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Today, we’ll dive into a topic that often causes confusion and countless questions: English certificates. It’s very common for people not to understand the purpose of these documents or what they’re for. Additionally, many are unaware that obtaining them requires passing an exam that is typically challenging. On top of that, it can be an unpleasant surprise to learn that these certificates come with a cost—and most of them are far from cheap.

To make matters worse, not all English certificates are equally valid for every situation. This means that after diligently studying, paying for classes, and covering fees, you might discover that the certificate you earned doesn’t meet your specific needs. That’s why today, we’ll explain which certificate is ideal for your goals. You’ll learn how these exams work and the purpose of the most widely recognized international English certificates.

We’ll focus on the most common ones: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, and Cambridge. However, it’s important to note that these aren’t the only ones available. They are, however, the most requested in English-speaking countries for non-native English speakers.

What are English certificates and why do you need them?

In many areas of life, it’s not enough to simply claim you know something—you need to prove it! In a nutshell, this is the primary purpose of English certificates: to validate and quantify your proficiency in the language. Put simply, English certificates are official documents internationally recognized as proof of your language skills.

But these certificates go beyond just stating that you know English—they specify how much you know. In clear, measurable terms, English certificates act like a diploma that defines your level of expertise in the language.

This brings us to a key characteristic shared by most English certificates: they include a scoring system. This places you into specific proficiency categories.

To obtain one of the English certificates we’ll discuss later, you’ll need to go through a series of mandatory steps. Many of these certifications require you to pass an exam that assesses various skills. These skills often include:

  • Speaking
  • Listening comprehension
  • Reading comprehension
  • Grammar proficiency

Additionally, some exams may evaluate specific objectives, such as your communication abilities or writing skills.

By understanding the differences between these certifications, you’ll be able to choose the one that aligns best with your personal or professional needs. Let’s dive into each one to help you make the right choice!

Not all english certificates are the same

While English might seem like a single, unified language, the reality is more complex. Depending on the country you’re heading to. Or the regulations of a specific institution. The required English certificate can vary. In other words, not all English certificates are universal, and they don’t all serve the same purpose.

The level of English needed for academic purposes is quite different from what’s required for a specific job position. Similarly, certain countries mandate specific English certificates for immigration purposes, ensuring you possess the minimum language skills to be independent and functional in daily life.

For this reason, English certificates focus on particular skills, tailored to the certificate’s ultimate purpose. There are certificates for academic applications, professional goals, and immigration processes. Sounds complicated? Don’t worry—we’ll break it all down for you. But before diving into the details, let’s first explore why these certificates are required.

Why are English certificates necessary?

Out of convenience or habit, we often say things like, “I speak English,” or “I speak Spanish,” or any other language. However, strictly speaking, “speaking” a language involves several layers. 

On one hand, it refers to communication abilities—whether oral or written. On the other hand, it also involves the ability to comprehend the language. Lastly, it includes being able to speak, write, and understand it correctly.

This seems to be too much, right? Well, that’s essentially what we do every minute in our native language—except we’re rarely tested on it.

For someone born in a region where English isn’t the primary language, it’s essential to prove they have at least a basic level of proficiency. But who determines that level? And why take a test when you can demonstrate it during a conversation?

In theory, a government official, a job interviewer, or a school admissions officer could assess your English level. However, English certificates exist because of two key factors: standardization and the credibility of the issuer. Let’s break these down.

Standardization in evaluation

One of the most critical features of English certificates is their standardized testing approach. All major certificates are based on equal evaluation parameters. In simple terms, everyone takes the same exam for the same level or skill they aim to prove.

For example, someone taking the test in China will face the exact same questions and evaluation criteria as someone taking the test in El Salvador. This ensures that everyone has equal opportunities and is assessed under identical conditions.

The most significant advantage of standardization, however, is the credibility it brings to the results. Moreover, each exam result is recognized internationally, making it valid anywhere in the world.

Credibility of the issuer

You could show up to your next job interview or university admissions office with a certificate from your local English academy. Or you might bring a diploma from an online language course. But on an international level, this could hold the same weight as a letter from your mother saying you’re bilingual. In other words, it’s not credible.

This isn’t to downplay the importance of your local academy or school classes. However, these credentials often lack the international recognition and official authority required in formal settings.

Thus, having a valid, recognized, and officially accepted certificate is crucial for formal purposes.

The most widely recognized English certificates are issued by internationally accredited organizations specializing in language proficiency testing. These entities have earned their reputation due to their transparent and rigorous procedures. Simply put, they’re trusted institutions whose certifications are globally accepted as accurate and credible.

English certificates

The internationally recognized English certificates 

As you’ll see, there are several internationally recognized certificates, but each one serves a specific purpose, region, or objective. Let’s explore the most prominent ones and what they’re used for.

For this reason, and as we mentioned earlier, English certificates vary depending on their purpose. Be sure to carefully research the requirements before starting your preparation and planning your studies for the test. Below, we’ll cover the main internationally recognized English certificates, their uses, where they are accepted, and what they assess.

TOEFL

The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is one of the most widely used English certificates in the United States and Canada. It’s also one of the most recognized globally. It is primarily required by universities in the U.S. and Canada for international students.

The TOEFL’s main goal is to assess your ability to communicate in English within an academic environment. Essentially, it’s the go-to certificate for admission into a university or other academic institutions if you’re not a native English speaker.

The test can be taken online or in person at authorized centers worldwide. It has a maximum score of 120 points and is valid for two years. When taking the TOEFL, you’ll be tested on the following skills:

  • Reading: Evaluates your ability to understand academic texts.
  • Listening: Measures your capacity to comprehend conversations and lectures in English.
  • Speaking: Assesses your ability to discuss topics related to university life.
  • Writing: Tests your skill in writing essays clearly and coherently in English.

TOEIC

The TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) is one of the most common English certificates in professional and workplace contexts. This test is specifically designed to measure English proficiency in business and professional environments.

It’s ideal for companies looking to evaluate their employees’ English skills. Similarly, it’s an excellent certificate for individuals who want to demonstrate their proficiency in English for the job market. In other words, it’s the perfect addition to your resume.

Like the TOEFL, the TOEIC is most commonly required by companies in the United States and Canada. However, it’s also widely requested by multinational companies in Europe and Asia. The test is valid for two years, has a scoring system of up to 990 points, and can be taken online or in person. You’ll be evaluated on:

  • Listening: Measures your ability to understand workplace dialogues, instructions, and meetings.
  • Reading: Tests your capacity to interpret emails, reports, and corporate documents.

Cambridge

The Cambridge English Qualifications certificate is one of the most prestigious internationally. It is issued by the University of Cambridge, a globally respected authority on the English language. Officially, Cambridge University is akin to the Royal Spanish Academy when it comes to standardizing the English language. Thus, it’s one of the most comprehensive English certificates available.

However, despite its prestige, the Cambridge certificate is mainly used in Europe, particularly in the UK. It’s also recognized in Commonwealth countries, a group of over 56 nations that includes Australia and Canada.

One of the biggest advantages of the Cambridge certificate is that it doesn’t expire. Once you’ve obtained your results, they remain valid for life. It’s divided into levels, each reflecting your skill, knowledge, and experience with the language, as follows:

  • B2 First (FCE): Evaluates an upper-intermediate level, ideal for work or academic contexts.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE): Suitable for students or professionals who need an advanced level.
  • C2 Proficiency (CPE): Demonstrates expert-level skills equivalent to a native speaker.

These levels are recognized across the European Union under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), an international standard for language competence within and outside the EU. The Cambridge certificate is one of the most comprehensive, assessing listening, grammar, reading, speaking, and writing skills.

IELTS

The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is one of the most versatile English certificates. Its versatility lies in the fact that it serves academic, professional, and immigration purposes. The test results are recognized in over 140 countries, including nations across Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and the Commonwealth. IELTS is accepted by universities, governments, and companies in diverse locations such as New Zealand and Australia.

Another significant aspect of the IELTS is that it’s also recognized in countries where English is not the official language. This means it’s useful in regions where English is widely used in business or academic settings, even if it’s not the primary language.

The IELTS is scored on a scale of 9 points and assesses different skills depending on its purpose. It is divided into two categories:

  • IELTS Academic: Designed for those who wish to study at a university.
  • IELTS General Training: Geared toward individuals seeking to emigrate or work in English-speaking countries.

These aren’t the only English certificates recognized worldwide, but they are the most recommended if you plan to study, work, or emigrate to an English-speaking country. 

At this point, you might be asking yourself: 

English certificates

How to prepare for an English certification exam?

We could simply tell you the answer is to study and… study a lot! But despite the obvious, effort—or more specifically, overexertion—doesn’t always translate directly into results. What do we mean by this? We’re not saying you shouldn’t study or assume the exams are easy—they’re definitely not! 

In fact, even individuals with strong fluency or those who have lived in English-speaking countries for years have failed these exams.

So, the best approach is to study in an organized and goal-oriented manner: passing the exam. Many local English academies offer special preparation courses for various tests. These classes are specifically designed to strengthen your knowledge and refine your skills to help you achieve the best results.

There are also online courses and study methods that can help you improve your skills and achieve the highest possible score. In this regard, translation tools like Talkao can be incredibly helpful. Translation apps like Talkao Translate or the Talkao English-Spanish Translator can make a significant difference in your preparation.

Additionally, using apps like the Talkao Dictionary or the camera translation app can add greater efficiency to your practice. The most important thing to remember is that English certification exams are not set in stone. In other words, if for any reason you don’t achieve the result you were hoping for, you can always retake the exam and work on improving your level.

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Agustín GutiérrezAgustín Gutiérrez Linkedin icon Instagram icon Email icon

Agustín Gutiérrez is a writer, content editor, and copywriter with over 15 years of experience in various industries and corporate communication projects. He has played a key role in creating blogs, news pages, and press releases for some of the most prestigious and globally renowned brands. His work philosophy is centered on meeting readers' demand for content that is both highly useful and practical. As a result, Agustín produces high-value content that is informative, engaging, and designed to captivate his audience.

Today, we’ll delve into Esperanto, one of the world’s most well-known yet least-spoken languages. Speaking about Esperanto is, in many ways, speaking about impossible dreams and unfulfilled goals. Why do we say this? Because Esperanto was created to be the universal language shared by all the people on Earth. And, as we know, that dream is far from being realized. But what exactly is Esperanto, and why was this symbolic language born?

In the following lines, we’ll explore more about Esperanto, its origins, and its evolution to the present day. You’ll learn why this language has been banned by totalitarian regimes around the world and why it has become an ideological symbol in recent history. We’ll also take a look at how many people speak Esperanto today.

Ĉu vi pretas malkovri Esperanton? (Are you ready to discover Esperanto?)

Let’s get started!

Is Esperanto an artificial language?

The short answer is yes, Esperanto is an artificial language. The reason is quite simple: Esperanto wasn’t created through the natural evolution of communication. Instead, it was the product of the brilliant mind of a linguist, the Polish Ludwik Lazarz Zamenhof. He lived during the era of the Russian tsars and endured the hardships of Romanov Russia. Zamenhof designed this language with the ambitious goal of making it a universal lingua franca.

In other words, Esperanto was intended to be a shared language spoken in every country and by all the people of Earth. Its primary purpose was to serve as an auxiliary language, meaning it would be spoken alongside the native languages of each region. However, the most defining characteristic that makes Esperanto an artificial language is its very origin. Let’s explore why.

The difference between a “natural” and an “artificial” language

Nearly all the world’s languages have developed as the result of long, complex evolutionary processes. Languages like English, Japanese, or any of the Romance languages emerged through centuries. They have followed intricate social, demographic, geographical, anthropological and even economic factors. These processes “cook” a language slowly over centuries, sometimes millennia, and many are still evolving today.

For this reason, most natural languages are considered living languages. They continue to grow and adapt to the modern era, incorporating new words, adopting slang, and transforming to meet the communication needs of their speakers. They also draw from scientific and artistic expressions, building a literature that can range from colloquial to highly academic. In other words, natural languages often have institutions that study and regulate them.

Artificial languages do not follow evolution

In contrast, artificial languages are created through a closed process, without the input of native speakers. They aren’t the product of the natural evolution of a region or community. Instead, they are constructed with a deliberately designed structure, often as a fixed standard, and are typically resistant to alteration.

We’ll delve deeper into artificial languages in future discussions. However, for now, it’s important to understand that, while they may be deeply thought-out, artificial languages lack the anthropological element. As such, they are disconnected from the culture, development, and history of their speakers.

“A priori” or “a posteriori” languages: What are they?

Linguists classify constructed languages based on two approaches: a priori and a posteriori. In simpler terms, languages can be entirely original creations (a priori) or developed as hybrids from existing languages (a posteriori). Examples of artificial languages include Volapük, Quenya (the language created by J.R.R. Tolkien), Lojban, and Klingon. These were all crafted by individuals or groups for literary or scientific purposes with specific goals in mind.

Interestingly, programming languages or even a musical score could also be considered artificial languages. While this doesn’t diminish their value or importance, it simply defines them.

Without a doubt, Esperanto is an “a posteriori” artificial language—one born from the blending of various languages. Stay tuned, and we’ll explain exactly how.

How was Esperanto created?

The language is, broadly speaking, a language born from the “grammatical refinement” of the most widely spoken languages of the 19th century. In other words, it’s a language that L. L. Zamenhof designed as a way to simplify communication. Zamenhof believed that complex grammatical rules often hindered and even made communication nearly impossible. Even more, between people with different alphabets and grammar systems. 

For this reason, Esperanto was intended to be a universal language, one that could be understood by the vast majority of the world’s population.

A crucial point when studying the origins of Esperanto is that L. L. Zamenhof himself was an accomplished polyglot. He spoke Russian, English, German, French, Yiddish, Greek, and Latin fluently. Additionally, he had a basic understanding of Spanish, Italian, and Volapük, an artificial language from the 19th century.

On top of that, he was a physician, which practically required him to read in multiple languages. This may be one of the reasons why he envisioned a language that could simplify the spread of knowledge.

His profession and linguistic expertise provided Zamenhof with the foundation to create a language with a simpler structure and grammar. Let’s take a closer look at how he achieved it.

Esperanto

The rules of Esperanto: The best of every language

Creating Esperanto took Zamenhof more than a decade of study and refinement of the language’s structure. Surprisingly, the greatest challenge he faced was simplifying it. This was because the primary goal of Esperanto was to be easy to learn and use, which, in Zamenhof’s mind, would make it a key ingredient for the language’s global adoption.

At its core, Esperanto draws from the best elements of multiple languages, uniting them into a single language whose main feature is its straightforward construction. Here’s how:

A phonetic language

Esperanto is fundamentally a phonetic language, meaning that every word is pronounced exactly as it is written. This makes it easy to read, regardless of the linguistic background of the speaker.

A Latin alphabet with some “borrowed” features

Esperanto’s alphabet is based on the Latin script, used in languages like English, French, and Spanish. However, it incorporates some elements from Slavic languages, such as the use of diacritics: ĉ, ĝ, ĥ, ĵ, ŝ, and ŭ. These symbols allow for the creation of unique words by combining letters and diacritical marks.

28 letters, 450 morphemes, and 16 grammar rules

The Esperanto alphabet consists of 28 letters, omitting w, q, x, and y. These letters were excluded because they are uncommon in most languages and can complicate pronunciation. They are only used for foreign words, though this is limited to proper nouns.

To speak Esperanto, one only needs to learn about 450 morphemes, which cover nearly the entire language. Compared to English or Spanish, this is much simpler. Furthermore, Esperanto avoids idiomatic expressions or words that fall outside grammatical rules. Colloquialisms and technical terms, which are often exceptions to the rules in other languages, are nonexistent in Esperanto.

One of the most intriguing features of Esperanto is its grammatical simplicity. The language is governed by just 16 rules, most of which focus on constructing words from morphemes and lexemes. This makes Esperanto one of the simplest languages in terms of grammar.

Both an isolating and agglutinative language

Linguists classify Esperanto as both an isolating and an agglutinative language. Let’s clarify, as this can be a bit confusing. Esperanto borrows the simplest word-building methods from other languages. 

From isolating languages, like Chinese, it adopts the ability to form complex words by combining morphemes. At the same time, it takes from agglutinative languages, like Japanese or Swahili, the capacity to build words by combining a root and a suffix. For example, simply adding the suffix “-o” forms nouns, while “-a” creates adjectives.

A universal language in the making

These are just some of the fundamental rules and characteristics of Esperanto. They provide us a glimpse into its unique value and its aspiration to be a universal language. Its enthusiasts, numbering over two million worldwide, classify it as one of the fastest languages to learn.

You might be wondering: Is Esperanto still in use today? As you’ll see, this language has sparked strong passions—especially among some of the most infamous dictators and rulers of the last century.

Esperanto

The tumultuous history of Esperanto

What do Hitler, Stalin, and Franco have in common? Besides, of course,  being the most infamous dictators of the 20th century. These dictators were all vehement opponents of Esperanto. This stems from one of the most noble characteristics of this language: for many, Esperanto is considered the “Latin of the working class.” At least, that’s how it was perceived by numerous social movements in our recent history.

This language, whose purpose was far removed from politics, was embraced as a common banner by many social movements. Spanish anarchist movements in the first half of the 20th century, as well as global labor movements, adopted Esperanto as their language. In politically diverse countries like the United States and the Soviet Union, Esperanto served as a unifying force.

Thanks to its ease of learning and simple usage, Esperanto was regarded as one of the most effective means of communication, especially among the “most disadvantaged” sectors of society. For a long time, it was seen as more than just a language—it was a statement of intent.

Can Esperanto be a universal language?

Despite its political undertones, UNESCO recognized Esperanto as one of the world’s auxiliary languages. However, it has not been designated as an official language in any country. Even so, this has not stopped a growing number of enthusiasts from falling in love with this fascinating language, which carries a complex and compelling history.

Today, it is estimated that between 500,000 and 2,000,000 people speak Esperanto worldwide. These speakers can be found in countries and regions ranging from India and China to Europe and Latin America. Every day, Esperanto classes attract people eager to learn Zamenhof’s universal language.

Esperanto and technology

In the modern era, many online tools now allow users to translate words from Esperanto into dozens of other languages. For instance, in the Talkao translation apps, Esperanto is one of 125 languages available for translation. Users can discover the meaning of any Esperanto word through the written Talkao translator, as well as learn how to pronounce them using Talkao Translate.

Additionally, the Talkao Dictionary offers countless Esperanto word definitions. In this resource, you can find grammatical forms, correct spellings, and the usage of words across more than a hundred languages.

Learning Esperanto: A journey of connection and freedom

For those who have taken the leap, learning Esperanto is often described as a truly fascinating journey. This language evokes the ideals of freedom and the unity of people through communication. After all, it represents the dream of some of the most idealistic minds in modern history. So…

Kuraĝu paroli Esperanton! 

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Agustín GutiérrezAgustín Gutiérrez Linkedin icon Instagram icon Email icon

Agustín Gutiérrez is a writer, content editor, and copywriter with over 15 years of experience in various industries and corporate communication projects. He has played a key role in creating blogs, news pages, and press releases for some of the most prestigious and globally renowned brands. His work philosophy is centered on meeting readers' demand for content that is both highly useful and practical. As a result, Agustín produces high-value content that is informative, engaging, and designed to captivate his audience.

If someone had mentioned augmented reality translation to our parents, they would’ve likely been considered delusional. Well, maybe not that extreme, but they definitely wouldn’t have believed it. Even today, there are many people who think this technology belongs in the realm of science fiction. However, as we’ll explore, augmented reality translation is not just real—it’s an innovation that’s here to stay.

Today, we’ll take you on a fascinating journey into the technological depths of augmented reality. We’ll explore how it’s applied to automatic translation and how it merges with artificial intelligence to enhance our daily lives. Plus, we’ll discuss the situations where augmented reality translation can be used and highlight its numerous benefits.

Buckle up, because this ride is about to get exciting!

What is “augmented reality translation”? Is it real?

Before we dive in, let’s clear one thing up: yes, it’s real—and how! This technology is not only real but is already being used in ways more common than you might imagine. From the bakery that made the bread you had for breakfast to the factory that assembled your car, augmented reality (AR) has found applications in fields as diverse as medicine and retail. But what exactly is it?

In simple terms, augmented reality involves overlaying images, texts, links, or information on a screen. It works through smart devices like smartphones, tablets, or specialized glasses. Essentially, AR can interpret a real-world image and combine it with specific data. But how does it work?

Explaining it in exact technical terms would be too complex, so let’s break it down in a simple way. Augmented reality translation, as the name implies, is based on AR itself. While that may sound obvious, this is precisely where the magic lies. Let’s take a closer look step by step.

augmented reality translation

Step 1: Standardizing images

To explain how augmented reality translation works, we’ll break it down into stages. Why? Because something this complex is much easier to understand in smaller parts. Plus, seeing the full process makes it more engaging and informative. So, let’s get into it.

First, augmented reality requires creating a database of graphic elements from the “real world.” Developers feed this database with thousands upon thousands of images of objects, places, animals, or people. Thanks to artificial intelligence, AR software can learn that, for instance, a chair can come in thousands of shapes, colors, and sizes.

This information allows the system to compare a captured image from reality with its stored “realities.” In this way, the software learns to recognize a chair and interpret its variations without changing what it fundamentally is: a chair. This is why AR won’t confuse a chair with a table or a stool, even though they may share similar features. Which brings us to Step 2.

Step 2: Adding information

Once the images are captured and stored, it’s time to load the information. However, the type of information added depends heavily on the intended use of the AR technology. For example, AR used in a large hardware store will differ significantly from AR used in an car assembly plant—or in augmented reality translation software.

In short, the final purpose and user of the AR technology dictate the type of information loaded. AR is a tailor-made technology, designed to meet specific needs. For instance, in a retail setting, developers can link an image to details like price, availability, discounts, and variations. In a factory, components might be linked to part numbers, functions, and more.

The data-base of translation

When it comes to AR translation apps, developers upload information about the spelling and pronunciation of objects in one or even hundreds of languages. That’s right—AR and artificial intelligence are virtually limitless when it comes to the amount of information they can handle.

The most amazing thing about this process is that the database used to translate objects in AR is endless. The developers can add all the grammatical forms, pronunciations and colloquial forms of an element. So, you can access thousands of nouns, verbs and expressions in seconds. 

Therefore, an image of a chair could be linked to a vast text detailing its history, how it’s made, or even the tree that provided the wood for its legs. But most importantly, it can tell you how to say “chair” in hundreds of languages. Surprised? Wait until you hear about the most fascinating stage in the process.

Step 3: Machine learning

Let’s stick with the chair example to keep things simple. Imagine pointing your phone’s AR translation app at a chair. Instantly, your phone tells you how to say “chair” in French, Italian, English, or Yoruba. And if you’re using a tool like Talkao’s AR translation app, you’ll have up to 125 languages to choose from.

Impressive, right? But here’s where it gets even better. Let’s say you’re looking at a designer chair that doesn’t resemble a conventional chair. Instead, it’s one of those avant-garde pieces that could pass for anything but a chair. It’s possible the app won’t recognize it or might even confuse it with a table or a cat.

Here’s the magic: you can tell the app that, despite its unconventional appearance, this is indeed a chair. And what happens next is astonishing.

The magic of AR’s self-learning

When the app makes a mistake, it “learns” from the error. It adds this new image of a chair to its database. This means the next person who uses the app, anywhere in the world, will already have this unique chair design stored and recognized. In short, the app learns from its mistakes and becomes smarter over time!

Now, you might be wondering: How does this help me? What can I do with such advanced technology? Sit tight, because the applications of augmented reality translation are the most exciting part of all.

augmented reality translation

The uses of augmented reality translation

Once we’ve explored the behind-the-scenes process of translation with augmented reality, it’s time to put it into practice. As you may have already guessed, this technology has endless uses. It can be applied to something as simple as navigating during a trip or as complex as assisting in brain surgery. Without a doubt, augmented reality translation technology is one of the most significant breakthroughs in communication. Let’s take a closer look at some of its most common uses:

Translate while traveling

Imagine visiting a country where the language is completely unfamiliar to you. On top of that, they use a different alphabet, and many of the words you see or hear are entirely new to you. This is your first encounter with the language, and you have no idea how to even ask for directions. Terrifying, right? If you’ve ever been in this situation, you know exactly what we’re talking about.

Fortunately, this fear of being unable to communicate can be solved with your smartphone, without needing any technical expertise. By simply using the Talkao Augmented Reality Translation app, you can understand the meaning of everything around you. Additionally, you can translate audio and conversations in real time into over 125 languages. These translations can be voice-to-voice or voice-to-text. It’s like having subtitles for life… A true fantasy turned into reality!

Business applications

Recently, we discussed how languages could play a key role in your career. This small example highlights the critical role language plays in business. A minor misunderstanding or a translation error can have disastrous consequences. In fact, depending on the context, a single mistranslated word could jeopardize a promising business deal.

With augmented reality translation, these errors are minimized and become almost imperceptible. This technology not only translates conversations into text but also goes beyond. The Talkao Augmented Reality Translation app allows for smooth and seamless communication.

Moreover, it can integrate with a camera translator to convert texts into your language, regardless of the original alphabet. Imagine being able to read and immediately sign a contract without involving a specialized translator. Besides saving money, this technology significantly reduces decision-making time.

Language learning

This is perhaps one of the most fun and useful applications of augmented reality translation. While practicing a language, you can learn the names of thousands of objects and places using just your smartphone. By pointing your Android or iOS device’s camera at anything, the augmented reality app will identify it.

In seconds, the app provides an image with small labels indicating the name of each element on the screen. Its extensive image library includes thousands of objects, locations, animals, landscapes, and shapes. Additionally, the app displays the name of the item in your chosen language, along with its pronunciation, regardless of the alphabet it uses.

As you can see, the augmented reality translation app is not a concept from a sci-fi movie… It’s already here and available for you! You can use it in any field, and slowly but surely, language barriers will start to fade away.

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Agustín GutiérrezAgustín Gutiérrez Linkedin icon Instagram icon Email icon

Agustín Gutiérrez is a writer, content editor, and copywriter with over 15 years of experience in various industries and corporate communication projects. He has played a key role in creating blogs, news pages, and press releases for some of the most prestigious and globally renowned brands. His work philosophy is centered on meeting readers' demand for content that is both highly useful and practical. As a result, Agustín produces high-value content that is informative, engaging, and designed to captivate his audience.

Thanks to old Hollywood movies, the image we often have of Native Americans is deeply distorted. In these films, the cowboys are depicted as noble, fair, and educated, while Native Americans are portrayed as savage and inarticulate.

Typically, these “Indians” are shown speaking in broken sentences, lacking prepositions or articles, and often starting conversations with the stereotypical “how.” Unfortunately, this Hollywood portrayal isn’t the only one riddled with inaccuracies. Spanish and English depictions have also reinforced the idea of Native Americans as loincloth-wearing savages incapable of coherent speech.

But is this true?
Were Native Americans truly a people without language, merely mimicking the conquerors in a crude manner? Today, we’ll debunk several myths and explore a fascinating linguistic world you might not know about.

Let’s uncover the languages of Native Americans!

The most repeated myth in history: Native Americans were not one single people

One of the most persistent misconceptions is that Native Americans were a single, unified group. For centuries, many Europeans—and even Americans from North, Central, and South America—viewed them as one homogenous group, lumped together under terms like “aborigines,” “Indians,” or “indigenous peoples.”

This is a gross oversimplification. The truth is that, from Alaska to Patagonia, pre-European America was home to hundreds of distinct peoples. Historians estimate that between 40 and 60 million people lived in the Americas before Columbus arrived. These individuals belonged to approximately 570 well-structured social groups.

Even more astonishing is the fact that pre-Columbian America boasted around 120 linguistic families. Sadly, today most of these linguistic families have disappeared, or only a handful of speakers remain. Tragically, many Native American languages are now extinct, meaning there are no living speakers and little to no records of them.

Another surprising fact is that Native American peoples didn’t tie their languages to their systems of governance. Furthermore, there were significant linguistic differences between the languages spoken by Native Americans in the north, center, and south of the continent. To understand these differences and analyze Native American languages, it’s crucial to first understand how these societies lived.

Tribes, Nation, and Empires: Three Key Distinctions

The Native Americans portrayed as “savages” in films had actually achieved remarkable levels of development long before Columbus set foot in the Americas. For instance, the city of Teotihuacán boasted urban planning and architecture that surpassed many European capitals of the time. This metropolis was home to nearly 200,000 people and had a thriving commercial and social life.

In South America, the Inca Empire stretched from northern Chile to southern Colombia—a territory spanning approximately 2.5 million square kilometers. These examples highlight the diversity and sophistication of pre-Columbian societies, which is essential for understanding the development of Native American languages.

Pre-Columbian America was populated by societies organized into distinct political and social structures, typically divided into tribes, nations, and empires. Why does this distinction matter? Because the type of organization influenced how languages spread and evolved.

  • Tribal languages: These were often confined to small regions and spoken exclusively by members of a single tribe, ranging from a dozen to a few thousand individuals.
  • Nation languages: Unlike tribal languages, these were not restricted to a specific territory. Neighboring nations, even those in conflict, often shared a common language.
  • Imperial languages: Empires such as the Inca, Maya, and Aztec expanded their languages by making them the official means of communication across their territories. These imperial languages became widespread as they unified diverse populations under one linguistic system.

Understanding these distinctions provides insight into the diverse linguistic landscape of Native Americans. Now, let’s delve deeper into how these languages developed.

Native Americans

Native American languages still spoken today

As we’ve seen, Native Americans were not a single people, nor did they speak a common language. We’ve also observed that languages developed in relation to the size and reach of the social group using them. It stands to reason that larger societies would have languages with broader usage. However, it’s essential to note that even in vast empires like the Inca or Maya, the languages of their subjects were not erased.

In many pre-European empires, the official language served primarily as a medium for commerce, religion, or military operations. As a result, numerous languages coexisted within the same empire. For instance, while Quechua was the official language of the Inca Empire, over twenty other languages were spoken across its expansive territory. Similarly, groups like the Taíno and Hopi did not have imperial political structures, yet their territorial influence allowed their languages to flourish.

Because of this diversity, discussing Native American languages as a unified subject is incredibly complex. To simplify, let’s set aside the dozens of pre-Columbian languages that have gone extinct. Instead, we’ll focus on the languages that are still spoken today. Unfortunately, this brings us to a sobering linguistic reality: fewer than 1% of the current American population speaks an Indigenous language as their primary tongue.

Let’s explore the most significant Native American languages based on their current number of speakers.

Quechua

Quechua, the language of the Inca Empire, remains the most widely spoken Native American language on the continent. Approximately 8 million people speak Quechua, primarily in present-day Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and northern Argentina.

Guaraní

Guarani is one of the most vibrant Native American languages globally. It is a co-official language of Paraguay and is spoken by over 8 million people. While most speakers are in Paraguay, the language is also used in northern Argentina, western Uruguay, and southern Brazil.

Native Americans

Mayan Languages

The term “Mayan languages” encompasses nearly a dozen distinct languages, including:

  • Huastecan
  • Yucatecan
  • Cholan
  • Kanjobal-Chujean
  • Mam
  • Quichean
  • Poqom

You might wonder why they’re grouped together, especially given the emphasis on linguistic identity. While this is a subject of significant debate, these languages are classified as “Mayan” because they share a common linguistic root. They diverged from this shared origin through secondary linguistic elements, allowing linguists to group them as one family.

Today, Mayan languages are spoken by nearly 5 million people across Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Honduras. They cover most of the Yucatán Peninsula and the area between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.

Aymara

Aymara, along with Quechua, is one of the co-official languages of Bolivia. Around 2.2 million people speak Aymara, and its influence extends beyond Bolivia to Peru, Argentina, and Chile.

Aymara remains one of the most prominent languages in central South America. Notably, it played a key role in history—one of the versions of Argentina’s declaration of independence was written in Aymara.

Nahuatl

Despite its rich historical and cultural significance, only about 3 million people speak Nahuatl today. During the colonial era, it served as a lingua franca and was recognized as a co-official language by Spanish authorities in regions that now include Mexico, southern United States, and parts of Central America.

Nahuatl was the primary language of influential empires like the Aztecs, Olmecs, and Maya. It was spoken in Teotihuacan and is linked to the Uto-Aztecan language family, originating south of the Sonoran Desert. You can find in Talkao’s Dictionary words we use today, such as chocolate, avocado, and tomato, come from Nahuatl.

Wayuu

The Wayuu or Guajiro language is one of the most spoken Native American languages today. It is used in the Guajira region shared by Colombia and Venezuela by more than 600,000 people.

The Wayuu language is part of the Arawakan language family, related to the languages of the Taíno people from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. In Guajira schools, Wayuu is a co-official language and holds a strong cultural presence in the region.

Navajo

From this point onward, Native American languages show a notable decline in speakers. Navajo is the most widely spoken language in the southwestern United States, with around 160,000 speakers spread across New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado.

Although the Navajo Nation comprises approximately 400,000 people, less than half actively speak the language. Navajo belongs to the Athabaskan linguistic family, which traces its origins to present-day Canada.

Mapuche

The Mapuche, also known as Mapuzungun or Araucanians, are one of the most prominent Indigenous groups in the southern cone of South America. They primarily reside in Chile, though some live in western Argentina. Approximately 150,000 people currently speak Mapuche.

In Chile, the Mapuche community has advocated for the preservation of their language, pushing for its recognition as a vehicular language in official settings. In regions like Temuco and Galvarino, Mapuche is commonly used and holds co-official status.

Sioux (Dakota)

The Sioux language, also called Dakota, faces challenges similar to those of the Mayan languages. Although it is considered one language, Sioux includes over 20 dialects. The Sioux Nation comprises three main groups: Santee, Yankton-Yanktonai, and Lakota.

Famous Sioux figures like Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, and Red Cloud have been widely depicted in movies and TV. Today, around 30,000 people speak Sioux as a second language, with fewer than 100 native speakers remaining. Sioux is a co-official language in South Dakota, with usage spanning from Canada to the southern United States.

Apache

Apache is part of the same linguistic family as Navajo. Currently, 20,000 people speak the language. Despite its relatively small number of speakers, Apache’s historical significance is undeniable. The Apache people once dominated territories across Mexico and the United States, including areas in Arizona, Chihuahua, Texas, Sonora, and New Mexico.

Spanish expeditions led to a significant decline in Apache language use, as many Apaches adopted Spanish. Legendary figures like Geronimo highlight the cultural relevance of the Apache people in both Mexican and American history.

Native American languages today

The United Nations estimates that over 350 million people worldwide speak Indigenous languages. Specifically, Native American languages boast over 30 million speakers today. Across North, Central, and South America, these ancestral languages remain deeply rooted in local populations.

The cultural richness of these communities is largely built upon their efforts to preserve their languages and heritage. This highlights the immense importance of understanding and appreciating these languages, which hold such significant value for humanity.

Translation apps like Talkao Translate feature many of these Native American languages, as well as regional languages spoken across Europe, Africa, and Asia. With tools like Talkao’s translation apps, you can learn to translate millions of words across more than 125 languages worldwide. Even if the text is written in another alphabet or uses unfamiliar symbols, the Talkao Camera Translator enables you to decipher its meaning directly from your smartphone.

Without a doubt, learning a Native American language is a fascinating and enriching experience—one we highly recommend.

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Agustín GutiérrezAgustín Gutiérrez Linkedin icon Instagram icon Email icon

Agustín Gutiérrez is a writer, content editor, and copywriter with over 15 years of experience in various industries and corporate communication projects. He has played a key role in creating blogs, news pages, and press releases for some of the most prestigious and globally renowned brands. His work philosophy is centered on meeting readers' demand for content that is both highly useful and practical. As a result, Agustín produces high-value content that is informative, engaging, and designed to captivate his audience.

To optimize your learning process and make the most of your time, it’s essential to apply the most effective study techniques. These strategies are tried-and-true methods designed to focus your efforts and enhance your productivity. While no study technique can promise effortless mastery, they do offer tools to minimize distractions and wasted time—especially when learning a new language, where numerous factors can divert your attention.

A quick search online reveals dozens of study techniques, methods, and resources, many claiming miraculous results or rapid learning. However, we’ve focused on the most effective methods, backed by solid scientific research, that deliver real results.

Let’s dive into the most highly rated and effective study techniques available today.

Why do you need study techniques to learn a language?

From a neurological perspective, learning a new language demands extraordinary effort. It requires altering core cognitive functions and fundamentally reprogramming your brain. Unlike other types of learning, acquiring a new language impacts the most basic capabilities of your brain. You need to activate your memory, processing power, and even physical structures of your body.

For example, you’ll need to think differently, and in many cases, adapt to using new oral and respiratory mechanisms. Depending on the language you’re learning, you may have to master pronunciation patterns and diction styles unfamiliar to your native tongue. This involves using vocal modulation, inflections, and speech patterns you’ve never had to implement before.

In short, learning a new language requires changes that go beyond your cognitive ability. It’s akin to installing a new operating system on your computer—without uninstalling the current one!

This is why scientists consider language learning one of the most mentally and physically demanding activities. As such, it requires careful organization to be effective.

study techniques

What makes language learning so demanding?

Although each language has its unique challenges, some common hurdles every learner faces include:

  • Memory retention: You must memorize an extensive vocabulary, grammatical structures, and cultural nuances.
  • Cognitive processing: Learning to think in a different language requires restructuring how you interpret information and communicate.
  • Pronunciation and phonetics: Adjusting your vocal apparatus to produce new sounds and intonations can be physically challenging.
  • Consistency and practice: Language acquisition demands sustained effort over long periods, requiring discipline and regular practice.

By understanding these challenges, you can better appreciate why structured study techniques are essential for mastering a new language. In the following sections, we’ll explore proven strategies that can streamline your learning process and set you on the path to fluency. Despite the unique features of each language, these are common challenges all learners face:

Writing and spelling

Many languages require learning a new alphabet and unfamiliar symbols compared to those used in your native tongue. Let’s imagine you speak English and are learning Chinese. You’ll need to start from scratch, familiarizing yourself with an entirely new writing system filled with symbols you’ve never encountered before. In some cases, merely learning to write these characters demands a complete transformation of your current writing habits.

This shift affects a natural activity your brain has been accustomed to in your native language. For instance, if you’re learning Arabic, you’ll need to adapt to writing in a different direction—right to left, as opposed to the left-to-right system of Spanish or French.

Although it might sound simple, this is actually a monumental challenge!

Due to what psychologists call cognitive dissonance, this process triggers an internal struggle between your ingrained habits and the new patterns you’re trying to adopt. And this is just the beginning. Many languages also involve highly intricate calligraphy systems, which can be a true nightmare to master.

Even when the new language uses a script similar to your own, you’ll need to learn entirely new spelling rules. During the writing process, you’ll have to memorize rules for spelling, accents, and proper word usage. This presents a major memory challenge, requiring you to retrain the connection between memory, the cerebral cortex, and the “eye-hand” coordination you developed long ago when you first learned to write.

Grammar

If writing is challenging… imagine what it takes to do it correctly! Grammar rules are complex, even in the language you’ve been using since you were a child. Few people can claim to be true masters of their native grammar. In fact, many struggle throughout their lives to fully understand all the grammatical rules of their first language.

Now, add the challenge of learning an entirely new set of linguistic rules, which may be radically different from your own.

Every language has its own grammar, encompassing the proper use of words in both spoken and written expression. For many languages, sentence construction follows a structure that can be completely unfamiliar. The subject-verb-object order may shift in certain languages—or might not resemble your native structure at all.

As a result, grammar is one of the most demanding aspects of language learning and requires effective study techniques. These strategies will help boost your memory capacity and reframe how you approach speaking and writing in a new language.

Pronunciation and speaking skills

For language learners, pronunciation is crucial. The way you articulate words can drastically change the meaning of a sentence. In languages like Chinese, the use of vowels differs significantly from Romance languages. Even within Romance languages, such as Romanian, there are vowel and consonant combinations that may be challenging to master.

A change in intonation can completely alter the meaning of a sentence. It can turn a statement into a question, make it positive or negative, or even convey exclamatory emotions. With a single inflection, you can indicate whether the subject is feminine, masculine, plural, or singular.

In other words, you’ll need to memorize these inflections and remember how to use them correctly. As mentioned earlier, this process can even impact your oral and respiratory structures. Take Swahili or Japanese, for example. These languages require specific uses of the tongue, breath control, and vocalization. For native speakers, combining diaphragmatic, head, or nasal voices feels natural. However, for you, this can be an incredibly complex and formidable challenge.

This is why it’s essential to use study techniques that help you memorize, process, and apply these forms of expression effectively.

What are the study techniques that provide the structure you need to learn a new language? As you know, there are numerous effective methods. However, we’ve focused on the ones most recommended by experts.

study techniques

The 3 best study techniques for language learning

Learning a language is vastly different from memorizing formulas for a physics exam or recalling dates for a history test. Yet, there is one commonality: the brain’s tendency to wander. Yes, that “lazy” organ in your head resists challenges. But it’s not because you’re lazy—it’s simply how the brain works. By its very nature, the brain tends to avoid activities that require significant effort.

Thanks to evolution, our brains have become highly energy-efficient. It knows that thinking and learning consume a lot of energy, so like a “bad influence” friend, it constantly tries to steer you away from hard tasks. To do this, it creates distractions and urges you to seek pleasurable activities. Unless you command it otherwise, your brain might lead you to check Instagram or watch a bird outside your window.

Focusing your brain can be quite difficult. However, we can leverage one of its most defining traits: the brain loves structure, order, and methodology. This is the basic reason why the following study techniques, developed by expert educators, are so effective.

The Cornell Method: One of the most widely used study techniques

Cornell University, one of the most prestigious institutions in the United States, developed one of today’s most effective study techniques: the Cornell Method.

This technique relies on memory stimulation through the motor action of writing. Researchers concluded that taking notes while studying significantly enhances memory retention. The results are astonishing, with memory capacity increasing by up to 200%.

Additionally, the Cornell Method is one of the easiest techniques to apply. The process is simple: divide a sheet of paper into two equal halves. On the right side, take notes on what you read. Simultaneously, on the left side, write a series of questions or key points about the topic. At the end of each study session, summarize the topic by answering the questions you wrote.

Pomodoro technique: A focused study method

The Pomodoro Technique addresses a universal fact: mental fatigue. Its creators discovered that the human brain has a limited concentration span, determined to be about 25 minutes. After this period, the brain becomes tired and bored, creating distractions to avoid further effort.

To counter this, scientists designed one of the world’s most popular study methods. The idea is to create time intervals known as “Pomodoro sessions.” These consist of 25 minutes of focused study followed by 5 minutes of relaxation. Your brain, which loves rewards, will work diligently during the 25-minute study period to earn the 5-minute break. This reward acts like a treat for a pet performing a trick.

Although highly effective, the Pomodoro Technique requires more than just a timer to measure study intervals. First, it’s recommended to declutter your workspace and eliminate distractions. Your smartphone should be silent and used solely as a tool—for example, to access translation apps like Talkao Translate or Talkao Dictionary.

The LOCI Method: One of the most creative study techniques

Among the most customizable study methods is the LOCI Method, which involves creating mental spaces for memory storage. Similar to organizing a physical storage space or desk drawers, this method involves intentionally creating “memory spaces.” Each space is referred to as a “memory palace.” In this imaginary structure, each room contains specific pieces of knowledge.

Today, the LOCI Method is one of the most effective techniques for applying mnemonic devices and memory compartmentalization.

Discipline and environment are key

These study techniques will only work if you apply discipline and adhere to the methodology. Whether you choose one of these methods or create your own, the most important thing is to follow a structured approach and minimize distractions.

Remember, your workspace plays a crucial role, as does your mindset when studying. Prioritize comfort and ergonomic furniture. Additionally, schedule your study sessions away from daily tasks, work, or other interruptions.

By applying these techniques, you can master the language you want to learn and maximize your efforts!

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Agustín GutiérrezAgustín Gutiérrez Linkedin icon Instagram icon Email icon

Agustín Gutiérrez is a writer, content editor, and copywriter with over 15 years of experience in various industries and corporate communication projects. He has played a key role in creating blogs, news pages, and press releases for some of the most prestigious and globally renowned brands. His work philosophy is centered on meeting readers' demand for content that is both highly useful and practical. As a result, Agustín produces high-value content that is informative, engaging, and designed to captivate his audience.

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