Curing your January Blues: Festivals around the world in January and February

After the Epiphany on January 6th and Orthodox Christmas on January 7th , most people consider the holiday season officially over. However, the start of a new year also brings vibrant cultural festivals from all around the world. Despite the frigid weather, this time is alive with celebrations that showcase the rich diversity of traditions, customs, and significance across different cultures. Let’s take a journey around the globe and explore some of the unique festivals happening in January and February.

1. Harbin Ice Festival – China (January-February)
January kicks off with the mesmerizing Harbin Ice Festival in China. Located in the northeastern city of Harbin, this festival transforms the surroundings into an enchanting winter wonderland. Running from late January to early February, the festival showcases awe-inspiring ice sculptures, illuminated ice castles, and intricate ice lanterns. The celebration not only embraces the beauty of winter but also underscores the resilience and artistry of Chinese culture.

2. Thaipusam – Malaysia and Singapore
On January 25th, the Tamil community in Malaysia and Singapore observed Thaipusam. This Hindu festival, dedicated to Lord Murugan, is a profound display of faith and devotion. Devotees participate in a grand procession, engaging in acts of penance such as body piercings and elaborate body decorations. Thaipusam is a powerful testament to spiritual commitment and showcases the cultural richness of the Tamil heritage.

3. – Ati-Atihan – The Philippines (January)
January comes alive with the Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo, Aklan, Philippines. Known as the “Mother of All Philippine Festivals”, Ati-Atihan is a vibrant celebration rooted in pre-colonial history. Participants engage in lively street dancing, painting their bodies black to emulate the indigenous Aeta people. The festival symbolizes unity and harmony among diverse cultural groups, creating a colorful spectacle.

4. Up Helly Aa – Scotland (January)
In Lerwick, Shetland Islands, Scotland, January witnesses the unique Up Helly Aa fire festival. Honoring Shetland#s Norse heritage, participants dress as Vikings and parade through the streets carrying torches. The festival culminates in the symbolic burning of a Viking longship, signifying the triumph of light over darkness and the end of winter.

5. Lohri – India (January)
In northern India, particularly Punjab, January brings the joyous celebration of Lohri. This traditional Punjabi festival marks the end of winter and the arrival of longer days. Characterized by bonfires, traditional songs, and festive foods like sesame seeds and jaggery, Lohri embodies the warmth, hospitality, and agricultural significance ingrained in Punjabi culture.

6. Carnival – Various Countries (February)
February ushers in the lively and colorful Carnival season in various countries around the world. From the grand Carnival of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil to the festive celebrations in Venice, Italy, and the vibrant Mardi Gras in New Orleans, USA, these events are marked by parades, elaborate costumes, and exuberant music. Carnivals represent a collective expression of joy, freedom, and revelry. Carnivale dates may vary, but traditionally the celebration comes to a climax on the day before Ash Wednesday (just before the start of Lent). In New Orleans, this day is known as Fat Tuesday.

So, if you’re feeling blue and unmotivated after New Years celebrations have ended and cold weather has encapsulated much of the Northern Hemisphere, look to one of these festivals to lift your spirits. Whether it’s the stunning ice sculptures in China, the spiritual processions in Malaysia, the lively street dancing in the Philippines, or the fiery celebration in Scotland, these festivals remind us of the beauty inherent in our differences. Experiencing these diverse cultures will deepen your understanding of other cultures and give you something to get you through these cold, grey months!

In today’s interconnected global landscape, businesses and organizations are increasingly recognizing the value of breaking cultural barriers, fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), and embracing a more global perspective. As companies expand their operations across borders, the need for language, cultural, and DE&I training has become more critical than ever. Directors Training Group stands out as a company dedicated to achieving this goal through a unique approach—leveraging “Global Reach, Local Expertise.”

We empower organizations with the tools to bridge cultures, foster inclusion, and facilitate effective communication across the globe. What sets us apart is our dedicated staff of local experts who possess unparalleled knowledge and expertise in the 60+ countries in which we currently provide services. 

The Power of Local Expertise

The cornerstone of our company is our trainers and course developers, all of whom are regional specialists. We firmly believe that understanding a culture, a language, and the dynamics of diversity and inclusion in a specific region requires the insights of individuals who have lived and breathed that environment.

Our local experts are not just educators; they are cultural ambassadors who infuse the essence of their region into our training programs. Their profound understanding of social dynamics, business norms, traditions, languages, and history is invaluable for helping organizations navigate the intricacies of diverse markets and multicultural workplaces.

Navigating Global Challenges with Local Insights

Let’s delve deeper into how our global, yet localized approach benefits organizations:

Cultural Relevance: Training programs developed and delivered by local experts are inherently more culturally relevant. This ensures that employees can apply their learning directly to their everyday work, reducing cultural misunderstandings and miscommunications.

Language Mastery: Language training is most effective when learners are engaged and having fun. Our language courses offer practical language skills that enable your employees to engage confidently in international business interactions with a focus on the end result.

Inclusion Matters: The diversity and inclusion landscape varies greatly from one region to another. Local experts are attuned to these variations, ensuring that your DE&I initiatives are custom-tailored to the specific needs of your international workforce.

Global Network: Our extensive network of local experts allows us to offer a diverse array of training options, reflecting the unique requirements of each location. Regardless of your business’s sector or global footprint, we have the right expert to guide your team. 

Creating Lasting Impact

At Directors Training Group, we recognize that effective cross-cultural training is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Our commitment to utilizing local expertise and tailoring each course to your requirements ensures that our clients receive training that is not only insightful and comprehensive but also highly customized to their unique needs.

At Directors Training Group, we believe in the power of small businesses to drive positive change. As part of our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts and commitment to sustainability, we are excited to announce our partnership with Ecologi, an innovative platform dedicated to combating climate change. Today, we want to share our environmental sustainability goals, our journey towards becoming a climate positive business, and how you can join us in making a difference.

Directors Training Group’s Environmental Sustainability Goals:
1. Net Zero by 2025: We have set an ambitious target to achieve net-zero emissions by 2025. This means taking active steps to reduce our carbon footprint across all aspects of our operations and supply chain.

2. Climate Positive by 2028: Going beyond carbon neutrality, we are committed to becoming climate positive by 2028. This involves not only reducing our own emissions but also actively removing additional carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

3. Planting Trees for Language Training: We have pledged to plant one tree for each language training hour conducted. By doing so, we aim to contribute to reforestation efforts and restore ecosystems that are vital for mitigating climate change.

Our Journey to Becoming a Low Carbon Business:

Here are some of the steps we are taking to reduce our environmental impact:

1. Remote Work: Our remote work policy allows our team members to work from the comfort of their homes or co-working spaces, reducing the need for commuting and associated carbon emissions from transportation and office working.

2. Digital Transformation: Embracing technology and digital solutions has been instrumental in our sustainability efforts. By transitioning to digital processes and embracing virtual communication and collaboration tools, we significantly reduce paper usage and the energy consumption associated with physical office spaces.

3. Energy Efficiency: We prioritise energy-efficient practices, ensuring that our team members are equipped with energy-saving devices and encourage responsible energy consumption. This includes powering down devices when not in use and optimising energy settings.

4. Sustainable Procurement: We are proud to emphasise sustainable procurement practices, even as a service-based business. We make a conscious effort to purchase recycled IT products. By supporting the market for recycled goods, we contribute to reducing waste and promoting the circular economy.

5. Waste Reduction and Recycling: Despite operating remotely, we remain committed to reducing waste. We encourage our team members to minimise unnecessary printing, recycle whenever possible, and dispose of electronic waste responsibly through regular training programmes.

6. Carbon Offsetting: We actively participate in carbon offsetting initiatives through Ecologi’s ‘Climate Friendly Workplace’ programme. Ecologi partners with organisations focused on reforestation, renewable energy projects, and carbon removal technologies, thereby offsetting our operational emissions and those of our employees.

While our service-based business model inherently has a lower environmental footprint compared to traditional manufacturing or production industries, we recognise that there is always room for improvement. We remain committed to exploring innovative ways to further reduce our carbon footprint and actively seek opportunities to make a positive impact on the environment.

By continually evaluating and adapting our practices, we aim to set an example within our industry and inspire others to embrace sustainability in their own operations. Together, we can create a more sustainable future and contribute to the collective effort in addressing climate change.

Join us on Ecologi
We are proud to join forces with Ecologi, a platform that empowers individuals and organisations to take meaningful climate action. Through our Ecologi profile , you can track our progress, learn about our projects, and witness the positive impact we are making together.

You can also make a difference by joining Ecologi through our referral link . By signing up, you will be able to offset your own carbon footprint, support reforestation initiatives, and contribute to a sustainable future.

About Directors Training Group

We specialise in tailor-made language, culture and business communications solutions for businesses and the global mobility sector. Operating in over 100 countries, we help your people reach their learning goals with our award-winning in-person and digital training solutions.

A little over 20 years ago, language learning around the globe looked quite different than it does now. Rote memorization was the norm, no one had really thought to put the words “student” and “centered” together before, and any mention of a “blended eLearning course”, now commonplace, would have sounded like someone forgot to translate a phrase from Bulgarian. 

Furthermore, back at the turn of the millennium, language teachers, assessors, students, and the like were all mired in an endless bog of vague terms when describing someone’s language skills. Am I upper-intermediate or advanced? She can read words phonetically, and say greetings—so is she an elementary or a beginner? Or is she a zero beginner? What exactly is the difference between pre-intermediate and beginner? What is “full professional proficiency”?

From this difficulty in standardizing descriptors for language levels, the CEFR levels were born. CEFR stands for Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. They are the result of a lot of hard work and collaboration at the Council of Europe. They have proven to be an essential tool and the international standard not only for describing one’s language level, but also for creating a scaffolding and structure for which language learning and assessment can be built. But, what exactly are they?

We know them as A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. Personally, I’ve seen people extend them up into the D’s (though I question that). But, what exactly do these levels mean? Let’s try to clear some of the confusion.

A1 – Beginner

At the A1 level, learners have basic language skills and can understand and use simple expressions and phrases in familiar situations. The key to being an A1 is being able to communicate in familiar contexts. Exchanging personal information, bargaining prices at the market, very simple directions.–these are A1 level skills. But, as soon as someone uses a verb and a noun you don’t know, you’re lost at sea!

A2 – Elementary

A2 level indicates that learners can comprehend and communicate in everyday situations with simple and direct exchanges. They can participate in short conversations, describe their background and immediate environment, and express their needs. Essentially, the difference between an A1 and A2 boils down to an increased range of vocabulary and fluency, and a greater ability to venture into less scripted, more spontaneous exchange. 

B1 – Intermediate

Learners at the B1 level possess the ability to understand and express themselves in almost all everyday situations. They can maintain conversations, express opinions, narrate events, and engage in discussions on familiar topics. They have a reasonable command of grammar and vocabulary. They will make mistakes—however, they have the ability to push themselves and can converse on a wide variety of topics. 

B2 – Upper Intermediate

B2 level indicates a good command of the language, enabling learners to understand complex texts, express themselves fluently, and engage in discussions on various subjects. They can produce clear and detailed written and spoken language, with few errors. I always say that a B2 indicates the ability to more or less express any idea one would like to communicate. However, a B2 level speaker will make some mistakes and won’t say everything in the same way a native speaker would. 

C1 – Advanced

At the C1 level, learners demonstrate a high level of proficiency. They can comprehend and produce complex texts, express ideas with precision, and participate effectively in academic and professional settings. They have a broad vocabulary and grasp of idiomatic expressions (which they also use). 

C2 – Proficient

The C2 level represents near-native or native-like proficiency. This does not mean perfection—we all know that native speakers make plenty of “mistakes”. However, as one of my Italian professors told me, “Your goal in learning Italian is that one day, if you study hard and practice, people won’t be able to tell where you’re from. Instead, they’ll listen to you speak Italian and be genuinely curious, and they’ll have to ask you.” That, perhaps, is a great descriptor for a C2. 

Since their inception in 2001, the CEFR levels immediately became an essential tool in language learning, instruction, curriculum development, and assessment. And of course it’s not as simple as assigning each language learner a number and a letter. It’s still important to break down each learner’s level in each specific skill (reading, writing, listening, and speaking). 

For more information on our courses and CEFR levels, check out our Business Language Training

Here at Directors Training Group, we know you have plenty of choices when selecting a language training provider, but making the right choice can mean all the difference. Whether you’re an individual student looking to improve your language skills or a manager hoping to provide language support for your entire team, it’s important to choose an experienced partner that you can rely on. Here’s what we’ve learned about language training at DTG over the past 30 years of improving communication for our clients around the world.

Student-Centered Method
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a language supplier is their approach to teaching. Look for a supplier that uses a student-centered method, which means that the focus is on the student and their individual communication needs. At DTG, our time-tested, specially formulated method is known as the ELAM Method. It relies on scientific research to ensure that students retain language from the lesson and are able to recall it for practical use. The ELAM method is practical, student-centered, fun, and–most importantly–effective.

Quality/Experienced Trainers

Another important factor to consider when selecting a language supplier is the quality and experience of their trainers. They should be highly qualified and experienced trainers who are not only experts in their respective languages but also skilled in teaching them. Experienced trainers will help ensure that students receive high-quality instruction that is tailored to their needs and learning style. At DTG, 87% of our trainers have Masters degrees in their field of expertise, and 100% of our trainers have at least 5 years of experience.

Bespoke/Tailor-made Curriculum

A bespoke or tailor-made curriculum is another important factor to consider when choosing a language supplier. This means that the supplier can create a customized language learning program that meets the specific needs of the student or business. After conducting our pre-course needs analysis, a bespoke curriculum is developed to help ensure that students learn the language skills that are most relevant to their needs, whether that’s business language, academic language, or conversational language.

Good Return on Investment

Finally, a good language supplier should provide a good return on investment (ROI) for students or businesses. This means that the language training should result in measurable improvements in language skills and performance that can translate into real-world benefits, such as improved job performance, increased business opportunities, or better academic performance. At Directors Training Group, we’re proud to boast a course satisfaction rate of 98.4%!

In conclusion, finding the right language supplier can be critical to your language learning success. When faced with so many options, it’s vital that you choose a provider that will help upskill you and your team and give you quality results! Reach out to us today to find out how we can set up your bespoke, student-centered language course in 10 days or less!

Everyone here at DTG would like to wish everyone a very happy St. Patrick’s Day! With the holiday falling on a Friday this year, more than a few of you might be heading to your local Irish pub to celebrate with a pint of Guinness. As enjoyable as that is, we have an idea for a better way to celebrate: brush up on your Irish!

The Irish language, also known as Gaeilge, is of course the native language of Ireland. It has a rich history and a unique linguistic heritage that dates back millennia.

Today, Irish is still spoken by over 70,000 people in Ireland, making it a vital part of the country’s cultural heritage. However, the language has faced significant challenges in recent history, including suppression during the colonial era and a major decline in speakers in the 20th century.

So, what makes Irish such a special and unique language? Here are a few things to know:

It has a rich literary tradition
Irish has a long and storied literary tradition that includes epic poetry, folklore, and storytelling. You might be familiar with the Ulster Cycle, the Book of Kells, and of course the poetry of the great W.B. Yeats.

It has a unique grammatical structure
Irish has a complex grammatical structure that includes the use of prepositions, verbal nouns, and a complex system of mutations that can change the sound of a word depending on its context.

It has a musical quality
The Irish language has a musical quality that is often compared to singing. The use of alliteration, rhyme, and repetition make it a lyrical language that is a truly beautiful thing to listen to.

It has a strong cultural identity
The Irish language is closely tied to Irish culture and identity, and it is often seen as a symbol of resistance against colonialism and cultural oppression. What better way is there to fight the man than to learn a language?

Irish is one of the multitude of world languages that we provide training for here at Directors Training Group. So, if you’re Irish and interested in getting in touch with your roots, a language nerd who wants to find out more about those mutations, or you’d really like to blow the locals away on your next Irish vacation, get in touch with us today to start your tailor-made, industry leading Irish course!

Ever felt bilingual after a tipple?

If you’ve noticed that your speaking skills improve whilst drinking, then you’re not wrong. A study conducted in 2017 found that alcohol consumption improved speaking and specifically, pronunciation skills more than those who hadn’t had a drink (Renner, Kersbergen, Field, Werthmann 2017). Interestingly, they found that participants of the study didn’t think they had improved after drinking.

The study’s authors say it’s possible that a low-to-moderate dose of alcohol “reduces language anxiety” and therefore increases proficiency. “This might enable foreign language speakers to speak more fluently in the foreign language after drinking a small amount of alcohol,” they conclude. (Time 2017)

Cheers to that we say!

Happy drinking and learning.

To have a chat about your business language goals, get in touch with us.

Photo by Fred Moon on Unsplash

Want to feel less guilty about binge watching your favourite shows? 

Well now you can…..

Science proves that watching subtitled Netflix can improve language acquisition. By watching dual subtitled foreign language shows you are tackling 2 skills at once: listening and reading! If you want to boost your vocabulary further check out Language Reactor for Netflix.

Watching foreign language Netflix isn’t all about the language skills though. You can also pick up cultural clues and dig deeper into perceived societal issues. 

Our top tips for Netflixing and learning: 

1. 1. Find a show you like (it’s supposed to be enjoyable  – don’t punish yourself by watching genres that make you queasy!)
   2. Keep an open mind… you never know you might become a telenovela addict after episode 60!
   3. Start a vocabulary diary to make a note of new and interesting words.
   4. Install apps like Language Reactor so you can see dual subtitles and make the most of seeing and hearing the language.
   5. Turn off subtitles if you are at an intermediate level and see how much language you are recognising.

Our team has compiled a list of their favourite foreign language shows below. 

Happy watching!

Spanish 

• Money Heist
• El Chapo 
• La reina del sud
• Bolivar
• Heirs to the Land

French 

• Lupin 
• Amelie 
• Family Business
• Lost Bullet (and the Lost Bullet 2)
• The Bonfire of Destiny

Chinese (Mandarin) 

• The Rise of the Phoenixes 
• Yanxi Palace
• The Yin Yang master
• Handsome Siblings

Korean 

• The Empress Ki 
• Squid Games
• Crash Landing on You 
• The Crowned Clown 
• Itaewon Class

Photo by charlesdeluvio on Unsplash

The final countdown to the 2022 World Cup is on! In less than a month, over 1 million fans will descend on Doha, Qatar for a historic sporting event that is sure to inspire football fans for decades to come.

It was eyebrow-raising, if not out-right controversial, when Qatar was announced as the host for the tournament. How could Doha, a city of less than 3 million people, possibly be able to accommodate the 2nd largest sporting tournament in the world? Where will the deluge of fans stay? How will they get around? Will it be safe?

For even the casual observer, Qatar has more than put to rest any of the above doubts: numerous residential and hospitality developments, the bold construction of an entire metro system in Doha, and a number of investments in the security sector. What’s not so apparent, though, is another huge investment Qatar has made in preparation for the games: a multi-billion-dollar investment in training. 

Here at DTG, we’ve seen the dividends that investing in your people’s skills, talents, and futures can bring, both in Doha around the globe. The audacity of Qatar to aim big, win big, and double down with a commitment to training is something that organizations of all sizes—from entire nation states to SMEs—can learn from. 

We wish Qatar all the best in Q4 this year, as it showcases to the world what you can accomplish when you set your sights high and commit yourself to training! May the best team win!

Throughout my decade of language teaching, delegates often ask me what they can do outside of our lessons to help them to learn quickly. The best answer might be to uproot their lives, move to the country where the target language is spoken, and adopt a host family, but this isn’t really feasible for most of our delegates. Instead, I put together this list of slightly more practical, everyday things you can do to level-up your language learning!

Listen to music

A truly passionate language teacher will surely share some of their favorite music with students from time to time. However, there’s no better way for a learner to engage in a little low-effort (yet high reward) extracurricular learning than to put on some music while you drive, exercise, clean your house, or relax. 

If you’re learning English, this might be pretty easy, but it can be more difficult if you’re learning a more esoteric language. However, getting a catchy song stuck in your head, hearing a phrase you recognize from class, and asking your instructor about confusing or hard to understand lyrics is a sure-fire way to extend your skills!

Watch TV

Traditionally, this advice has always been to watch movies in the target language. However, with the proliferation of online streaming services, many of the newest and most critically-acclaimed stores are not on the silver screen, but on your computer or television! Additionally, TV has many advantages for language learning over films. 

For one, TV shows can be taken in small bites. They only require 20 or 30 minutes a day (just before bed or on your lunch break at work). It’s not possible for most of my students to watch a feature length film everyday, but a short TV show is. Additionally, once you find a show you like, there’s likely to be many seasons (and even spinoffs) for you to get months and months of learning from! Compare that to films: even a perfect movie will only give you perhaps two hours of content. 

Talk to yourself

When learning to speak Italian, one of my instructors was angry that I couldn’t yet roll my “r”s properly. She gave me some of the best advice I have ever received for language learning: she told me to go walk around my university campus repeating the difficult phoneme until I could pronounce it. A few hours later (and many strange looks) and I could finally say “That’s amore!”

I continue to do this to this day. As I walk to the store in Qatar, I ask myself how I could ask in Arabic which cabbage is the best for chicken soup. I have long monologues with myself in Georgian, practicing giving my host family updates on my life. It’s been a while since I’ve spoken to a Samoan speaker, but I keep current with the other half of my personality!

Make friends who speak the language

This tip, though intuitive, can be the hardest for people. Most of us can barely make friends in our native tongues as busy, hardworking adults!

However, there are plenty of people who speak your target language, perhaps even in your town or city, who would like to become friends and perhaps start a language exchange. Even if you’re not lucky enough to live in a large, international city, foreign language speaking friends can easily be found on the internet! Get creative! Use Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or Twitter and you will be able to connect with people who are eager to share their language and culture with you. 

Do something everyday

Learning a language is a labor of love, and it’s important to be disciplined and do something in the target language daily. If you can’t squeeze in another episode of your favorite Spanish soap opera, then at least re-hash that argument with your boss in the shower in Spanish. Listen to some Fado music as you wake up in the morning, or just send a catch-up voice message to your best Chinese friend! Any sort of language stimulation will help your long-term retention of the language. 

Explore their cuisine

This is certainly my favorite tip. As the saying goes, the fastest way to people’s hearts is through their stomachs, and it also must follow that the best way to build your background knowledge of your target culture (and give you and your new foreign friends a common topic to discuss) is to explore the food! Learn the names of the dishes, the ingredients, and even the flavors and colors! If you’re especially brave, learn to cook the dishes!