WORKSHOP: ARROZ CON LECHE

Spanish language scholars Andreu and Angeles are hosting a workshop to teach you how to make arroz con leche (popular in both Spain and Argentina) on Saturday 4 October at 5:00pm in the Spanish House.

GHOST STORY TELLING AND CRAFT NIGHT AT THE LANGUAGE LAB

Come tell and listen to spooky stories from around the world at the Language Lab on October 9th at 6pm!

As the weather gets colder and the workload gets heavier, the Language Lab is here to remind you to have a bit of fun! Everyone is welcome to this evening of exchanging spooky cultural folklore, puppet-making, and free snacks and drinks. Be there or else…

Tutor interviews: Sara Tapalova (Russian)

D: Hi Sara! Please introduce yourself to those who don’t know you.

S: My name is Sara and I’m a junior physics major. I’m a native Russian speaker, which is the main reason why I ended up as a Russian tutor. I was born and raised in Central Asia, so I was brought up in a very bilingual environment – I’ve been speaking Russian and Kazakh since I was a little baby, and if you asked me to choose a “first language” I wouldn’t be able to tell you… I started learning English when I was 6, so I know how to empathise with language-learners. If you feel nervous or embarrassed about mistakes, don’t be! I’ve been there too and I know how hard it is.

Continue reading “Tutor interviews: Sara Tapalova (Russian)”

LANGUAGE LAB AT REED RESOURCE EXPO

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 18, 11:30-1:30, QUAD (KAUL IN CASE OF RAIN)

You heard right. Get excited: the Language Labbies shall be attending the ball (Reed Student Resource Expo)! Ourselves and (of course) Pulpi the octopus will be tabling at the expo to show you all — student, staff, and faculty — the wonders of our humble oasis in the basement of the library.

If our mere presence is not enough to summon you, we offer you the chance to voice your opinion and maybe win a prize in our recommendation raffle! Also, the event is great way to learn more about the resources available to students in general, and free food will be provided.

Easy Languages: Something for everyone!

Easy Languages is a YouTube channel, a resource, and most importantly a community for language speakers and learners all across the globe. From Swahili to Arabic to Russian to Esperanto and Greek and Spanish, Kazakh, Turkish and many more, the scale of resources available for language learners is immense! They describe themselves as so:

“We are a non-profit project aiming to help people learn languages through authentic street interviews. Our videos show local language and culture in natural, everyday situations – something you can’t find in regular media. Each episode has a specific topic and is produced in one of our many partner countries around the world – Mexico, France, Vietnam, Russia, Egypt, to name but a few. We add subtitles in both the local language and English so that regardless of your level, you will be able to hear, read and “see” the language in its local habitat.”

Easy Languages also cover regional and dialectical differences, and are updating their channels all the time with new languages, locations, and people! Below I have linked only the channels corresponding to languages taught at Reed, but you should check out their website whether the language you’re learning is offered at Reed or not: chances are they’ll have it!

So what do you think? Would you be interested in a Reed College version? Stay tuned…

Beginner Arabic Youtube

Are you beginning to learn Arabic and in need of some fun and easy media to help boost your vocabulary? Look no further… !يالله

  1. All About Me

Tareq and Shireen are learning how to be kind and considerate friends! Tune in if you’re looking to fill your vocabulary with wholesome terms about friendship and sharing.

2. Arabic Fairytales

Arabic retellings of classic fairytales using simple language and helpful subtitles.

3. Totally Spies! Arabic

Subtitled episodes of Totally Spies! dubbed in Arabic! Ideal if you need something more sophisticated than fairytales.

4. Obayd Fox

Obayd Fox is a British Youtuber living in Saudi Arabia. As a fellow Arabic learner (albeit an advanced one), he tends to speak slightly more slowly than a native, and he usually uses الفصه 🙂

5. Learn Arabic with Khasu

Khasu is also an Arabic learner and a very talented teacher. His channel includes roleplays, skits, vocab lessons, and breakdowns of grammatical concepts.

Meet a tutor: Lei Zhao (Chinese)

Hello, my name is Lei Zhao, and I come from the northeastern region of China, majoring in Mathematical Physics. I work as a Chinese language drop-in and individual tutor at the language lab. I am happy to help everyone learn Chinese and understand Chinese culture and history. You’re welcome to join my tutoring sessions to discuss related topics. Of course, if you are interested in or have any questions about Physics/Mathematics/Chemistry, I would be equally happy to discuss them with you.

你好,我叫赵光磊(Lei Zhao),我来自中国东北部地区,主修数学物理。我在language lab做汉语的drop-in和individual tutor。我乐意于帮助大家学习汉语,了解中国文化和历史。欢迎来我的tutor session跟我讨论相关的问题。当然,如果你对物理/数学/化学感兴趣或者有什么问题,我一样乐意一起去讨论。  

Meet a tutor: Clara Hay (German)

Clara Hay ’26, German language tutor

Hi! I’m Clara, and I’m a sophomore Sociology major and German minor. I have taken German 311 and 342 and am super excited to help with German grammar, vocabulary, essays, speaking, or any other questions you might have! I’m available during drop-in sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays and  Thursdays, but feel free to reach out about other times during the week/weekend.