Language Exchange User Posts

Spanish is an extremely popular language to teach and study, because it is a relatively simple language and there are many people who speak it. About 6 percent of the world speaks Spanish, and is the second highest of the list of languages spoken as a first language. The demand for people to teach Spanish has increased in recent years, and those looking for tutoring jobs might be able to fill the need like never before.

Spanish is an extremely phonetic language, meaning that both those who teach Spanish and learn Spanish will have an easy time reading and writing it. Those that teach Spanish may also have realized that many Spanish words are very similar to English ones, making their tutoring jobs much easier. Many parents are looking for people to teach Spanish to their children, and there are many positions open in schools for those who know how to teach Spanish.

Other than listing on LRNGO.com, to find good tutoring jobs, one of the best places to look is in phone books and newspapers. You will find many ads asking for those who know how to teach Spanish to give tutoring sessions. Spanish speakers can also use ads to promote their skills and find students for themselves. Schools and colleges will often hire tutors to make available to their students, or even hire a tutor to work as a full time teacher. Online job boards and tutoring sites are also great way to find places to teach Spanish, and the huge databases of jobs they provide will surely have something for everyone.


Photo Credit: Daniel Lobo

You are not searching for just any tutor to teach you Filipino (also known as Tagalog and one of the national languages of the Philippines); you are looking for the Filipino tutor, that special individual that you can connect with on such a level that you will drastically increase your Filipino language competency. As you probably already know from your own previous searching, finding such an individual can be a rather difficult challenge. Below are a few of the tips I found helpful when trying to find the Filipino tutor that was right for me.

• First of all, don’t be afraid to be extremely honest and assertive when it comes to finding the right online tutor for you. If halfway through the first tutoring lesson you do not feel that you are gaining anything from the experience, make sure the tutor knows. I cannot emphasize this enough. Let me draw a (possibly incorrect) metaphor with the experience of going to the doctor. Too many people, when going to the doctor, simply open the door and sit down and say “doctor, there is something wrong with me.” They then don’t speak another word the entire visit, never question the doctor’s orders, and leave as quiet as a mouse. This passive approach does not work for going to the doctor, and it also does not work for tutoring sessions. You should be constantly badgering the tutor for feedback, asking questions, and doing everything you can to make sure you are in the moment.


• Secondly, do not be afraid to end a relationship with a tutor that is not working out. I must admit, this was a really big problem for me when I first started looking for a Filipino tutor. I was receiving tutoring lessons from a company I was in no way satisfied with, but I was concerned with breaking off the relationship. I am going to give you the same advice my friends gave me: finding a tutor is like dating. You wouldn’t stay in a relationship that wasn’t working out, right? Well, maybe you would, but you shouldn’t. Trust me when I say online tutors are usually pretty thick-skinned. From my experience, they are very used to having clients (politely) end relationships.


• This may seem obvious, but make sure that your tutor can communicate extremely well in your native language, which in my case was English. Especially if you are a beginning Filipino Learner, not being able to initially communicate in any meaningful way with your tutor is nightmarish. Luckily, this does not seem to be a huge issue with Filipino Tutors. I’m no expert but I think the majority of Filipinos also speak English. The Philippines fortunately seems to be a very bilingual nation.

Where to Search for a Filipino Online Language Tutor

Wyzant, Mindlaunch, Growing Stars; These large online tutoring companies are numerous. I could lists them all, but I still wouldn’t do nearly as good of a job as this site did. It is one of those sites that reviews a ton of separate tutoring companies and then compares them. To get a good understanding of the overall process of finding an online tutor, check out the following list of things to know before hiring an online tutor.

I have not tried it out myself, but I have heard some good things about TutorUniverse. There is also a section of the site that specifically deals with Filipino Tutors, specifically teaching Tagalog.

Also, and I cannot emphasize this enough, you should ask your friends (or your teacher, if you are in school) for tutoring recommendations. Public schools will often keep list of approved tutors. I have actually gone to public schools I was not attending to ask for such lists because they will often have them available to anyone.

Of course, I would also recommend to check out the rest of Lrngo.com. If paid online tutoring is not what you’re interested in, Lrngo.com offers the possibility of doing a free language exchange.


Photo Credit: Bar Fabella

Idioms are sayings or expressions with meanings that cannot be guessed from the words that comprise them. Idioms should not be taken literally, since they are just alternative ways to say something differently. People who are learning English as a second language may need to take a little more time to learn the meanings of these idioms. If you are traveling to the United States from Brazil, these expressions may sound odd or weird to you, but they will make sense once you understand their underlying meanings. If you speak Portuguese, here are ten translated challenging English idioms, their meanings, and examples of how they can be used in everyday conversation.

1. A bola está do seu lado – The ball is in your court
   This saying is similar to the saying “the situation is in your hands” meaning that it is up to you to make a decision.
   
   Example:
   “What do you think we should do about the funds?”
   “Since you are treasurer of the committee, the ball is in your court.”


2. Quebrar uma perna – Break a leg
   This expression should not be taken literally since it is just a common way to tell someone else good luck.
   
   Example:
   “I’m playing my first show tomorrow.”
   “Break a leg!”


3. Custa um braço e uma perna – Costs an arm and a leg
   This idiom is used to say that something is very expensive.
   
   Example:
   “Look at the price of that.”
   “Wow that costs an arm and a leg!”


4. Não julgue um livro pela sua capa – Don’t judge a book by its cover
   This commonly used expression means to not judge someone or something by outward appearances.
   
   Example:
   “He looks like a very shy person.”
   “You just have to get to know him first. Don’t judge a book by its cover.”


5. Não deixe o gato fora do saco – Don’t let the cat out of the bag
   This strange saying is just another way of saying to keep a secret or to not tell anyone else a secret.
   
   Example:
   “I’m taking Mary to Brazil for our surprise honeymoon. Don’t let the cat out of the bag!”


6. Não se preocupe ou sem sour – Don’t sweat it or no sweat
   “Don’t sweat it” is an alternative to saying “don’t worry about it.” You would use this saying if you do not want someone to be troubled by something. “No sweat” is another way of saying that something, usually a task, is easy to do.
   
   Example:
   “Are you sure you can finish this extra paperwork?”
   “Yeah, don’t sweat it.”
   
   “You are really good at your job.”
   “Thanks it’s really no sweat.”


7. Levantar-se do lado errado da cama – Get up or woke up on the wrong side of the bed
   You would use this saying if you feel cranky or uncomfortable. People typically use this saying if they are having a bad day.
   
   Example:
   “You seem very irritable. Did you get up on the wrong side of the bed today?”
   
   “I’m feeling awful today. I must have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed.”


8. Concluir apressadamente – Jump to conclusions
   This expression means to makes an assumption without first knowing all of the facts.
   
   Example:
   “The Brazil team is so good I think they might win the World Cup!”
   “The finals are not until next week! Don’t jump to conclusions.”


9. Matar dois coelhos com uma cajadada só – Killing two birds with one stone
   This odd idiom is commonly used when you can accomplish two things with one effort. You would use this saying if you can use one action to finish two tasks.
   
   Example:
   “I’ll be killing two birds with one stone by buying my groceries while waiting for my photos to be printed at Costco.”


10. Fala do diabo e ele aparece – Speak of the devil
    This expression is used when somebody you were speaking about shows up.
    
    Example:
    “Has anybody seen Erika?”
    “I’m over here! Sorry I’m late.”
    “Well, speak of the devil!”

Photo Credit: Ted Major