Multlingualism in Europe

When you walk around in European cities you really hear a lot of languages. This was particularly the case in Prague but is also true here in Brussels. This morning I visited the European Commission for Multilingualism to explain LingQ and how it could the Commission achieve its goals. They were interested. At least it is a first contact.

The various European member nations have their own language objectives and would like to see their own languages used more internationally, or at least protected and respected. Yet within the European member countries there are language disputes, in Belgium, Spain, and the Baltics just to name a few places.

Comments

[skyblueteapot]

A bit off-topic perhaps but this reminds me of a point I've been meaning to make about LingQ....

There is at least one LingQ member that I know of whose skills with a foreign language are good enough for her to consider a career as a translator, should she want it. Next time you are considering extending LingQ (and I know your wish list is a mile ling already) there are things which could be added to stretch members at this level.

One thing that may be appreciated is links to European Commission info (who I hear are in dire need of translators). Also materials in the libray specifically for translation exercises, a forum specifically for people practising translation skills, personal tutors who are willing to work with advanced students on translations etc.

[Sjoerd Leferink op Reinink]

Hello mr. Kaufmann, I have a question about this article. Right now, I'm studying also a minor European Union Studies and in this article you wrote you visited the E.C. (European Commission) to talk about LingQ. I have also another question that I wanted to ask on the lingQ forum for a while, but until now never managed to do so..It corresponds with this article. My question based on this article is, how did you arrange an appointment with the E.C.? Had they asked you to come down in Brussel or did you call them? Did you talk to a real Commissioner or to a Directorate-(General)?

The question which I wanted to put forward for a while was, if LingQ (as a firm c.q. the whole community) would be able to compete with Rosetta Stone in the future? Or maybe other big language c.q. linguist c.q. polyglot communities? Is LingQ be able to become a thorough worldwide language community? If so, how do you think you can reach that status and how to compete with, for example, Rosetta Stone? I'm looking forward to receiving your reaction.

yours faithfully,

Sjoerd Leferink op Reinink

[Steve]

Helen, Thanks for the suggestions and we will certainly look at these kind of things when we get past all the things we have on our list now.

Sjoerd,

I called the office of the Commissioner for Multilingualism. I spoke to a member of the Cabinet of the Commissioner who specializes on Minority languages. Yes we want to compete and surpass Rosetta Stone etc. We intend to do so by
1)improving the language learning features of LingQ all the time so that people understand it, like it and tell their friends about it.
2)improve the community features so that we create an environment that people enjoy, where thez find people of like interests and help each other, and then invite others to join.
3)cooperate with others on the web, like bloggers and podcasters to increase awareness of our site.
4) approach institutions like the EC, corporations, private schools and even groups of teachers to show how our site can benefit them. This might involve some additional development to suit the needs of these groups.

And all along the way we will be relying on our members for advice and help.

Steve

[skyblueteapot]

I see you're getting to grips with a German-language keyboard Steve! That y/z interchange thing is a real brain-melter ;-)

Many people seem to like on-line chatting an awful lot and expect it to be a part of their language-learning experience. There are a couple of LingQers who chat with me whenever they see I'm on Google or Skype. Presumably these are one-on-one events but a LingQ chat-room shouldn't be beyond us.

[skyblueteapot]

Sorry I think that comment should have been attached to a completely different post of your Steve....

I'll go and have a cup of tea now :-}

[czechyoself]

Diversity is key to growth and development.