Do you understand the language of shoes?

Language isn’t just about learning vocabulary; it’s about unlocking new ways of seeing the world. Every phrase reveals a cultural insight, every unique word changes how we think, and even grammar can shape how we view time itself.

This week’s edition is packed with quick tips to boost your confidence, a poetic Japanese word you’ll love, and a fascinating look at how some languages don’t even have a future tense.

Teach an Imaginary Friend (or Your Pet) in Your Target Language

Sounds silly, but here’s why it works:

For example, if you’re learning Japanese, explain how to make tea to your dog: “まずお湯を沸かします” (First, we boil the water). Your brain treats it like real interaction, which speeds fluency.

Word: Komorebi (Japanese)

Meaning: The dappled light that filters through trees—a poetic blend of ko (tree), more (leak/escape), and bi (light).

It captures a uniquely Japanese way of noticing fleeting, peaceful beauty in nature. Many languages have words for emotions or experiences that English can’t quite express.

Try this: Next time you’re outside, look for your own komorebi moment. Describe it in Japanese or your target language, even if it’s just one word or phrase tying vocabulary to a real experience makes it stick.

Surprisingly, no. Some languages don’t separate present and future at all.
For example, in Mandarin Chinese, you can say:

The time reference comes from context or extra words like tomorrow, rather than a verb change.

Research suggests speakers of “futureless” languages often think about the future more like it’s happening now—and even save more money on average because they don’t see “future me” as separate from “present me.”

It’s an incredible example of how language structure might influence behaviour and mindset.

Babbel is a language learning app designed for practical, real-life conversations. Its lessons are short (10–15 minutes), making it easy to fit into your daily routine, and they focus on dialogue-based learning rather than rote memorisation.

What makes it great?

Bonus tip: Pair Babbel’s short lessons with a 5-minute real-world activity—like reading a news headline or ordering food in your target language—to cement what you’ve learned.

Some languages have no word for “yes” or “no.”

For example, in classical Latin, there were no direct words for “yes” or “no.” Instead, speakers repeated part of the question to confirm or deny:

Even today, languages like Welsh and Irish Gaelic often respond based on the verb used in the question, not with a simple “yes” or “no.”

It’s a reminder that not all languages think in the same binary way we do in English—sometimes, agreement is built into how you respond, not what you say.

In Japan, shoes aren’t just footwear—they’re a cultural boundary. It’s common to remove shoes before entering homes, traditional restaurants, and even some schools or offices.

Why? Cleanliness and respect. Outdoor shoes are considered dirty, so swapping them for indoor slippers (surippa) keeps spaces pure and comfortable.

Language connection: Learn the phrase “Kutsu o nugimasu” (靴を脱ぎます) — “I take off my shoes.” It’s more than politeness—it’s showing cultural awareness.

Knowing small gestures like this builds deeper connections than words alone.

The Pirahã language of the Amazon has no words for specific numbers. Instead of “one,” “two,” or “three,” speakers use terms that roughly mean “few” and “many.”

This unique feature challenges the idea that numbers are universal in human language and has sparked debates on how language shapes thought.

What’s your favourite example of how language reflects culture? Share your thoughts with our community on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.