LilSugar

Does Being Bilingual Get You Hired, but Little Else?

SavvySugar — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 08:00:48 PDT

Growing up my parents always emphasized the importance of linguistic education. They knew that being bilingual was an asset growing up in a big city, but also thought that speaking another language would give me an advantage on college applications, and later, job applications. Well, here I am years later, and I have to say, while I'm thrilled I have the ability to speak another language, I have never used it at work. The plus, however, is that it still seems to impress in job interviews, whether or not it's actually useful day-to-day at the office.

Apparently that's the common sentiment of employers looking to hire: "Even if your prospective employer may not have an immediate need for your multiple language capabilities, they are likely to see your fluency as an added benefit and asset in the hiring process." It's not only schools, hospitals, or government jobs that want a bilingual employee - financial institutions like banks and larger institutions marketing to a global audience see speaking more than one language as a huge plus for business. So, just in case you're not already marketing your bilingual, or perhaps, multilingual skills on your resume, do it. Even if the job doesn't call for it, the ability to speak more than one language is an attractive quality to employers and likely to give you a little edge over the competition. If you're job seeking, be sure to capitalize on your linguistic skills, and if you've ever had a job where speaking more than one language was a plus, I want to know about it. So, tell me, has being bilingual ever benefited you at work?

Does Your Child Speak Another Language?

babysugar — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 06:00:09 PST

Parlez-vous francais? Hablas español? In an age where everything is global and an international phone call is as easy as using Skype, it makes sense that people are paying more attention to their language skills. In many countries, it is normal for children to speak a minimum of two languages. President Obama encourages Spanish as a second language and thinks it might be mandatory to keep up with the rest of the world. There are preschool programs dedicated to Italian, Spanish, French, Mandarin and a host of all other languages.

So tell mommy, does your child speak other languages?
Source: Spazio Italiano

Do You Know Your Drink Toasts Around the World?

YumSugar — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 05:50:27 PDT

The onset of Summer means many things: road trips, picnics, barbecues, watermelon . . . and weddings. Rarely does a June or July pass by when I'm not at or in a wedding celebration. Since lots of wedding toasts are to be had this time of year, I thought I'd put your multicultural toasting skills to the test. Do you know how to say "Cheers!" in every language? There's only one way to find out!

Source

Take the Quiz

I'm Asking: What Language Would You Like to Learn?

SavvySugar — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:30:54 PDT

Recently, the topic of languages came up while out for pizza with a new friend. I was so impressed when she told me that she's well versed in four languages, and it got me thinking about what other languages I'd like to include in my repertoire. Besides English, I'm pretty solid in Spanish, but it would be so much fun to learn something new. Discovering different languages is a fantastic way to boost your resume, and taking classes or purchasing learning material can be considered a personal investment.

What language(s) would you like to learn?

Source

Tell Mommy: When Did Your Child Start Chatting?

babysugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 08:00:31 PDT

It's only natural for parents to pay attention to their children's developmental milestones and how he or she measures up to playmates. That being said, each child has his or her own pace and in most cases, they catch up or eventually, level out their Olympic speed. A recent study on language emergence has shown that 80 percent of children with language delays at age two will catch up by age seven. Of course that also means one in five "late talkers," stay delayed for a while longer.

I always tell friends how important I think it is to not put your children on a timetable and just enjoy the proud growth and accomplishment moments when they happen. Of course, there are certain milestones - like your child becoming a chatty Cathy - a parent will never forget. When did your child begin completing full sentences and carrying a conversation?

Source

French Flash Cards Are Très Magnifique!

LilSugar — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 05:30:53 PDT

I know more than 44 percent of you speak other languages besides English with your children, so why not add another?

After reading educational experts suggest using flashcards to spruce up comprehensive and help children prepare for the upcoming school year, I was pleased to find this charming French flash card set ($14).

The pack is perfect for practicing your Français and pretty enough that it could be used to help decorate your crib once your child has learned all the vocab words.

View 5 Photos ›

Do You Know Kid Lingo?

babysugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 12:00:40 PDT

When I had my first boyfriend, we used to say we were "going together." Sometimes my mom inquires about my friends and asks, "Are they still going together?" I blush at her choice of words. Take this test and see how well you know your current kiddie jargon.
Source

Take the Quiz

Do You Sign With Your Babe?

babysugar — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 10:00:53 PDT

Most baby stores now carry sign language merchandise from books to DVDs and flashcards to placemats.

I only taught my lil one the sign for "more," but my friends have been more diligent in their efforts. Advocates say that children who sign are less likely to throw tantrums since they can communicate earlier. On the flip side, others argue that signing can delay speech development as tots learn to rely on their hands.

When it comes to sign, what's your stance?
Source

One Language or More?

babysugar — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:00:39 PST

In many bilingual families, parents make a conscience effort to teach their babes both languages. If one parent is proficient in one language and the other in another, it is normal for each one to talk to their tot solely in that tongue.

I try to chat in Spanish with my babe, but I'm not as diligent as I'd like to be. Luckily, her nanny is teaching it to her every day. And, at this age, she is soaking words up like a sponge.

Just the other day we were on a walk and she looked up at me and said, "Mano!" A little puzzled, I thought to myself, "Mano?" Then it hit me, "Hand! That means hand in Spanish!" So I reached down and her tiny palm met mine and off we went.

Will your child be bilingual?

Source

Cheers To Traveling!

partysugar — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 04:34:39 PDT

We ran our first installment of travel week a few months ago, and had so much fun we wanted to do it again! This week we'll bring you recipes from around the world, so be prepared for tasty dishes from awesome places. To get you prepared for our journey we thought it would be fun to learn how to toast in different languages. When traveling, knowing how to say "cheers" in the language of your destination country is a great way to meet people, converse with waiters and bartenders and show the locals that you have embraced the customs.

In China they say Ganbei which translates literally to mean "dry glass."
In France they say A votre santé which translates as "to your health."

In Germany they say Prosit which means, "Here's to you."
In Poland they say Na zdrowie whose translation is, "to your health."
In Spain and Mexico they say Salud which translates to mean "health."
In Korea they say Konbai which literally translates to mean "Bottoms up."
In Italy they say Salute , meaning "to your health."
In Ireland they say Slainte which means "cheers."
In Armenia they say Genatz, also meaning "cheers."
In Israel they say L'chaim which translates literally to mean "to life."
In Costa Rica they say Pura vida which means, "pure life."
In Greece they say Sto ieo sou meaning, "to your health."

Please help me out with the list! If you know how to say cheers in a language that's not mentioned, tell us all below!