Luckily for anyone learning English, however, there are a limited number of irregular verbs in the lexicon. And even though the 10 most commonly used English verbs are all irregular (I’m sorry to say), most formerly irregular English verbs either have become regular, or developed an (acceptable) alternate regular form. While that is a step in the less-complicated direction, there are still a few hundred of those nasty irregular creatures floating about the English lexicon, and I have created a list of them below. So get studying!

Download this table as a PDF file:

Having spent several years in countries outside my homeland, I have encountered my fair share of non-native English speakers. I also get a large dose of ESL-ers in my hometown of San Francisco – where just under 40% of residents were born outside of the United States.

While I am blown away in most corners of the world by the English-speaking prowess of foreigners, there are one or two small (read: tiny) errors that I hear most frequently. Despite making these mistakes, your point will no doubt be understood, but I know language lovers generally strive for perfection, so I thought I’d give you a few hints about what to watch out for.

Good vs. Well:
Don’t be too hard on yourself for messing up the distinction between these two… mostly because I constantly hear my fellow Americans misuse them. But to clear up any confusion, good is an adjective, and well is an adverb. In other words, well should modify verbs in most cases, and good should modify nouns.

He speaks Spanish well. He speaks Spanish good.
You look really good. You look really well

Preposition misuse:
No one can blame you for this since prepositions (in my humble opinion) are the hardest part of learning any language… mostly because they are so idiosyncratic.

• In: Italians tend to misuse this one when talking about destinations. It is not uncommon to hear an Italian person say “Next week I will go in Germany.” The correct preposition to use for any destination (unless you are talking about the past) is ‘to.’ No matter the place (city, country, the bank, school) ‘to’ is the way to go.
• Since: This one is mainly an issue for German-speakers. I have met many German expats in America who have been living in the States for decades, and while their English is seemingly flawless and unaccented, this one little preposition can trip them up. When asked how long one has lived in the USA, many will say “since 15 years.” In English, since should only be used with an open ended amount of time. For example “I have lived here since 1990.” When discussing a definite amount of time, the preposition ‘for’ is used, so the answer to my first question should have been “I have lived in the US for 15 years.”

Fun vs. funny:
This is a mistake that is hard for us native-speakers to catch, as fun and funny are grammatically very similar, so accidentally substituting one for the other changes the meaning of a sentence dramatically, but doesn’t render it ungrammatical. In the simplest terms: something enjoyable is fun, something that makes you laugh out loud or is very peculiar is funny. (note: the comparative from of fun = more fun, while funny = funnier)

“How do you call…”:
When asking the proper word for something in English there are two options… “How do you say __________?” or “What do you call this [point at something]” The first option is usually a better way to go, because the second requires that you be in the immediate vicinity of whatever the object is you want to know the name of. This is BY FAR the most common of the mistakes I have mentioned, but also not a big deal – we know what you mean

So that’s it from me… feel free to comment with any questions you may have or other examples you’ve noticed.

Ciao for now!

Collectively, our contributors have studied abroad in over 20 countries on 5 continents – many of us more than once.  Each is a better linguist and a more well-rounded individual thanks to his or her time spent immersed in another culture, which is why we want the experience to be as accessible as possible to anyone interested.

One of the hardest parts of the decision to study abroad is selecting the right program for you.  There are a myriad of choices out there, and it can be an overwhelming task to sift through and find the best ones.  For this reason, we scoured the internet and compiled a list of the top 10 programs for learning each of our native languages based on a numerical rating system (described in more detail here).  Our lists contain programs suitable for every language lover – from beginners to experienced scholars, secondary school pupils to university students – we’ve included something for everyone.

Click on the link below for the language you want to learn, and find every program that made the cut listed with a description and contact information.

Good luck, and bon voyage!

Español
Deutsch
汉语
English
Pусский
Français
Polski
Italiano
Português

To read more about our Motivation & Methodology in creating this list, click here.

To find the Top Study Abroad Program Button & add it to your website, click here!

Before the Pittsburgh Steelers & the Arizona Cardinals face off on Feb 1st, I wanted to make sure that anyone interested has an easy-to-follow guide to one of America’s most beloved pastimes. Whether you plan to enjoy the ritual stateside for the first time this year, or are simply fascinated by the hype from afar, you might be surprised to know that there is a lot more to the annual championship than just a game of “gridiron”. In America, the rituals accompanying the Superbowl are numerous and cherished, and though we all do things a little differently, there are a few elements that you can count on come Sunday:

1 – The Food: The general impression of the world community is that American nutrition isn’t up to par, and while I come from a part of the country that is extremely health conscious, all bets are off for the Superbowl. Hot dogs (with the fixin’s), Chili, Chips, Salsa, Guacamole, and (my personal favorite) the Chocolate malt are all must-haves.

2 – The Brew: Be it a classic Bud Light, a slightly higher-brow microbrew, or even the nonalcoholic variety… a Superbowl party without beer just feels wrong. Period.

3 – The Stakes: While sports betting is technically illegal in 49 out of 50 states (gotta love Nevada sometimes), betting on the Superbowl is a red-blooded American tradition. There are definitely some seriously high stakes around, but most of us keep it to a few dollars in an office pool, or between friends. In my experience, the person who knows the least about football, and can barely name the teams involved wins every time – much to the chagris of the “experts” in the vicinity. (This is where beer comes in – see above section entitled the Brew)

4 – The Open & Unabashed Consumerism: That’s right… I’m talking about the infamous Superbowl Commercials… This year, despite the recession, the price of a 30-second slot rose to an average of $3 million according to USA Today. It would seem that not even an economic slump will dissuade companies from dropping big bucks to reach the 97.5 million viewers that tuned in last year. The commercials are so hilarious and inventive that many Americans would rather duck out to the bathroom during a timeout in the game rather than a commercial break. In fact, some of the most famous lines from Superbowl commercials have become etched in American pop culture, and one from 2000 (the unforgettable “Wassup”) was even reinvented this year to become a viral campaign video in favor of Obama entitled “8 Years Later”.

[see video below for original followed by 2008 version]

5 – The Rockin’ Good Time: Really just a way to elongate the broadcast and allow spectators more time to engorge themselves on junk food, the Half-Time show (along with it’s less-flashy cousins, the Pre-Game Show & National Anthem extravaganza) is an institution. Every Year we watch as the biggest names in entertainment climb up on that stage and launch into some over-the-top medley of greatest hits & surprising collaborations. Like I said, every year we watch… and every year, no matter the performer, we criticize. At times it would seem we only watch the half-time show in order to talk about how lame/ostentatious/cheesy/awkward (or, in 2004 indecent) it was. We secretly love the spectacle of it all, and would never give it up, but heckling the half-time show is just part of the ritual.

6 – The Blood, Sweat & Tears: After all, when it really comes down to it, the Superbowl is just a football game. That one time a year when the AFC & NFC come together to showcase the best they have to offer. We love the underdogs, the nail-biters, and any other sports cliché you can think of… in other words, we just love the game. We awe at the sheer physical prowess of the players, watch with bated breath as the injured are removed from the field, and can’t help but get a little emotional as the victors claim their coveted trophy.

So there you have it… Superbowl Sunday in a nutshell. It might not be dignified, it might not be momentous, but it’s just about as American as it gets.

Below is our list of the Top 10 Programs for Study Abroad in English. To read the article introducing our study abroad feature click here. If you want to know more about how & why this list came to be, click here.

1.	YFU: (High School)
		Youth For Understanding (YFU) is one of the world's oldest, largest, and most respected international exchange organizations. Today, YFU USA administers the Youth For Understanding programs in the United States - placing foreign teens in US High Schools. Info: All nationalities eligible, Extensive in-country support, English proficiency required www.yfu-usa.org
2.	Erasmus: (University)
		Allows European students to go on exchange for one year or semester to the British or Irish University of his or her choice. Application and administration is facilitated by a student’s home university. Info: Scholarships available, English knowledge required http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-programme/doc80_en.htm
2.	Assist: (High School)
		ASSIST provides opportunities for outstanding international students to attend the finest American independent high schools on one-year scholarships. In the past year, ASSIST conducted competitions in 14 countries on behalf of member schools. Info: Many scholarships available, Extensive alumni network, students typically places in private US schools www.assist-inc.org
2.	AFS: (High School)
		AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities. AFS students live with a host family and attend a local high school as full-time students. Info: Extensive student support, All nationalities eligible www.afs.org
5.	CIEE: (High School)
		CIEE's high school study abroad program helps students to become global citizens. Student Exchange Australia, Ltd (SEA) is responsible for the placement and support of the students while in Australia, and they carefully screen and select volunteer host families. Info: All nationalities welcome, Extensive in-country support www.ciee.org
5.	EF International: (University)
		EF University Abroad facilitates the admission of foreign students into Australian, American, or British universities, provides an English course, and on-site support in every EF location. Students must meet the prerequisites of the foreign department in which they would like to study, and have the option of living with other international students or a host family. Info: Intensive language courses offered in-country, All nationalities welcome www.ef.com
5.	PIE: (High School)
		Pacific Intercultural Exchange is a not-for-profit international student exchange organization which has facilitated exchanges for more than 25,000 high school students in every corner of the world. Working in more than 40 countries, P.I.E.-USA brings students into the United States for academic homestays, and sends American students overseas. Info: All nationalities welcome, Application done through partnering organizations www.pieusa.org
5.	AIFS: (High School)
		AIFS is based in Stamford, Connecticut. AIFS and its family of companies organize cultural exchange programs throughout the world for more than 40,000 students and young people each year. Info: Extensive student support, All nationalities welcome www.aifs.com
9.	AYUSA: (High School)
		AYUSA is a leading non-profit organization promoting global learning and leadership through foreign exchange. Since 1980, AYUSA has provided over 40,000 high school students and host families with exchange programs to build bridges of international friendship. Info: All nationalities welcome, English proficiency required www.ayusa.org
10.	STS Foundation: (High School)
		STS Foundation is pleased to offer Foreign Students ages 15-18, the opportunity to live and study in America. By embracing an opportunity to live and study abroad, you will not only acquire important language skills, but gain a new perspective on America's role in the global community. Info: Multiple program durations available, All nationalities eligible, Extensive student support www.stsfoundation.org

Find the Top Study Abroad Program Button here to add it to your website!

Below is our list of the Top 10 Programs for Study Abroad in Italian. Because of a tie, eleven programs actually made the cut for, which for you just means more options. To read the article introducing our study abroad feature click here. If you want to know more about how & why this list came to be, click here.

1.	University of California EAP: (University)
		EAP is the open to all students (Undergraduate and Graduate) from the Universities of California, and has programs in Milan, Bologna, Padova, Siena, and Rome.  It offers both full-immersion programs and UC-center language & culture programs taught in English. Info: University of CA students eligible, Extensive program options, Academic adviser on-site www.eap.ucop.edu
2.	CIMBA Italy: (University)
		The Consortium Institute of Management and Business is dedicated to providing unique educational opportunities to undergraduate, graduate and executive program participants.  The programs take place in one of CIMBA's two campuses in the foothills of the Dolomite Mountains. Info: Students must have completed two years of study to apply, Participants live in dormitory www.cimbaitaly.com/
3.	Abroadco: (University)
		Abroadco offers all-inclusive academic year, semester, and summer study abroad programs complete with tuition, housing, excursions, and resident staff.  The Italy programs are hosted in Florence and Rome, where all classes other than the Italian language course are taught in English at study abroad centers. Info: Extensive student support, Only US students eligible www.abroadco.com
3.	Umbra Institute: (University)
		The Umbra Institute offers three programs for study abroad in Perugia which allow students to take classes at an Umbra study center, the Università per gli Stranieri, or the Universtà di Perugia.  A supervised independent research project is also an option. Info: Multiple curricular options, Tandem partner provided, Internships available www.umbra-institute.com/
3.	CIEE: (University)
		This program is designed for students with 0-3 semesters of Italian language, who want to be immersed in the Italian culture by studying in the small Renaissance city of Ferrara.  Students study the Italian language, but take all content courses in English. Info: No Italian knowledge required, Multiple housing options available www.ciee.org
3.	Erasmus: (University)
		Erasmus enables higher education students in 31 European countries to study for part of their degree in Itay.  All classes are taken at the local host university, however application is done through a student's home campus study abroad office. Info: Scholarships available, Only EU students eligible http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-programme/doc80_en.htm
7.	Siena Italian Studies: (University)
		SIS's "gentle full immersion" program for beginner, intermediate & advanced Italian language students is a combination of Italian language aquisition, socio-anthropological training, and field work.  The Service Learning Program is based on the practical study of modern Italy. Info: all students accommodated in homestays, only American students eligible http://www.sienaitalianstudies.com/
7.	Int'l Studies Abroad: (University)
		Working closely with the host universities abroad, ISA and LPI provide students with a study abroad experience that is academically challenging and culturally rewarding in Rome, Florence, or Torino. Info: extensive student support, courses offered in both English & Italian www.studiesabroad.com
7.	New Etruria College Assn.: (University)
		The NECA program for university students located in Florence, Italy, meets U.S. university academic standards, and is committed to providing students individual attention in a friendly atmosphere which enables them to study and experience Italian culture firsthand. Info: Students must have completed two semesters of University study to apply, All nationalities welcome, Scholarships available www.necaflorence.com
10.	CEA GlobalCampus: (University)
		CEA recognizes the importance of combining academics with hands-on cultural experiences, as the interaction between the two helps to reinforce your learning.  Programs available in Florence & Rome with classes (other than the Language requirement) taught in English. Info: No previous Italian knowledge required, extensive cultural programming www.gowithcea.com
10.	MCAS: (University)
		The Mediterranean Center for Arts & Sciences, located in Syracuse on the coast of Sicily, offers a range of liberal arts classes every semester which enable students to explore the diversity of the Mediterranean world from a unique perspective. Info: Open to all nationalities, Extensive on-site support http://www.mediterraneancentre.it/

Find the Top Study Abroad Program Button here to add it to your website!

Why did we compile such a list?
As the vast majority of our Lexiophiles contributors are former study abroad participants themselves, we are acutely aware of how enriching the experience can be.  We also know how daunting a task it can be to sift through and find the right program from the many available.  We decided to take it upon ourselves to compile a comprehensive and user-friendly list of the best programs in each language.

How did we do it?
We searched high and low for all the study abroad programs we could find in a given language.  We then ranked them based on a point system evaluating the cultural integration, support offered, financial aid, flexibility, academics, & application process of each program.  While we realize that no system is flawless, we believe that our ranking has produced a list of quality study abroad programs that is both inclusive and easy to use.
Here is a little information about the criteria we used in our evaluation:

• Cultural Integration: This one was pretty much a no-brainer.  After all, study abroad is an exercise in exploring the world that lies outside of one’s own comfort zone.  The opportunity to truly be immersed in the host culture is one of the most important aspects of any program.  Living with native speakers, assignment of a local buddy or liaison, and organized trips are all examples of cultural integration tactics.

• Support Offered: Moving to a foreign country, learning a language, and adapting to a new culture are all valuable experiences, but can be overwhelming at times.  A good study abroad program will help its participants prepare for what to expect on their trip, as well as provide some assistance for students with hurdles like local bureaucracy and culture shock.

• Financial Aid: Cost is one of the most restrictive aspects of study abroad.  The availability of financial aid and low application fees mean greater participant diversity on a given program – which is definitely a plus.

• Flexibility: The more flexibility afforded to potential participants by a particular program, the better.  Location preference and a variable start date give you some choices as an applicant, and a better chance of being able to integrate study abroad into your individual course of study.

• Academics: The first word in Study Abroad is study after all, so academic excellence and international recognition need to be taken into account when choosing a program.

• Application Process: An application should be selective yet concise.  No one wants to spend more time applying for a program than actually studying abroad, so ease of application process is an important factor.  Alternatively, we also gave points to programs whose process took both academic prowess and personal motivation into account as they tend to produce the most well-rounded student bodies.

Think we missed one?
Let’s face it – nobody’s perfect! If there’s a great study abroad program that you think we may have missed, leave a comment and we’ll make sure to include it in the ranking process for 2010.

• Hum or sing along with these three songs in the subway:
[Name 3 songs everyone knows in your native language]
Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’
Elton John – Tiny Dancer
Anything by Justin Timberlake (though some might not admit to it)

• Get by with the help of these five swear words:
[5 unavoidable curse-words that are commonly used in your country]
1 – Fuck (self-explanatory)
2 – Damn: one of our less severe curse words… a good one for when you miss a train, or lose your hotel key, or forget to ask the cute American girl you met for her phone number…
3 – Shit: pretty much our default swear word – one you are likely to hear frequently.
4 – Asshole: might want to refrain on calling anyone this, at least while you are new in town – best not to alienate potential new friends
5 – Mierda: yes, I know this isn’t English, but since America has no official national language, & an ever increasing Spanish-speaking population… this one (translated as ‘shit’ in English) will come in handy – especially in California and the Southwest.

** note: proceed with caution in America whenever using swear words. Generally, it is considered VERY rude to use them with people you don’t know well, or people who are outside your age range… even though you will hear them a lot on the street – it’s probably best to use them sparingly.

• Get a phone number (or a laugh) with these pick-up lines:
“I lost my phone number… can I have yours?”
“If I could rearrange the alphabet, I would put U and I together…”

• Toast to your new local friends at a bar with this word or phrase:
We generally say “Cheers!”, but if you are feeling particularly festive, “Bottoms up!” will also do the trick

• How to order a Big Mac menu in your language:
I’m pretty sure “Big Mac” will get your point across – we did invent the thing after all…

• The few things you should do to feel truly local:
- Smile for no reason while walking down the street, & ask everyone you encounter how they are doing today in an enthusiastic manner.
- Get a coffee “to-go” & drink it on the street en route to your next destination.
- Drive or ride in an SUV (preferably a hybrid model if you are in a “blue state”).
- Watch an American football, basketball, or baseball game while eating a hot dog & gulping down a beer or coke from a cup equal to or larger than the size of your own head.

• Have we forgotten anything?
In America, don’t try too hard to blend in – remember that we are almost uniformly fascinated by foreigners. This means that instead of being embarrassed by it, you should embrace “cool accent” – it might even help you meet some locals!:)

If you are planning a trip to the US, here is a short video with footage from across the country to get you in the spirit:

With all of these differences, only one thing is for sure: Christmas in America is what you make it.

Even though there is no one all-encompassing set of traditions, a few things are etched in the American consciousness as synonymous with Christmas, and I have listed a couple of them below:

Kissing Under the Mistletoe: The ultimate example of turning lemons into proverbial lemonade… we take mistletoe, a parasitic plant, hang it in the doorway, and use it as an excuse to kiss anyone and everyone. Sounds great, right?? This is the perfect means by which to shower your loved ones with affection, and to finally get a little lovin’ from your secret admirer.

Decorating one’s house with lights: Christmas lights are far from being exclusively American, but we have definitely turned the domestic version into an art - or maybe an obsession… Famously parodied in the movie “National Lampoons Christmas Vacation,” draping one’s house in Christmas lights has become a national pastime (and unofficial neighborhood competition). In recent years, it has even morphed into a charitable fundraiser – houses with the most over-the-top decorations charge admission to visitors and donate the proceeds to a local food bank.

Taking the family Christmas picture: Probably the most dreaded of all familial obligations, this Chritmas ritual actually takes place before the “big day.” After all, the family Christmas picture has to be taken with plenty of time to affix it to the perennial Christmas cards that will grace the mailboxes of family and friends. In most families (or at least families with more than one child) taking a Christmas picture is a painful process filled with bickering and complaining yet meant to capture its participants looking relaxed, happy, and festive. It is generally at this blessed event that parents resort to reminding all their children of the “naughty & nice list” kept by Father Christmas.

Baking cookies for Santa: This is one tradition that affects two holidays: Christmas and New Years. For children, baking cookies for Santa is a last minute insurance policy to make sure he knows how well-behaved and selfless you were all year (not to mention an excellent excuse to eat your own body weight in cookie dough). For parents, it’s a last minute opportunity to pack on a few extra pounds while wrapping presents just in time to resolve to lose them come New Year’s.

Well, those are some of the most tried-and-true American pastimes, and a couple of my favorites.

Whatever your Christmas celebration may look like, I wish you a very merry one and a Happy New Year.

Secondo il programma GoogleTrends che mantiene un registro di tutte le ricerche su Google, i paesi seguenti hanno fatto le ricerche per la parola “sex” di più nell’ultimo anno:

1. Viet Nam
2. India
3. Indonesia
4. Egitto
5. Marocco
6. Turchia
7. Polonia
8. Ungheria
9. Romania
10. Danimarca

Questi risultati non ci dicono niente definitivamente sui popoli dei paesi inclusi, ma possono essere interessanti ad ogni modo. Per esempio, mettiamo in caso che la voce è vero e gli uomini pensano al sesso più delle donne. Se questa fosse il caso, i paesi con un percentuale più alto di uomini avrebbero più ricerche per “sex” in rete. Danimarca però sta più giù nella lista che Ungheria, anche se ha 50.5% della popolazione maschile (rispetto al 48.9% in Ungheria).

È anche notevole che questa stima sia solo un’indicazione del traffico nei motori di ricerca – non possiamo leggere il pensiero di nessuno. Può darsi che sono influenzati dallo stigma sociale e la garanzia di anonimità fornito dall’internet. Ci sono paesi in cui non è insolita vedere le donne seminude in TV, e anche posti in cui qualcosa del genere costituirebbe uno scandalo. Per questo, è possibile che nei paesi in cui il sesso è un argomento molto tabù, la gente sceglie di cerca in internet per le risposte alle sue domande sessuali nella privacy della casa.

Perché questo è un blog linguistico, sarebbe utile sapere anche la gerarchia linguistica, no? Ecco qua sotto:

1. vietnamita
2. indonesiano
3. turco
4. arabo
5. polacco
6. ungherese
7. romeno
8. inglese
9. danese
10. olandese

Questa lista è più sorprendente per quello che non c’é che per il contenuto che esiste… Il uomo Italiano ‘libertino’ e una persona ben conosciuto nella storia e la cultura popolare (Dongiovanni, Cassanova, etc.). La loro eccessiva carica sessuale è leggendaria, ma l’italiano non c’è da nessun parte sulla lista. Non ci sono neanche le altre lingue “romanze.” Tutti quanti però sono sulla lista delle lingue in cui “love” è cercato di più…

Chi l’avrebbe detto?

Fonti d'informazione:
http://www.wikipedia.org
http://google.com/trends