There’s so much to consider when hiring a potential candidate at any company. Reviewing resumes and checking references have always been the norm but when and where does social media come into play? There are some fine lines that both HR professionals and candidates alike need to be mindful of when it comes to social media posts and the […]
Continue readingWhat “YOU” Need to Say In a Job Interview
Job seekers place too much focus on answering the hard interview questions that they forget something very important: They need to ask questions, too. Asking the right questions at an interview is important for many reasons. But here’s 2 important ones! First, the questions you ask confirm your qualifications as a candidate for the role you’re interviewing for. Second, […]
Continue readingOral Proficiency Levels in the Workplace
The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) developed a scale to demonstrate the main language functions that a learner can perform with full control at each of the major levels. The chart shows the connection of the levels of the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines with the rating system used by the federal government, agencies, and armed services. Important messages reinforced by this chart […]
Continue readingBrain Processes Sign Language Similar to Spoken Language
American Sign Language, or even simple gestures are processed by deaf people in the part of the brain that is used for spoken language, according to a recent international research study headed up by a neuroscientist from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), Aaron Newman, Associate Professor with the […]
Continue reading10 Tips to Ace Your Job Interview
The start of the New Year is always prime time for employers to look for and hire new talent. So how can you be best prepared? View the list below for some helpful tips: Do your research. Visit the website of the company you’re interviewing with and understand their history, management, and overall business. Be sure […]
Continue readingProtests Spark at U.S. Colleges Over Micro-Aggressions
In recent months there have protests at college campuses across the nation calling attention to a previously little-known term: “micro-aggressions,” commonly defined as routine verbal and non-verbal slights and harassment (often based on race and gender but also including age, sexual orientation and disability) that is typically unintentional but nonetheless hurtful. Calls for colleges and […]
Continue readingMichigan Now Requires ACTFL Tests for Teacher Credentialing
Language Testing International (LTI) is pleased to announce that Michigan is now the 26th state requiring ACTFL tests for Teacher Credentialing. We have moved steadily forward, adding OPIc and ProFluent+ to many states that have previously only accepted the OPI. Additionally, we are continually adding new states to our growing list overall. The addition of Michigan means that the state will now […]
Continue readingTalking Toys: Helping or Hurting Young Language Learners?
A new and very interesting study in JAMA Pediatrics discovered that toys marketed as language promoters don’t prove to be so in most cases. In fact, the study found that these toys in fact, hindered the language learning process in young children. Professor Anna Sosa, of Northern Arizona University, led the study and provided participating families three different types […]
Continue readingHappier Holidays For Multilingual Businesses
During the holiday season many retailers, both at the store-level and online, find that communicating with customers in their native language to be a challenge. Selecting which languages communicate in for both employees and website retailers, should reflect your product’s market opportunities and long-term goals. Using backend technologies like geolocation or tracking of billing addresses help identify […]
Continue readingCreate a Positive Customer Experience in Any Language
As the American population continues to diversify and businesses expand operations around the world, multilingual employees provide a valuable resource. Their words often generate a customer’s first impression of your company and determine his or her willingness to engage in the future. Determining that your multilingual employees are proficient will ensure that they will provide excellent […]
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