New tip of the week

One thing I have noticed about interpreting is we all take it rather seriously. Now I get - its a business and we influence people's lives so it must be taken seriously.

But it is also a language, and the best language learners are kids at least in part because they play with the languages they learn. I remember when the kids were little and at the pre-reading stage. They recognized landmarks like the "golden arches" and knew it was McDonald's. Then they would make up words that rhymed with McDonald's. Sometimes they were so silly the back seat would erupt with giggles. They were learning the rules of words.

In the same way, we need to update our language use on occasion by finding fun ways to learn new things. One that I came across yesterday is actually a memory game. I have always been a fan of "concentration" ever since I saw it on television. I loved trying to remember where the prizes were shown to match them up and then guess the picture underneath. Amazon has just such a game available in software form using ASL signs and meanings.

A website called "playkidsgames.com" has a cute memory game like concentration. Called "Musical Memory Turtle", players watch as the shell of the turtle lights up and plays music. Then the player has to remember the order exactly to advance the turtle in his "race." The easy and not so easy versions are really fun. The difficult level reminds me I am not as good at this as I used to be.

These are just two suggestions for ways to bring fun back into your learning process. You will enjoy the lessons, let off a little steam - and you just might remember something.

Have fun!