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Tim Cimbura

Speaking & Entertainment

Learn a Language Like a Kid

2010-09-06 By tcimbura 1 Comment

Conan O’Brien once told a joke about a 94-year-old great-great grandmother that had become the oldest person in the world to earn a Masters degree. He said “She plans to continue her education. Everyone is excited for the 94 year old, except her student loan officer.” Seriously, you are never too old to learn something new…even a new language.

Learning a foreign language will make you feel like a kid again. It’s something new that will expand your horizons. You’ll be able to communicate with people you never could before, understand things you couldn’t, keep your brain active, and you may have a desire to travel to new places to test out your abilities.

In Europe many people speak three languages. Here in the U.S (and Minnesota)…not so much. It’s a shame. Maybe us Minnesotans would speak more languages if, for example, they spoke a different language in Wisconsin. Possibly, we’d like to speak with those people that are so nearby…unless they support the wrong football team. What if they spoke another language in Iowa? Well, most Minnesotans try not to talk with them either. So I guess that’s not a reason to learn another language. Moving on…

An ad for the language learning system called Rosetta Stone starts like this “What’s the fastest way to learn a language? ACT LIKE A BABY.” They identify three characteristics that make language-learning a success for kids that we can emulate as adults. (1) Learning starts in a immersion environment free from translation and explanations of grammar. (2) Learning accelerates through constant feedback. (3) Learning happens through play. They conclude with “A slow smile sneaks across the learner’s face after just a few screens. It’s a smile of recognition, as though the brain suddenly recalls what is was like to learn language as a child, athough it realizes, ‘Aha! I’ve done this before.'”

TIPS FOR LEARNING
Here are a few tips for learning a foreign language.

Don’t be Afraid to Try
My young daughter Arianna told me “We have to crap for Brielle.” “What?” I asked. Again she said, “We have to crap for Brielle.” I tried for clarification “Honey, What word are you saying?” “Crap for Brielle!” Then she applauded!…and I understood. Sometimes we know the words but still don’t communicate clearly. Kids are not afraid to try.

I’ve had my issues with learning French. One time I was the only American at the dinner table with a French family. At the time I knew enough French to get myself in trouble. I had my own rules for French. For example, I found that long English words are often the same in French but thay are pronounced differently. For example, “helicopter” is pronounced “hel-A-kop-tare” in French. Also, words that end in “ive” in English often end in “if” in French. For example, “massive” is “massif” in French. One older gentleman at the table was a baker and he was trying to explain something to me about the bread…that it was natural or something. So I said to him “C’est du pain, sans preservatif.”…thinking I was saying “It’s bread without any preservatives”. The entire table broke into laughter. What I really said in French was “It’s bread without condoms.” True, but not exactly what I had in mind.

Another time I had learned the words “par se que” (because) and “mai” (but) in the same day. After eating a huge dinner, I was offered more food. I thought that if I ate another bite I would explode like the man in Monty Python, so I said “C’est tres bon parse que c’est trop.” or “It’s very good BECAUSE it is too much.” I got them mixed up. Oops.

I could have let these incidents stop me from trying. Kids are much more patient in this regard because they make mistakes all the time. Learning is often a process of making mistakes and then changing what we know. In fact, making the mistake helps you remember to not make it again…or so we hope.

Talk With Kids
Not only is it easier to learn a foreign language like a child learns, but learning a foreign language is easier if you talk WITH children that speak that language natively. So you can put yourself in a situation where kids speak another language and might with you. For most Americans this might occur on a mission trip, or while volunteering in an immersion school. Here’s why it could help:
1. Kids speak slower and with simpler words and phrases.
2. It is not as intimidating to try speaking to kids as it is adults.
3. Kids are not afraid to continue speaking to you even when you don’t have a clue what they are saying.
4. Kids may not understand English and therefore you are forced to speak it for any understanding.

I remember one time I was talking to a kid in French to see how he would respond. He didn’t have a clue what I was saying. After listening and nodding in agreement for a few minutes, he said he needed to go… “I’ll talk to you later!”

Get Some Rest
Learning another language can be tiring. In fact, researchers have found that sleep boosts your ability to learn language. So…if someone ever catches you taking a nap just say “I’m trying to learn a foreign language!” Personally, I’d say adequate sleep boosts your ability to do anything well. You when you need a rest and get frustrated, take one…and pick up where you left off later. Repetition and trying lots of different ways to achieve the end is key.

While traveling alone in the Czech Republic, I had a strong desire to be understood. I would ask in Czech “Mluvíte anglicky?” (“Do you speak English?”) The common answer was “no”. The other person would ask in German (their second language) “Sprechen Sie Deutsch?” I’d reply “No” and then ask “Parlez vous Francais?” (as French is my second language). They would laugh at me as if to say “Yeah right, I’m going to speak French.” When I got tired of trying to understand Czech or German menus and saying “Nerozumím” (“I don’t understand”), I’d hit an Italian restaurant. Spaghetti and pizza are recognizable in any language…and it provided me a well deserved rest.

LANGUAGE LEARNING RESOURCES
There are many resources available for learning a language. Try any and all of them for greater success.

Audio
Lots of language resources come from England…and so learning from them can be complex. Once I was trying to learn Czech from a CD. The English made no sense. It went like this: “And now for some general queries. You’re in a large hypermarket and you want to know where the trolleys are.” What? I needed to translate the British English into English. “And now for some general questions. You’re in a large grocery store and want to know where the carts are.”

Listen to internet radio in your foreign language on Pandora.

Instant Immersion French

Books
French in 10 Minutes a Day Great book with stickers you can place on things in your house.

Phrase books can be helpful but I’ve found phrase books sometimes send you in the wrong direction. For example, one French phrase book must have been designed for wealthy travelers. It teaches you things like “Can you have my shirts cleaned and pressed?” I need phrases like “Could you remove the rat from the bathroom?” In another case, the book said I should call the waiter “Garçon!”. That didn’t work for me when I called over the distinguished waiter who was 30 years my elder by calling him literally “Boy!”.

French Language Map – Summary guide with phrases.

DVDs and Other Media
Turn on the alternate language track to watch your favorite movie in French or Spanish.

YouTube has some excellent resources including lots of kids videos of nursery rhymes and songs.

Muzzy – Great for young kids…a cartoon immersion series from the BBC. If you purchase this online, you actually get all 5 languages! (French, Italian, Spanish, German, and English)

Rosetta Stone – A great immersion system for learning a foreign language.

Mango Languages – Found at many libraries.

BBC Languages – Online help.

French in Action – The “French in Action” series is one of the best ways I’ve found to learn French language and culture. The characters in this series are very true to French life. It is an immersion course…so all you hear is French (no English) just like if you were in France. By associating movies clips, a story, and pictures to the words you see and hear, it helps you to learn visually so that you are more likely to remember the words and phrases.

There are many different packages including workbooks, textbooks, DVDs (52 episodes), etc. available from Annenberg Media that funded production of the series.

The complete French in Action DVD set is $450 through the Annenberg site, but you may be able to get it used on eBay for cheaper. You can also access the videos via the Annenberg website for free. Warning: You may find complete DVD sets available at highly reduced prices through http://completeseries.tv/french.htm or http://www.dvdhunters.com. DO NOT order from these companies! They are illegal bootleg copies of poor quality and it is impossible to reach their customer service via e-mail, chat, or phone so you are not even guaranteed the product will arrive.

Live Classes
Take a beginning class at a local community/cultural center or college. For example, our local Alliance Française offers classes in French.

Internet
Some Online French Help from About.com

Enjoy!

Filed Under: First Timing, Play, Travel

Looking for a Speaker or Entertainer?

2010-08-13 By tcimbura Leave a Comment

In case it wasn’t obvious from my web site, I’m available to come speak at your company event.

With the economy on the down side, it seems that everyone needs a pick-me-up with some encouragement and inspiration. That’s exactly what I provide with my presentation entitled “Child at Heart”. My particular brand of speaking is considered “edu-tainment” because I combine education and entertainment to make a presentation that is fun and informative. You learn while your having a great time…what a concept!

You can book an event directly with our online form. If possible, contact us as early as possible when you know about the event. That way we can help you plan the event and provide you with the help you need right away so that it can be the success you want. You also have the greatest chance of getting the date you want reserved on our busy calendar.

If we determine I’m not the right fit for your event, one of our booking agencies, Nationally Speaking, can help you find someone in your price range with the qualifications and experience to fit your needs. I’ve worked with them for several years and highly recommend their services.

Here’s my page on their site where I’m listed as a motivational speaker Tim Cimbura.

Be Awesome Today!

Filed Under: Creativity, Leadership, Rejuvenate

French and France Party Ideas

2010-08-03 By tcimbura Leave a Comment

After spending 6 months of my life in France in and among the real people and culture, I put together the following ideas to help you in hosting a French-themed party here in the US.

DECORATIONS

French theme decorations might be the color of the flag of France: Red, White, and Blue. Get a big map of France map of France and posters of various places in France. The Eiffel Tower and the Arch of Triumph are always welcome.

ENTERTAINMENT

In Paris you’ll find the performing arts such as magicians, jugglers, etc. Hire Tim Cimbura to entertain you with strolling magic or a complete show at your party and he’ll even include some French in the act getting your party-goers involved in the fun. This is a great way to really make your party unique.

Lots of movies on DVD have French language tracks. Pick one and watch it with French language and English subtitles. Some French themed American movies that are funny are: French Kiss, Madeline, and most recently Ratatouille.

MEDIA – DVDs and MUSIC

Play some traditional French accordion music in the background. Watch the incredible French countryside from the air with Visions of France. Get the tour with Samantha Brown in Passport to France. Learn the French language a bit.

Have fun ordering some real French reading material from Amazon.com in France. They will ship it to you! (Note: You need to be able to read French.)

WHAT TO WEAR

You can get a little corny with the outfits. A beret is always important. The French wear a lot of black and leather compared to Americans. Try a T-shirt or baseball cap to show l’espirit de France.

FOOD

Crepes (like thin pancakes) are a fun and versatile French food. You can buy them pre-made and heat them up or make your own. They can be made sweet with bananas, Nutella, strawberries, jelly, etc. or salty with ham, swiss cheese, etc. like a sandwich. The whole meal can be crepes.

Crepe Recipe – 7 crepes ready in 15 minutes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 egg, 2 cups milk

Combine ingredients in mixing bowl. Heat a large skillet or crepe pan over medium-high heat. Spray pan with non-stick cooking spray. Pour about 1/3 cup of batter into the pan. Lift the pan and turn it by rotating your wrist spreading a PAPER THIN amount of batter in the pan. Flip the crepe when it starts to bubble. When crepe is finished cooking, remove and repeat this process with the remaining batter.

Popular French Foods

  • French Bread: Brioche and baguettes
    Get King’s Hawaiian bread and put Nutella on it for a pretty close approximation to a French pastry.
  • Croissants, crepes, and eclairs
  • Truffles and tarts
  • Quiche and pizzettes
  • Cheeses and Fondue
  • Wine (or substitute non-alcoholic Catawba Juice)
  • Fancy Yogurts that are not fat free

Other French Food Ideas

  • French crepe recipes
  • French food and cooking help
  • French food and drink
  • Appetizers

In the Minneapolis area, here are some food places and restaurants to try for ideas:

  • Cub Foods carries incredible French bread from The New French Bakery. This bread is as authentic as you can get in the states. Just like in France, you’re more likely to find the bread fresh in the morning. Get a bageutte. Cut in half and then thirds and you can freeze it. Take a slice out and pop it in the toaster oven for a moment and you have piping hot French bread fresh any day.
  • Next to Tucci Benucch there is a crepe stand at the Mall of America (W114)
    Try the ham and cheese for your meal and banana Nutella crepe for dessert.
  • Patrick’s French Bakery, Southdale Square, 2928 66th St. W., Richfield , MN 55423-1939
    Lovely French bakery and cafe in a suburban strip mall: croissants,  bread,  pastries,  cakes, sandwiches, soups, and quiche. 612-861-7570

GENERAL IDEAS

  • Check out my France travel ideas blog post
  • Some good ideas at this French bistro outdoor party site
  • Hold your celebration on July 14 or Bastille Day (like our Independence Day)
  • Give everyone a name tag with a French name and use it during the party.
  • Take a French culture test and give a prize to the winner
  • Get a French font to create your invitations

Filed Under: First Timing, Travel

Trumpet Players

2010-08-01 By tcimbura Leave a Comment

I love music. My grandmother was a piano teacher and so I began playing piano when I was 5 years old. Then I played trumpet and along the way picked up drums. My primary instrument is the trumpet and I played for many years with our church. My primary styles I enjoy playing are jazz, dixieland, big band, and funk.

I’ve seen Doc Severinsen…
Maynard Ferguson…
Phil Driscoll…
and recently Chris Botti with Michael Buble and Katharin McPhee…
but this is amazing…

Tine Helseth (I’ve not seen many women trumpet players.)
Toyota Robot plays Over the Rainbow…

Enjoy…

Filed Under: Play, Uncategorized

Enthusiasm

2010-07-28 By tcimbura 1 Comment

Last week our girls attended vacation Bible school. For five days they had a blast making new friends and learning. I was amazed at how much they learned and so quickly. They performed some of their songs for us and knew almost all the words and the actions that went with each one.

The biggest thing I noticed was their enthusiasm. It’s beyond cute. It moved me so much to see it because they don’t fully know the meaning behind the words they’re singing, but they sing it with all their hearts.

“To laugh much; to win respect of intelligent persons and the affections of children; … to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give one’s self; to leave the world a little better, ….; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm, and sung with exultation; … –this is to have succeeded.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“If you aren’t fired with enthusiasm, you will be fired with enthusiasm.” – Vince Lombardi

Filed Under: Dance, Play

Child at Heart on Facebook

2010-07-28 By tcimbura Leave a Comment

The Official Child at Heart group on Facebook is for everyone that believes in living life with a youthful spirit…one that is Child-LIKE but not Child-ISH. Living with a “Child at Heart” spirit is about inciting wonder in a way that compels us to recapture the qualities we once had as kids and ignite a new passion for living leading to personal success at home, at work and in life.

I agree to practice the seven secrets to being a “Child at Heart”:
1. Activate my imagination…leading to creativity
2. Be quick to laugh
3. Experience things for the first time…Rejuvenate
4. Live in the Present…Play More
5. Look Up for Perspective
6. Believe the Impossible is Possible
7. Be Daring

As a result of this change in attitude and activities, I will experience the following benefits:
* Lower stress and better health.
* More fun. Work becomes play.
* Help and hope in tough times.
* More friends, stronger relationships, and community.
We need this more now than ever.

The main message of “Child at Heart” is this: By learning from the qualities of children, and bringing back some of those qualities we originally possessed when we were kids, we can live more successful and fulfilled lives by improving our leadership abilities, our relationship satisfaction, and our overall enjoyment of the life we live. At its core being a “child at heart” is about embracing and bringing back what we knew and how we acted when we were young for all our life.

Join the Child at Heart community today! It’s free and fun.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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