sure that you have some on you at all times.

The simplest way to get cash is to use an ATM while you’re abroad. Withdraw money as needed every few days. You can still use your credit card if you wish, but be mindful of any currency exchange fees or foreign transaction fees you may incur.

4. Travel Plug Adapter

traveling plugin adapterAt some point during your trip, you’re going to have to recharge your smartphone. You’ll need a travel plug adapter if you’re traveling from a country outside of Europe.

All-in-one adapters are a great option (different European countries use different plugs), and many of them also have USB ports to make phone charging even easier.

If you need to plug in any devices while traveling in Europe, don’t leave home without your plug adapter. Amazon has a lot of great travel adapter kits.

5. Comfortable Walking Shoes

If you truly want to experience Europe, you’ll need to do a lot of walking. Virtually all European cities are walkable. You’ll be spending most of your days on hard sidewalks and cobblestones. Make sure that you pack a pair (or two) of comfortable walking shoes.

Slip-on sneakers are great for sightseeing. If the weather is right, sandals will keep your feet comfortable and cool. Leave your athletic shoes at home (unless you’re hiking) and stick to a basic comfortable sneaker.

6. International Phone Plan

While traveling through Europe, you’ll still want to stay connected. Whether it’s to call the hotel to ask a question or check in with a loved one back home, having cell service while you’re abroad can be incredibly convenient (and necessary).

If your phone can be used abroad, consider using an international phone plan while you’re away.

Most major carriers have special international or travel plans that will allow you to stay connected without racking up fees. If switching to one of these plans isn’t an option, expect to rely heavily on Wi-Fi while you’re away to send messages or keep in touch.

7. Filtering Water Bottle

filtering water bottle for travelingMost European destinations have excellent water that’s perfectly safe to drink, but if you’d rather play it safe, a filtering water bottle is a great option. Packing a filtering water bottle will help you avoid plastic water bottles and ensure that you always have clean drinking water on hand.

Many filtering water bottles will remove E. coli, Salmonella and other impurities that can make you sick. Even though you probably won’t have to worry about drinking the tap water, it’s still convenient and handy to carry around your own water bottle. Many European cities have drinking fountains where you can refill your bottle and save some cash in the process. Here’s the Brita Filtering water bottle you can pickup at Target.

8. Helpful Apps

Before you head out on your European adventure, take the time to download any helpful apps that you may need, such as:

You can download these once you arrive, but in all of the excitement of the trip ahead, you may forget something you may need later on. If you already have all of the apps you’ll need during your trip, you can spend more time enjoying your trip and less time glued to a screen.

These are just eight of the many essentials you’ll want to take on your trip to Europe. Of course, the basics – comfortable clothes, toiletries, etc. – should be on your list. But try not to overdo it. The less baggage you have, the easier it will be to roam and enjoy all that Europe has to offer.

7 Things You’ll Need to Travel to Spain

Posted on by Nick Fischer

traveling to spain

1. Power Adapter

spain power adapter kitElectrical outlets in the United States and other countries are different than the ones in Spain. When you plug in your items, you’ll plug into an outlet that produces 230V at 50 Hz. The prongs are also type C or F.

Travelers will want to look for a power adapter that will allow them to use their respective electronics in Spain.

At 230V, a lot of the lower voltage electronics will break if they were able to be plugged into these outlets. The converter you choose should also change the frequency so that you can use your electronics safely.

Take a look at your electronic labels to see what is required. If your label says 100-240V and 50/60Hz, it can be used anywhere in the world.

2. Travel Documents

Depending on where you live, you may or may not need a visa when visiting Spain. Since Spain is part of the EU, all visitors from Europe can come and go freely. United States visitors are part of the Schengen Agreement that allows them to stay in the country for up to 90 days without a visa.

You should bring a passport, driver’s license and any pet documentation (if you brought your pet along). If in the EU, you’ll need a pet passport and must have a microchip or clearly visible tattoo for pets. Health certificates, import permit, vaccine documents and other documents are needed for non-EU members.

3. Download the Vocre Translator+ App

translation app for traveling

Want to make lifelong friends, order food or converse with locals? It’s hard to do that if you haven’t mastered Spanish. When traveling to Spain, knowing some phrases can help. But unless you have a lot of experience with speaking, you’ll find that you can’t hold high-level conversations.

Vocre is a translation app that breaks the language barriers you’ll face in Spain.

As a language translator, all you have to do is “hit record,” say what you want, and Vocre translates it to text. You can accept the text by tilting the phone, and Vocre’s speech will say what you want to for you.

It’s fast and easy to translate from multiple languages to Spanish.

When there are no language barriers, you can hail a taxi, speak to an Airbnb host or get around town easier. It’s the perfect way to truly experience all that Spain has to offer.

Download the mobile app for translating on Android or iOS for free.

4. Cash

Spain has a robust credit card system and accepts almost all credit cards, but there are some exceptions. Taxis, for example, are a hit or miss, with some accepting credit cards and others not accepting them.

The card also must appear as the same name on your passport. Michael cannot be shortened to Mike, and vice versa.

Carrying around some cash for the rare occurrence that you can’t use a credit card or debit card is recommended. Spain uses the euro, and the easiest way to exchange your currency is by using a debit card at an ATM. Banks, hotels and travel agencies will often have easy ways for you to exchange your currency.

5. Comfortable Walking Sneakers

Spain is beautiful, with beaches, historical sites and a lot of nature to see. A lot of people visit with their best attire for a night out on the town, and while this is a good idea, don’t forget to bring along your comfortable walking shoes, too.

There are beautiful walks all throughout the country, including in:

  • Catalonia, where rocky mountain trails and wetlands are plentiful
  • Spanish Pyrenees, where you can walk through the Monte Perdido National Park
  • Alicante, where beautiful almond and citrus groves are abundant

And when walking around city centers and town, you’ll need a comfortable pair of shoes unless you rely heavily on the taxi services to get around.

6. Travel Towel and Tote

Tourists and locals alike flock to the beautiful beaches of Spain. Resorts speckle these areas, and you’ll also find an array of nightclubs and shops to browse. Beautiful beaches are all around the country, but you’ll find the most frequented include:

  • Rodas Beach – one of the most beautiful, often listed as the best, beach with beautiful white sand beaches and blue water
  • Playa de Ses Illetes, located in Formentera, which is a more tranquil setting without the party life of Ibiza
  • La Concha Beach, located in San Sebastian, offers a beautiful cityscape and a party atmosphere with bars and nightclubs nearby

A travel towel and tote allows you to “beach hop.” You’ll find most of the popular beaches have high-end amenities minus some that are in smaller cities where people go to escape the crowds.

7. Neck Wallet

traveler's neck wallet

Spain, like many countries in Europe, has a problem with pickpockets. Locals will spot a tourist and steal their wallets and anything they have inside of them. One way to avoid this is to wear a neck wallet that you keep under your shirt.

Keep all of your important items in here, including debit cards, passport and cash. Keeping it under your shirt also keeps you safer.

Spain offers something for everyone, from beautiful scenery to good food, affordable prices and a rich history. If you bring along a few items from our list above, traveling to Spain will be even better – if that’s possible.

English to Gujarati Translation

Posted on by Alicia Butler

Looking for translations from English to Gujarati? Whether you’re trying to learn business Englishing phrases or need education translation, we’ve got you covered.

 

Gujarati is spoken throughout India, and it’s the official language of Gujarat, spoken by the Gujarati people. This Indo-Aryan language came from Old Gujarati in 1100-1500 CE, making it over 700 years old. It’s also spoken in Dadra, Daman, Dui, and Nagar Haveli, where it’s also the official language. 

 

It’s the sixth-most spoken language in India. More than 4% of India speaks this language, and more than 55 million people speak Gujarati all over the world. 

 

The language is also spoken somewhat throughout Pakistan, and it’s spoken in Gujarati communities in the Western world, including the U.S. 

 

Other countries where Gujarati is spoken include:

 

  • Bangladesh
  • Fiji
  • Kenya
  • Malawi
  • Mauritius
  • Oman
  • Reunion
  • Singapore
  • South Africa
  • Tanzania
  • Uganda 
  • U.K. 
  • U.S.
  • Zambia
  • Zimbabwe

English to Gujarati Translation

Translating English to Gujarati is trickier than with some other languages. The major dialects of Gujarati include:

 

  • Standard Gujarati 
  • East African Gujarati
  • Kathiyawadi
  • Khakari
  • Kharwa
  • Surati
  • Tarimukhi

 

This language does borrow a few words from other languages, making some words slightly easier to learn. We recommend learning these words first to make your transition from English to Gujarati even easier. Some words that you might recognize from Romance and Germanic languages include:

 

  • Anaanas (pineapple)
  • Kobee (cabbage)
  • Pagaar (pay)
  • Paaun (bread)

 

Gujarati has many vowels and contains almost 10 vowel phonemes (vowels that change the meaning of the word).

 

Trying to learn Gujarati online? We recommend using machine translation software that has a Gujarati translation tool and can easily translate text to speech, such as the Vocre app, available on Google Play for Android or the Apple Store for iOS. 

 

Software such as Google Translate or Microsoft’s language learning app doesn’t offer the same English translation accuracy as paid apps. 

Gujarati Translators

English Gujarati translators and translation services often charge nearly $50 an hour. If you’re trying to translate simple texts, we recommend inputting the text into a language translation software program or app. 

 

Check out our online translation tool that can help you learn basic words and phrases, such as hello in other languages. 

More Online Translation 

We offer more online translation in the following languages:

 

  • Albanian
  • Android
  • Arabic
  • Bengali
  • Burmese
  • Croatian 
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • Gujarati
  • Hindi
  • Hungarian
  • Icelandic
  • Korean
  • Latvian
  • Malayalam
  • Marathi
  • Polish
  • Portuguese
  • Swedish
  • Tamil
  • Telugu
  • Punjabi
  • Urdu

 

Communicating With Other Cultures

Posted on by Alicia Butler

Communicating across cultures can be tricky for many reasons. When you’re speaking in a language that isn’t your first language, you’re more likely to run into miscommunication and cultural barriers. Luckily, there are a few ways you can curb some of this uncomfortable confusion. 

Tips for Communicating With Other Cultures

No matter what cultural group you plan on communicating with, chances are that your experience will differ from communicating with someone from your own culture. These tips will get the convo started.

1. Learn About Other Cultures

The first step to communicating with other cultures is to actually do a little recon. Researching someone’s cultural background shows that you’re interested in them — and it’s considered extremely polite in the eyes of many cultures around the world!

 

Do a little research on foods, customs, and basic phrases. Learning Spanish? Rent a few Spanish-language movies on Netflix! Even if you plan on speaking in your native language, you’ll look like a rockstar to the other person. It also shows you have respect for cultural diversity.

2. Memorize Common Phrases in Other Languages

One of the best tips for learning a new language is to learn the most common phrases first.

 

Learning common phrases in another language is an easy(ish) way to show others you’re willing to meet them halfway. In many cultures, it’s considered polite to try to understand the native language (even just a few words of it). This can also help you get your foot in the door with another person.

 

Common words and phrases you might want to learn include:

 

 

Understanding these very simple phrases can help bridge the gap between cultures and take some of the pressure off others. Luckily, there are plenty of resources for learning common Chinese phrases, common French phrases, and common phrases in other languages. 

3. Download a Translation App

Translation apps have come a long way in the past few years alone. (Yet, some free apps, like Google Translate, aren’t as accurate as many paid apps.) 

 

These days, you can translate words, phrases, and even entire sentences. These apps are a great way to help learn new words and phrases as well.

 

Imagine you’re having a conversation in a language you’re not fluent in — or, having a conversation in your native language with a non-fluent speaker. You’re getting by just fine. Just fine until you can’t figure out how to say ‘clothes hanger’ in Spanish, and your miming skills aren’t doing the trick.

 

Using a translation app can help get you past a hurdle that might otherwise be too high to cross. The Vocre app can translate words, sentences, and phrases in real-time! Get it on the Apple store or Google Play.

 

Heading on a last-minute trip? Check out the best travel apps for last-minute travel!

4. Use Basic Language

One of the most common communication challenges is word choice. 

 

Within our own culture, we’re so used to the way people speak colloquially. Even when you travel to different areas of the U.S., you’ll find a wide variety of slang and jargon. 

 

In the Midwest, locals ask for a can of pop (instead of soda); on the East Coast, residents might say something is ‘wicked’ good instead of ‘really’ good. On the West Coast, locals often use the phrase ‘tennis shoes’ to mean any type of sneakers.

 

Try not to use jargon or slang when speaking in a language that isn’t your first language — or when speaking to someone whose first language isn’t the same as yours. 

 

Most students learn slang and colloquialism only after they learn the most common phrases and words. Try to think about the types of words you learned first when learning a new language. 

 

Communication strategies such as these can prevent your listener from feeling overwhelmed or confused. 

5. Improve Your Own Communication Skills 

It’s easy to just assume that someone doesn’t understand or ‘get’ you because of a language barrier. But we so very rarely get the opportunity to be good listeners and good communicators. 

 

Try to be an active listener. Don’t just absorb what the other person is saying; try to actively listen and determine if you’re understanding the other person. Pay attention to both verbal and nonverbal cues. Use nonverbal cues (such as nods or head tilts) to convey understanding or confusion.

6. Speak Slowly and Enunciate 

People from many English speaking countries are used to talking fast, but this type of speech pattern can create even more language barriers. 

 

Speak slowly (but not so slowly that your listener feels talked down to) and enunciate your words.

 

It isn’t easy understanding someone whose accent is very different from yours. The U.S. alone has hundreds of local accents! 

 

Imagine if you’re from Japan and learned to speak English from a British teacher. Listening to a person with a heavy Maine accent might not even sound like English to you. 

7. Encourage Clarification Feedback

Sometimes we think someone understands our words — when that isn’t the case at all. In the same sense, it’s easy for others to assume they understand us and miss our message altogether. 

 

Encourage your listener to offer feedback and ask for clarification. Many cultures see asking questions as rude, and some cultures will wait until you stop speaking to ask for clarification. 

 

Ask for feedback often to avoid confusion.

8. Don’t Use Complex Sentence Structure

Many of us are used to speaking the way we do with our friends, family, and colleagues — not people from other cultures. We often use big words and complex sentence structures (even though these complex structures might not seem so complicated to us!)

 

If you’re speaking in your native language, gauge the tone of your partner in conversation, and try to match that person’s language level of complexity. This way, you won’t leave others in the dark, and you won’t offend other people by ‘talking down’ to them. 

9. Don’t Ask Yes or No Questions

One of the biggest mistakes in cross-cultural communication is asking too many yes or no questions. Some cultures consider it bad manners to use negative language, such as the word ‘no’. 

 

In some areas of the world, such as Mexico City, you’ll find that locals avoid saying ‘no’ altogether. Instead of saying no, many locals simply shake their heads no, smile, and say thank you instead. 

 

It isn’t easy avoiding yes or no questions, but this tactic is a great communication tool in general. Instead of asking someone if they have any questions, say, “Can you highlight anything I might have missed?”

10. Notice Body Language — But Don’t Judge Based on It

It’s easy to just assume that someone understands you. In many cultures, we’re used to students raising their hands and interrupting the teacher. Yet, many cultures won’t interrupt, so it’s up to the speaker to notice body language and adjust the message accordingly.

 

Notice facial expressions and other nonverbal communication cues. If a listener looks confused, try to rephrase your statement. If your listener laughs seemingly inappropriately at a comment, don’t just gloss over that. You may have used a sentence structure or word that means something completely different to someone from another culture.

 

That being said, don’t assume a response is negative or positive simply based on body language, as body language can have different messages within different cultures.

11. Never ‘Talk Down’ to Someone in Your Native Language

It’s easy to want to overexplain. Overexplaining often comes from a good place, but it can have negative effects. 

 

Try to gauge the other person’s comfort level and language experience. If you’re speaking in your native language, strike a balance of clear, concise speech. 

 

Overexplaining can sometimes come off as speaking down to someone — especially when that person isn’t a native speaker of your language. You might want to gauge the other person’s comprehension level before assuming he or she won’t understand you. 

 

Many people from other cultures are often spoken down to (especially when speaking English) because the native speaker simply assumes he or she won’t understand.

12. Be Kind to Yourself and Others

It’s important to have plenty of patience when you’re speaking to someone in a language that isn’t your first language (or when you’re speaking to someone who isn’t speaking their first language!). 

 

When it comes to communication of any kind (cross-cultural communication or not), don’t rush. 

 

Cultural differences are always going to seem more prevalent at the moment. Don’t rush to speak, don’t rush to respond, and don’t rush to judge. 

Education Translation

Posted on by Alicia Butler

Education translation is urgently needed in schools across America. The number of students (and parents) with limited English proficiency is growing as more and more immigrants are enrolling in preschool, grade school, middle school, and high school. There’s even a spike of students studying abroad in college these days. 

 

Why Education Translation Is Necessary for Schools

Education translation services are becoming more and more necessary for schools at both the public and private levels — from kindergarten through higher education. With more and more immigrant students enrolling in schools across the United States, creating equal learning opportunities has never been more important. 

 

Currently across the country:

 

 

It’s obvious that the need for English translation resources is needed in schools across the board.

The Problem With Education Translation Services 

When it comes to in-person English translation services, many schools are hard-strapped for money for high-quality professional translators. 

 

To add insult to injury, the COVID-19 pandemic has completely shifted the way children learn altogether. Now that e-learning is the norm, many kids don’t have in-person support anymore at all. Programs that ELL kids once thrived on (including after-school programs and times blocked out during the day for special assistance) are no longer offered at all.

 

The need for technology-based translation services is more apparent than ever.  Language learning apps and translation apps such as Vocre on the Apple iTunes and Google Play stores allow children to use voice-to-text as well as text translation on their own, at home. While apps like Google Translate might not offer high levels of accuracy, there are still some apps that can help

 

These types of apps also take some of the stress off parents that might otherwise struggle to help their children learn in English at home.

Translation Services for Students

Public schools often have the most need for translation services for students. Many schools in urban areas that are home to immigrant populations have language needs that vary throughout local school districts. Just some of the reasons that local schools need some type of translation service (whether it’s an in-person translator or translation technology) include:

 

  • Explaining advanced grade-level vocabulary 
  • Reading and writing comprehension
  • Intricate terms and nuances that are difficult for English-speaking teachers to translate
  • Offering both students and teachers support for vocab words that might otherwise stump and set back an entire lesson

 

Tips for Working With ELL Students

Working with ELL students is much different than working with students who speak English as a first language. 

 

Here are a few tips for communicating with English language learning students:

 

  • Create a safe space
  • Use visual aids
  • Introduce vocab at the beginning of a lesson (not during the lesson)
  • Connect similarities between English and native languages
  • Ask plenty of questions to ensure kids understand both cognitively and emotionally
  • Don’t ask closed-ended questions

 

Remember, the best way to learn a new language is to take it slow. Don’t overwhelm your students with loads of new vocab words in one day; instead, introduce new words as they’re relevant. 

Translation Services for Parents

While the focus of education translation is usually on the student, many parents may need help as well — in some cases, parents may need more translation assistance. Just some of the reasons parents may need translation services include common document translation (report cards, permission slips, medical forms) and communication of a student’s strengths or challenges.

 

It’s also important to ensure parents feel welcome at a parent/teacher conference — regardless of their first languages. 

 

When it comes to parent-teacher communication, teachers should never use the students as translators; in fact, teachers should encourage students to abstain from translating or explaining altogether. 

 

When a student translates for a parent or teacher, it creates a breakdown in communication between the parent and teacher. Many students aren’t equipped to work as translators (no matter how fluent they are in English). 

 

Using a translation app can ensure parents don’t feel frustrated or confused if they get stuck on a word or phrase.

 

As in all cases when you’re communicating with people from other cultures, it’s important to ensure you don’t use colloquialisms or slang. Speak clearly, and enunciate to get your point across. And whatever you do, don’t speak ‘too’ slowly, and take care not to ‘talk down’ to the parent or child. 

American English Vs British English

Posted on by Alicia Butler

Learning English is hard enough on its own. When you take into account the fact that English words vary heavily between countries, regions, states, and cities, and learning nuanced words in English can feel downright impossible sometimes.

 

British words differ in meaning and context from American words. Discover the difference between American English vs. British English — and why these differences exist in the first place. 

American English Vs British English: A History

Like many other countries previously under British rule, America adopted English as its primary language. Yet While American English and British English share most of the same words, sentence structure, and grammar rules, the English most Americans speak today doesn’t sound like British English.

 

In 1776 (when America declared its independence over Britain), there were no standardized English dictionaries. (Though Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary of the English Language had been published in 1755). 

 

The first English dictionary was published in 1604 (nearly two centuries after Columbus first traveled to North American). Unlike most English dictionaries, Robert Cawdrey’s Table Alphabeticall wasn’t published as a resource list of all English words. Instead, its purpose was to explain ‘hard’ words to readers that might not understand their meanings.

Oxford English Dictionary

The Oxford English Dictionary was called for by the Philological Society of London in 1857. It was published between the years 1884 and 1928; supplements were added throughout the next century, and the dictionary was digitized in the 1990s.

 

While the OED standardized the spelling and definitions of words, it didn’t make major changes to their spelling. 

Noah Webster Dictionary

Noah Webster’s first dictionary was published in 1806. This was the first American dictionary, and it distinguished itself from British dictionaries by changing the spelling of some words.

 

Webster believed that American English should create its own spelling of words — words that Webster himself believed to be inconsistent in their spelling. He created a new spelling of words that he considered to be more aesthetically pleasing and logical. 

 

Major spelling changes included:

 

  • Dropping the U in some words like colour
  • Abandoning the second silent L in words like travelling
  • Changing the CE in words to SE, like defence 
  • Dropping the K in words like musick
  • Dropping the U in words like analogue
  • Changing the S in words like socialise to Z

 

Webster also learned 26 languages that are considered the basis for English (including Sanskrit and Anglo Saxon). 

American English Vs. British English Spelling Differences

The differences between American spelling and British spelling that were initiated by Noah Webster remain intact to this day. Americans generally do not spell words like color with a U or words such as music with the K at the end.

 

We also drop the second silent L in words like traveling and spell defense and offense with an SE instead of CE. 

 

British English essentially uses the spelling of words from the language they were adopted. These words, called loanwords, make up nearly 80% of the English language!

 

Languages English has ‘borrowed’ words from include:

 

  • Afrikaans
  • Arabic
  • Chinese
  • Dutch
  • French
  • German 
  • Hebrew
  • Hindi
  • Irish
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Latin 
  • Malay
  • Maori
  • Norwegian
  • Persian
  • Portuguese
  • Russian
  • Sanskrit
  • Scandinavian
  • Spanish
  • Swahili
  • Turkish
  • Urdu
  • Yiddish

 

American English Vs. British English Pronunciation Differences

The main differences between the ways Americans pronounce words and the way Brits say them are pretty obvious to even an untrained ear. Yet, there is a specialized, standardized difference in the pronunciation of English words. 

 

To make matters more confusing, United States citizens don’t have just one type of accent — and there are also variations on British accents, depending on where you live in the United Kingdom. 

Pronunciation of the Letter A

One of the most common differences in pronunciation between American and British English is the letter A. The British usually pronounce As as “ah” whereas Americans pronounce As stronger; As sound more like the ones in the word ack than abhor.

Pronunciation of the Letter R 

The British also don’t always pronounce the letter R when it’s preceded by a vowel, such as in the words park or horse. (Though, depending on where you’re from in the U.S., you might not pronounce Rs either. In some parts of Massachusetts residents drop their Rs, too). 

Grammar Differences

American and British English don’t just differ in spelling and pronunciation. There are also grammatical differences between the two, also. 

One of the main differences is that Brits use the present perfect tense more than Americans do. An example of present perfect tense would be, “Tom can’t find his shoes anywhere; he’s given up on finding them.”

 

Singular verbs always follow collective nouns in American English. For example, Americans would say, “The herd is migrating north,” while Brits say, “the herd are migrating north.”

Vocabulary Differences

Vocabulary can vary within different states, cities, and regions in one country alone. So, it’s no surprise that American vocab is very different from vocab words used across the pond. Some of the most common words that Brits use differently than Americans include:

 

  • Chips (French fries)
  • Bank holiday (federal holiday)
  • Jumper (sweater)
  • Current account (checking account)
  • Dust bin (garbage can)
  • Flat (apartment)
  • Postcode (zipcode)
  • Skimmed milk (skim milk)
  • Biscuit (cracker)

Other Common English Language Differentiantions 

So which form of English is correct? While there is a noticeable difference between varieties of English (especially between the English spoken in the U.K. and the U.S.), there is no one right or wrong way to pronounce these words. 

 

Because world-famous TV shows are filmed in the U.S., many people that learn English as a second language learn American English. Yet because the British empire colonized so much of the world, teachers speak British English. 

 

Other areas of the world where English spelling, vocab, and grammar differ include Canada and Australia. 

 

Business English Phrases for Meetings

Posted on by Alicia Butler

While the words used in business and conversational English are the same (most of the time), business English uses a totally different tone than its conversational sibling. Whether the format is oral or written, the business tone is mostly formal. 

You may pepper in a little conversational English here and there (and this is often encouraged!), but you’ll need to address people less casually than you would a friend.

There are some words, phrases, and business English expressions that you’ll want to learn, too (but we’ll get to that later!).

Business English Tone

You’ll find that most business people use a tone that is:

 

  • Professional 
  • Authoritative
  • Direct
  • Specific

 

When in doubt, speak in a professional tone. This shows others you’re serious about what you’re saying. It also shows that you have respect for others in the room. 

 

You also want to sound authoritative (even if you aren’t an authority on a topic). One of the best skills you can learn in business in mirroring. If you sound excited and happy about a topic, you’ll excite others, too. 

 

Most business English is very direct. You don’t want to speak ad nauseam about your weekend or the weather. In most English-speaking countries, time is money. You can show your colleagues you care and humanize yourself by asking about someone’s weekend; but then, move on to the topic. 

 

You’ll also notice that most people speak with specificity when it comes to business language. Avoid using words like ‘good’ and ‘great’. Instead, say why something is good or great. 

 

Does a product increase productivity? By how much? Show — don’t tell — your audience what you’re talking about. 

Why Learn Business English

English has become the international language of business. No matter where you travel, you’ll usually encounter English as the common language of your business associates. (Though, Chinese and Spanish are helpful, too). 

 

While English is somewhat standard throughout most English-language countries, business English can vary by country, region, and industry.

 

We recommend learning some of the most common words and phrases for your particular industry and make learning a habit to learn more little-by-little.

 

Business English Tips and Tricks

Download a Language App

Trying to learn English phrases and business English? A language translation app can help you learn new words, pronunciations, and even translate phrases for you. 

 

We recommend using machine translation software that can easily translate text to speech, such as the Vocre app, available on Google Play for Android or the Apple Store for iOS. 

Join a Business Language Exchange

While you’re trying to learn business English, there’s a good chance there are thousands of people trying to learn business phrases in your first language.

 

Sign up for a business language exchange, or find a language exchange partner on a site like Craigslist or a business school bulletin board. 

 

If you’re trying to improve your presentation skills, you can always sign up for a Toastmaster’s class. This organization offers classes on public speaking — and is geared toward business professionals. 

 

Learn how to present yourself professionally and which words to use. You’ll get real-time feedback and be able to learn a lot of phrases very quickly. 

Read a Business Journal, Magazine, or Newspaper

If you’ve got a good basis for business English, you might want to increase your vocabulary by reading a business journal, magazine, or newspaper. These periodicals use a lot of business language and English idioms. 

 

Come across a word or phrase you don’t know? Look it up online or in a language learning app. 

 

Not only will you learn about common words and phrases, but you’ll also get some insight into your industry at the same time. That’s what they a ‘win-win’ in the business world. 

Create Good Habits

You can’t learn anything off the cuff (another phrase!) unless you’re a stone-cold genius. If you really want to learn business English, you’re going to want to set aside some time each week to make it a habit.

 

Make a commitment each week to:

 

  • Read a section of one business journal or newspaper
  • Learn five new phrases 
  • Meet with a language exchange partner
  • Write one business document and share it with your partner for review
  • Use your business English orally during a five-minute presentation (preferably with your language partner for feedback)

Go Slow

It’s important not to overwhelm yourself with new knowledge. The human brain can only learn so much new information at once. When you’re learning business English, you’re not just learning the language; you’re also learning new business lingo as well as how to perform your job duties. 

Common Useful English Phrases for Business

Below is a shortlist of common business phrases. You’ll notice that most of these phrases use figures of speech (and some of them stem back from as long ago as the 1800s!). 

 

While it’s important to understand that these phrases aren’t the sum of their literal words, you can see that they kind of make sense — if you can suspend your disbelief and use your imagination.

 

Stay on top of: Consistently manage something or monitor it.

 

Example: “I want you to stay on top of the sales reports; I don’t want any surprises at the end of the quarter.

 

Be on the ball: Similar to ‘stay on top of’; don’t let a task get away from you.

 

Example: “Get on the ball by getting a head start on that report.”

 

Think on your toes: Think fast.

 

Example: “I need employees who think on their toes when it comes to last-minute problems.

 

Think outside the box: Think creatively.

 

Example: “Our next project needs to be unique; the client really wants us to think outside the box on this one.”

 

Get the ball rolling: Get started on a project.

 

Example: “Alice, can you get the ball rolling on this business meeting by explaining our challenges for the month of August?”

 

Brainstorm: Think of ideas.

 

Example: “We’re going to need to brainstorm dozens of ideas to solve this problem.”

 

Pull strings: Ask for help or favors from someone in a position of power.

 

Example: “Mandy, can you pull some strings down at City Hall? We really need the mayor on board with the zoning for that project.  

 

Multitasking: Doing more than one task at a time.

 

Example: “There’s way too much to do on this upcoming project, so I’m going to need you all to multitask.”

 

Wear many hats: Similar to multitasking. 

 

Example: “Brenda, I’m going to need you to wear many hats this quarter as you’ll be both office manager and project manager.”

 

Bite off more than you can chew: Take on more than you’re capable of.

 

Example: “Bob, I would love to take on both positions of office manager and project manager, but I don’t want to bite off more than I can chew.”

Industry-Specific Useful Phrases

Most industries have their own phrases and jargon they use interchangeably with regular conversational English. A few examples of such language include:

 

  • Deliverables
  • Project management
  • Authorization
  • Bottom line

 

Some companies use their own branded jargon, too. Many larger companies, such as Google, Microsoft, and Facebook, may create language around a product, training tool, or company culture. 

 

Why do they do this? They’re ‘marketing’ to their employees. Workers enter a different world once they enter the Microsoft campus. Everyone is wearing a ‘uniform’ (business attire), the environment feels a certain way, and you even speak differently than you do at home. 

 

It’s simply one way to create a culture at an office.

 

Most companies don’t expect you to know this language — no matter if your first language is English, Korean, or Bengali. Though, employees will usually go ahead and use this language because it’s what they’ve been trained to do. 

 

It’s always OK to ask someone to clarify or explain themselves. Doing so in the U.S. (and most other English-speaking countries) is considered a sign of respect and that you’re paying attention to the speaker and want to thoroughly understand what’s being said. 

Written Business English

Just in case you weren’t confused already, written business English differs pretty significantly from oral business English. Even people that speak English as a first language often find writing business documents somewhat challenging.

 

The most common types of business documents include:

 

  • Resumes
  • Cover letters
  • Memos
  • Emails
  • White papers

 

The good news is that most of the above documents are extremely formulaic. If you’ve read one, you’ll have a good rubric for writing a similar document yourself.

 

Resumes tend to be in a list format and utilize bullet points. There are a few areas where you’ll need to write a small summary — but the meat and potatoes of resumes are the cold-hard facts.

 

Cover letters are an opportunity to let your personality and your voice shine. They are simply a statement of intent.

 

Memos deliver important information without too much wordiness; white papers deliver a lot of information and tend to be extremely long.

 

Emails (much like a personal email) deliver information professionally and with a bit of personality. 

 

No matter why you’re trying to learn business English, the above tips and tricks should help you prepare for your next meeting. Try to be gentle with yourself; don’t beat yourself up if you don’t understand a word or phrase that doesn’t translate evenly into your first language. 

 

Most people who speak English as a first language don’t fluently speak any other languages, so they’re usually happy that you can communicate with other cultures. 

Kurdish Translation

Posted on by Alicia Butler

Looking for Kurdish translation? Whether you’re trying to learn business English phrases or need education translation, we’ve got you covered.

 

The Kurdish language is spoken in five countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Iraq, and Syria. There are three Kurdish languages, including Northern, Central, and Southern Kurdish.

 

Northern Kurdish (also known as Kurmanji) is spoken in northern Turkey, Iran, Iraq, and Syria. It’s the most common form of Kurdish spoken across the world. It’s also spoken by non-Kurds in Armenia, Chechnia, Circassia, and Bulgaria.

 

Central Kurdish (also known as Sorani) is spoken in Iraq and Iran. It’s one of the official languages of Iran, and most people refer to this language simply as ‘Kurdish’ — not ‘Central Kurdish’.

 

Southern Kurdish (also known as Palewani or Xwarîn) is spoken in Iraq and Iran. Laki is a Southern Kurdish dialect (though many linguists argue that it’s completely separate from Kurdish altogether). 

 

Experts estimate that 20.2 million people speak Kurdish all over the world. 15 million of those speakers live in Turkey, the country most populated by the Kurdish. It’s the third most-commonly-spoken Iranian language.

 

Unsurprisingly, it’s the main language of Kurdistan, an area where Kurdish is the predominantly spoken language. Kurdistan encompasses northern Iraq, southeastern Turkey, northern Syria, and northwestern Iran. 

 

Northern Kurdish (Kurmanji) is the language most closely related to the original Kurdish. The other dialects have taken on words and pronunciations from other neighboring languages, while Kurmanji has remained true to its origins.

Kurdish Alphabet

The Kurdish language uses two alphabets: Latin and Arabic; it uses four different writing systems. The Kurdish Unified Alphabet has 34 characters. 

 

The Arabic script was composed by activist and religious scholar Sa’id Kaban. 

 

Prior to 1932, Kurdish in Turkey and Syria used Arabic script; from the 1930s on, Kurds in this area began using Latin script. In Iraq and Iran, Kurds still use the Arabic script.

 

Sorani (Central Kurdish) uses the Arabic alphabet. Kaban created this script in the 1920s, but it wasn’t widely used in media until after the fall of Sadam Hussein (who persecuted Kurdish speakers). 

Kurdish Culture

The Sorani Kurds predominantly practice Sunni Islam and Christianity. Oral traditions are very important in this part of the world, and Kurdish epic poems called Lawj tell stories of love, adventure, and battles. The first evidence of Kurdish literature is from the seventh century. 

Kurdish to English Translation

Translating English to Kurdish isn’t extremely difficult. English and Kurdish share many rules of grammar, which many native English speakers pick up pretty easily. 

 

This language’s grammar follows the subject, object, verb order. 

 

The one difficulty many native English speakers run into when learning Kurdish is the pronunciation of words. Hearing Kurdish spoken out loud is one of the best ways to properly learn how to pronounce different words.

 

Many native English speakers may also run into challenges when translating Kurdish to English (and vice versa) because the language is written using Latin or Arabic lettering. 

 

Deciphering an entirely new language can be difficult for many native English speakers. Yet, if you already have some experience reading Arabic or Latin texts, you may find translations a little easier. 

 

Kurdish also doesn’t have mutually intelligible dialects. Meaning the different dialects of the language don’t differ from each other very much. You can travel to different Kurdish-speaking nations throughout the world and generally understand the language’s variations easily — once you’ve mastered basic Kurdish translation.

 

Trying to learn Kurdish online? Need fast translations for travel, school, or business? We recommend using machine translation software that has a Kurdish translation tool and can easily translate text to speech, such as the Vocre app, available on Google Play for Android or the Apple Store for iOS. 

 

Software such as Google Translate or Microsoft’s language learning app doesn’t offer the same English translation accuracy as paid apps. 

Kurdish Translation Services

English-Kurdish translators and translation services often charge nearly $100 an hour, as this is considered a specialized language. If you’re trying to translate longer texts, this can get pretty pricey, so we recommend inputting the text into a language translation software program or app. 

 

Check out our online translation tool that can help you learn basic words and phrases, such as hello in other languages. 

More Online Translation 

At Vocre, we believe that you shouldn’t need to hire a pricey translator to simply communicate with someone. Our automated translation app can translate both written and oral communication.

 

We offer more online translation in the following languages:

 

  • Albanian
  • Arabic
  • Armenian
  • Azerbaijani
  • Belarusian
  • Bengali
  • Bosnian
  • Bulgarian
  • Burmese
  • Cambodian
  • Cebuano
  • Chinese
  • Cyrillic
  • Czech
  • Danish
  • Esperanto
  • French
  • Gujarati
  • ​Hindi
  • Icelandic
  • Iranian
  • Khmer
  • Korean
  • Kurdish
  • Kyrgyz
  • Lao
  • Luxembourgish
  • Macedonian
  • Malayalam
  • Marathi
  • Nepali
  • Pashto
  • Persian
  • Portuguese
  • Punjabi
  • Samoan
  • Somali
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
  • Telugu
  • Thai
  • Turkish
  • Ukrainian
  • Uzbek
  • Vietnamese
  • Yiddish

 

Do you have experience with Kurdish translation? What challenges do you run into when translation Kurdish to English or English to Kurdish? 

Common Chinese Phrases

Posted on by Alicia Butler

Chinese is a beautiful (yet challenging) language. In addition to words, phrases and verb conjugations, you’ll need to learn an entirely new alphabet that’s comprised of symbols. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. These common Chinese phrases will get you started if you’re traveling east for business or pleasure.

 

Common Chinese Phrases: Greetings and Formalities

Looking for a crash-course in Mandarin? Don’t have time to learn an entirely new alphabet in a few weeks or days? These common Chinese phrases will get you started in case you’re traveling to China for a short trip. They’ll also impress your friends (and possibly even Chinese clients!). One of the best tips for learning a new language is immersing yourself in the culture.

 

Excuse me: láojià (劳驾)

Goodbye: zàijiàn (再见)

Hello: nǐ hǎo (你好)

How are you?: nǐ hǎo ma (你好吗)

I’m sorry: duì bu qǐ (对不起)

My name is: wǒ de míngzì shì (我的名字是)

Nice to meet you: hěn gāoxìng jiàn dào nǐ (很高兴见到你)

No: méiyǒu (没有)

No good: bù hǎo (不好)

Okay: hǎo (好)

Please: qǐng (请)

Thank you: xiè xie (谢谢)

Yes: shì (是)

You’re welcome: bú yòng xiè (不用谢)

 

 

Symbols Vs. Letters

The hardest part about learning common Chinese phrases is that you need to learn an entirely new alphabet in addition to new words — if you want to read and write in Mandarin. If you simply plan on memorizing the phonetic pronunciation of the word, you don’t really need to mess around with Chinese symbols too much.

 

The biggest difference between Chinese symbols and Western letters is that each symbol doesn’t represent a singular letter; it represents an entire concept. In addition to learning the symbols and words, you’ll also want to learn the more than 400 syllables that make up the language. 

 

Each Chinese syllable is also comprised of two parts: the sheng and yun (generally a syllable and a consonant). There are 21 shengs and 35 yuns in Chinese.

 

The best way to learn each? Take it step-by-step (and get some help along the way!).

 

 

Eating Out

Eating out in China can be slightly more challenging than in other countries (if you’re a westerner). Things move really fast in a Chinese restaurant and it’s easy to get mixed up. There are also many customs that westerners aren’t used to. You generally won’t ever need to ask for a menu because they’re almost always provided right away. 

 

Tipping is also not very common in most areas of China (especially ones that aren’t very touristy). Yet many westerners still want to leave gratuities, and leaving a small amount is appropriate.

 

Table for one: Yī zhuō (一桌)

How many people?: jǐ wèi (几位)

Have you eaten?: nǐ chī fàn le ma (你吃饭了吗)

I’d like a menu: bāng máng ná yī fèn cài dān (帮忙拿一个菜单)

I’m hungry: shí wǒ (饿)

What would you like?: Nín yào shénme？(您要什么)

Eat: chī ba (吃吧)

Waiter: fú wù yuán (服务员)

Gratuity: xiǎo fèi (费)

May I have the bill? mǎi dān (买单)

Spicy: là (辣)

 

Common Lodging Phrases 

If you’re checking into a large hotel in a touristy area, you won’t need to communicate in Chinese. Most hotel staff now know enough English to communicate with guests. But if you’re staying in a budget hotel or a hotel in a remote area, you might need a little Mandarin to get by. You might also need to know a little Mandarin if you’re checking into an Airbnb or home share. Many DIY hoteliers don’t know other languages — and generally don’t need to. 

 

Besides, you’ve come this far… why not try out your newfound skills with a local?

 

For these phrases, we have not included the Chinese characters along with the pinyin pronunciations as you won’t generally need to read or recognize these symbols as they won’t be posted on hotel signs generally.

 

I’m checking in: wǒ yào bàn rù zhù

I have a reservation: wǒ yù dìng le fáng jiān

I’d like to make a reservation: wǒ xiǎng yùdìng jīntiān wǎnshàng de fàndiàn

Do you have any vacancies?: yǒu kōng fáng jiān?

How do I get to the metro? Wǒ zěnme qù dìtiě

I need clean towels: Wǒ xūyào gānjìng de máojīn

I’m checking out: wǒ yào tuì fáng

 

 

Travel Phrases in Mandarin

Here are some common Chinese phrases you might need to use for basic travel throughout the country. If you’re trying to catch a taxi or pay for a souvenir, these will be extremely helpful. Of course, you can always download a translation app, such as the Vocre app, available on Google Play for Android or the Apple Store for iOS – to help you out, should you get stuck.

 

Where is the bathroom: Xǐshǒujiān zài nǎlǐ? (洗手间在哪里)

How much?/what is the cost?: Duō shǎo? (多少)

I don’t understand: Wǒ bù míngbái (我不明白)

Train: Péiyǎng (培养)

Taxi: Chūzū chē (出租车)

Car: Qìchē (汽车)

Wallet: Qiánbāo (钱包)

Bus: Zǒngxiàn (总线)

If you’re traveling to China soon, check out some of our other resources for travel, including the best travel apps for last-minute travel.

Headed to other areas of Asia? Check out our guide on Malay to English translation.

Tips for Learning a New Language

Posted on by Alicia Butler

Learning a new language seems like a daunting task — though it’s not, as long as you know what you’re doing. Luckily, we’ve been around the second-language rodeo a few times and have a few tips for learning a new language that’ll get you fluent in no time.

 

Learning a New Language Tip #1: Start Small

The Tower of Babel wasn’t built in a day (sorry, we had to!). Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to learn too much all at once. Start slow. Chunk your lessons.  

 

Learning a New Language Tip #2: Nail Pronunciation First

It’s harder to relearn improper pronunciation than it is to just learn the correct pronunciation the first time. Don’t try to sound words out; listen to them while looking at the word. Download an audio language translator, such as the Vocre app, available on Google Play for Android or the Apple Store for iOS – if you need help pronouncing words.

 

Learning a New Language Tip #3: Learn to Create Good Habits

According to habit researcher James Clear, you must do four things to develop good habits:

 

Make It Easy

Make learning a language as easy as possible by scheduling time to study; stick to your schedule and decide how much time you want to spend studying. Learning how to say hello in other languages or common Spanish phrases is easier than learning the whole language at once.

Make It Attractive

Make learning new languages fun! Throw theme nights; if you’re learning Spanish, invite guests over for dinner. Serve Spanish food and wine. Learn how to make Spanish cocktails, like sangria. Play music from different regions. 

Piggyback It

Always study your new language after a habit you’ve mastered, such as eating breakfast or brushing your teeth. Every time you brush your teeth, your brain will automatically know it’s time for your language lesson.

Do It Every Day 

New habits are a daily practice. Forget a day? Forget about your new habit! Try to add on to yesterday’s lesson instead of learning new material each day, too. You’ll end up ‘chunking’ your lesson into smaller bits — instead of taking on too much all at once.

Learning a New Language Tip #4: Discover Your Why

When you remember why you’re doing something, it’s just plain easier to do it. Maybe you want to learn French because you’re taking a road trip through the French countryside. Perhaps it’s that new promotion at work that’s fueling your second-language fire. Whatever your reason, write it down and look at it often to stay motivated.

Learning a New Language Tip #5: Download a Translation App

There are myriad reasons why a translation app can help you learn a new language. But the top two are:

 

  • Learning new words on the go
  • Nailing pronunciation

 

You’re going to inevitably wonder how to say everyday words in your new language throughout your day. Instead of looking these words up, we recommend checking out our language learning app instead and saving them for future study times.

 

Another great reason to download an app? You can check out the correct pronunciation of the word for easy reference. Many free apps aren’t accurate when it comes to pronunciation (we’re lookin’ at you, Google Translate).

Learning a New Language Tip #6: Conjugate Verbs Smarter — Not Harder

Instead of memorizing verb conjugations, learn how to conjugate each word manually when you first start learning a language. You’ll notice a pattern when conjugating verbs, and learning the pattern (instead of memorizing each conjugation) will help you crack that language’s conjugation code.

Learning a New Language Tip #7: Watch A Lot of TV

Finally, a reason to watch tons of TV! We recommend watching your favorite show (pick one episode you’ve seen a thousand times and know the plot by heart). Change the audio to your language of choice and start watching! If you’re just starting to learn your new language, feel free to turn on English subtitles for easy reference. Or, watch a foreign-language show.

Learning a New Language Tip #8: Read Your Favorite Kids’ Books

Kids’ books are a bit easier to translate than adult novels. Start out by reading “The Little Prince” in French or “Where the Wild Things Are” in Portuguese. Then, advance to the “Harry Potter” series or “The Boxcar Children.” You’ll get to reread your favorite kids’ books while learning new vocabulary.

Learning a New Language Tip #9: Find a Language Exchange Study Buddy

Want to learn conversational Spanish, French, German or Mandarin? Get a foreign-exchange study buddy! You’ll get to learn how the locals do it — all while making new friends. 

Learning a New Language Tip #10: Immerse Yourself in Your New Language

The best way to really learn a new language is to dive right in. If you can’t swing a trip to China this month, invite some Mandarin-speaking friends over and ask them to talk about a topic in their native language. Visit an international district in your city. Or, just pick up a newspaper in your desired language and start reading. 

 

It might seem daunting at first, but don’t get discouraged. Everyone feels like a fish out of water when they’re first learning a new language. Take it slow, pick out the words you know and save the words you don’t know for later. 

If you’re headed out of the country to immerse yourself in travel, check out our guide on the best travel apps for last-minute travel.

 




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