In this edition, we explore everything from flexible conversation practice to why some societies distinguish older from younger siblings.
You’ll meet a powerful Finnish concept, discover how some languages skip “is/are”, and see how different cultures handle compliments.
Thought-provoking insights with practical takeaways, enjoy the journey.
Quick Language Tip of the Week
The “Question Flip” Technique
Take any simple question you know how to ask in your target language…
Then flip it and practise answering it from two different perspectives.
Example in German:
Wo wohnst du? — Where do you live?
Flip 1 → Ich wohne in Berlin. (I live in Berlin.)
Flip 2 → Meine Schwester wohnt in Hamburg. (My sister lives in Hamburg.)
Why it works
By flipping the question, you:
Learn both sides of a conversation
Break the habit of only memorising “your” answers
Practise family, friends, and third-person structures effortlessly
Pro tip: Keep the same question and flip it with 3–4 different “subjects.” It multiplies your practice without new vocabulary.
Word or Phrase Spotlight
Finnish: “Sisu”
Pronunciation: SEE-soo
Meaning: A blend of grit, resilience, quiet determination, and staying power.
Why it’s powerful
It describes courage without drama, pushing forward calmly even when something is difficult.
How to use it
“That exam was tough, but with a little sisu I got through it.”
“Learning a language takes sisu.”
It’s not loud bravery, it’s stubborn, steady strength.
Understanding Linguistics
Why Some Languages Skip the Verb “To Be”
In Arabic, Russian, Indonesian, Hebrew, and others, present-tense sentences often work perfectly without “is/are.”
Examples:
Russian: Она врач. — “She (is) doctor.”
Arabic: الجو جميل. (al-jaw jameel) — “The weather (is) beautiful.”
Indonesian: Dia guru. — “He/She (is) teacher.”
Why it matters
If you’ve ever wondered why beginners say things like “I happy today” in English, this is why, their native language simply doesn’t use “to be” in the same way.
Understanding this prevents you from forcing unnecessary words when you speak these languages.
Book to Inspire Your Inner Linguist
Because Internet by Gretchen McCulloch
This book dives into how the internet has changed the way we write, speak, joke, argue, flirt, and express ourselves. It’s fun, smart, and perfect for anyone curious about language in the digital age.
Why it matters:
Explains the evolution of online language (emojis, memes, lowercase texting)
Shows how internet communities shape communication
Written with humour and zero academic heaviness
Answers the question: Why does online language feel so… alive?
Discover more about the book here →
Did You Know?
Some Languages Grammaticalise “Where the Information Comes From”
This feature is called evidentiality and appears in Quechua, Tibetan, Turkish, and dozens of Indigenous languages.
Speakers mark whether they:
saw something
heard it
inferred it
were told by someone else
assume it’s true
Example (simplified Turkish idea):
“He came (I saw it).”
“He came (apparently, I heard it).”
Why it’s fascinating
It forces speakers to be precise about how they know something, something English often glosses over.
Know More About Culture
The “Compliment Rules” That Vary Around the World
Not all cultures treat compliments the same way:
United States & Italy:
“Thank you!” is the expected response.
Japan:
People often deflect compliments (“No, no, I’m not good at that”) to show humility.
Middle East:
Compliments may be followed by offers or generosity — they can carry social responsibility.
Scandinavia:
Modesty is prized; too many compliments can feel uncomfortable or even suspicious.
India:
Compliments about hospitality or family are normal and appreciated.
Why it matters
If someone refuses your compliment, it might not be rejection; it might be cultural politeness.
Fun Linguistic Fact
Some Languages Use Different Words for “Older” vs. “Younger” Siblings
In Mandarin, Turkish, Thai, Yoruba, and others, you don’t just say “brother” or “sister”, you say older or younger, because the age order matters culturally.
Examples:
Mandarin:
哥哥 (gēge) — older brother
弟弟 (dìdi) — younger brother
姐姐 (jiějie) — older sister
妹妹 (mèimei) — younger sister
Why it’s amazing
Languages reflect social relationships. In many places, age hierarchy shapes how families interact, so the language encodes it.
Join the Conversation
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