About

This blog mainly concerns linguistics and language learning, but it also includes topics such as living abroad and the repercussions thereof. 'Feeling at home' in the country you live in, getting beyond the 'expat community' and socializing with the local population.

Is there a link between sciences and ancient languages? Well, there is at least one scientist who is more famous for his fluency in Latin and classical Greek than for his videos on geology.

Furthermore: can you talk about classical languages and stay mute about the societies where they used to be spoken? I dedicate at least one post on Roman society, which may venture into the Greek world as well.

Many videos are in English, but several are in the language being taught. 'Easy Dutch' or 'Easy German' may have an English channel title, but at least a B level passive knowledge is required to understand what is being said. That also accounts for the native speakers of Romance languages. The main difference between regular vlogs and language podcasts in these languages is the reduced speed and a more accessible vocabulary of the latter.

On Polyglots versus Multilingual persons

The typical polyglot is generally born in a monolingual environment but where many different language minorities blend in. Unlike most of his monolingual neighbours, the fledgling polyglot develops a keen interest in learning the languages spoken around him. As languages become a passion, they start learning different other languages they may not need but which have awakened an interest. Polyglots may have acquired vastly different levels of fluency in the languages they speak. Some aim native-like fluency in a few languages only, whereas others are satisfied with an intermediate fluency, but in quite a lot of languages. Combinations thereof are also quite common. Many Youtube channels are by polyglots: some giving didactic tips, others showing off their skills.

Multilingual persons often live at or near a 'language border' (which need not be a national border). English usually is not their mother tongue, but they generally need English professionally. Relations and/or relocating may induce learning a third or fourth language. A typical multilingual person 'finds an excuse' for speaking a third, fourth ... language. Most often the languages they speak pertain to one or two 'language families' only.

Living abroad

You may find ample information about how to settle in your favourite spot. Digital nomads and retirees are the prime public in search of a better place to live. Since the selected videos are in English, it doesn't come as a surprise that there mainly is a US or UK focus here.

EU citizens need not have a visum for relocating to a different EU member state, however a residence permit needs still be obtained from the local authorities.

Why would you want to view videos here ?

Videos are embedded from YouTube where you can watch them in a larger format. However, unless you have a premium subscription, YouTube will show ads before starting the video. Longer video sequences are also often interrupted by publicity. It does get quite tedious.

And about the author ...

Born and raised in Flanders, Dutch is my mother-tongue. In Brussels, where I have been working, mainly French is spoken.  English is the 'academic language' used for publications and is mostly used on conferences. German is our third national language, which I used socially while on assignment in Luxembourg; I never got beyond a solid B level. Learning Spanish seemed to be the logical choice when involved in a youth and student exchange organisation. As for Italian? "Cerca la donna!" Anything else I've tried (Portuguese, Swedish) never got beyond a Duolingo A level.