Body Language Signs of Attraction - 3 Reliable Signs That Someone is Attracted to You

The body betrays what is inside our hearts and our minds. No wonder a lot of people have dedicated their whole lives to studying body Language. Over the years, these experts have come up with many ways that a person can interpret non-verbal expressions. One of the more popular examples is body Language signs of attraction.

Attraction has always been a hot topic among males and females. You're probably wondering what it is that might give you away or what it is that reveals a person's feelings for you. If you're ready to find out, read on for body Language signs of attraction.

1) Crossed Legs Pointing Towards You

Most people don't notice it, but their legs naturally gravitate towards the people they like or are interested in. Lucky for you, this is something easily observed.

The next time you find yourself conversing with the person in question, check out which direction their crossed leg is pointed at. If it's pointed towards you, allow yourself a small smile of victory. But if it's not in your favor, don't think of the worst. Check out the other body language signs of attraction below for other hints.

2) Small Grooming Gestures

One way to tell when someone is interested is in how often they groom themselves when you two are together. The gesture could be as simple as adjusting the tie or tucking a strand of hair behind the ear. These may be small things but they mean a lot.

You have to be extra observant though or you won't catch the person in question doing any of these at all. After all, how long does it take for a person to touch their hair? If you blink, you might miss it.

3) Gazing Back and Forth

The beauty about body language signs of attraction is that it is mainly an unconscious reaction. People don't realize that they're doing it so you can observe them more freely.

One sign you can look at is when a person gazes at you every once in a while. This is definitely a sign of interest from the other person. You can actually catch them in the act if you so wish!

Body language signs of attraction are easy enough to interpret. You don't need to overanalyze every detail of a person's movements. All you have to do is observe key gestures that will reveal more or less a person's feelings towards you.

Flirting Body Language

If you want to succeed at attracting women, lose the pick-up lines are out and learn how to use flirting body Language. Communication experts tell us that most meaning is conveyed by body Language, not words. Here are some reasons why this seduction tool is so powerful.

To begin, you can flirt with a woman from the other side of a room with little risk just by showing her you're interested. Second, a woman will feel more comfortable talking to a guy who's already showing signs of being interested. Third, if you get a positive response to your flirting you know you can proceed with less chance of rejection. So how can you use flirting body language signals to communicate to women that you're a single guy who's out to interact and have fun? Here are three tips.

Maintain an Available Stance

While it's true that women are more aware of body language, even guys can interpret some signals intuitively. For example, if a guy is sitting at a bar focusing on his drink, you don't need to be a body language expert to sense that this guy wants to be left alone. Most of us would decide that someone siting like that isn't interested in socializing. if you're interested in meeting woman, that's a posture to avoid.

You have to face the crowd even if you're alone.

An upright posture gives off the most positive message. Make brief eye contact with women who happen to look your way. There's a bit of timing with this. Lock eyes for a moment or two then look away.

Also maintain a friendly and open demeanor if a woman happens to walk past. Just smile and say hello but don't try to strike up a conversation. Using this type of open and friendly body language is a solid flirting foundation.

Use a Flirting Classic

Winking may sound a little old fashioned, but there's a reason it's a classic flirting move - it works. However you have to do it right or you can come off a little bit creepy. It's simple to do it right, but a lot of guys mess up. Here's the tip: make eye contact,smile before you wink, wink, then break eye contact. If you are with a group of friends you can simply return to their conversation.

This works well where it would be awkward to approach a woman more directly. This could happen if she's engaged in a conversation already or sitting with a group. By winking, you've made her curious and more likely to be interested in meeting you later. For that matter, some women will come over to chat with you almost immediately

Use Head Tilt

Let's face it: most people's favorite subject is themselves and they respond positively to someone who is interested in them. You can use body language to create this strong non-verbal message by tilting your head as a woman speaks to you. A head tilt is a posture of interest.

Of course, it's also useful to note if she tilts her head as you talk.

All these body language cues help when you want to establish rapport with women.

There is another very important use of body language. As you may have heard, women are attracted to "Alpha" males. That is, men who radiate leadership and confidence. This is very powerful knowledge because this attraction is biologic in origin. It stems from our genetic history when a woman needed a strong male to protect her in a physically dangerous world. As much as culture and society has changed, the basic biology has not. Women are still attracted to Alpha males whether they admit it or not.

The good news for you is that any man can learn to radiate alpha characteristics that women find irresistible.

Body Language Explained - The Importance of a Smile in Body Language

OK, so how do you think you would look after having body Language explained? Lots of people think that a smile means a lot in seduction, business, family life, etc. And guess what? They are right. And to be able to control your smile means knowing when and how to use it. To know how to smile with love when your mother's has cooked you pancakes or whatever your favorite food is, or to smile with lust as you lick your fingers after you've eaten those pancakes, or to smile ironically, sarcastically, the whole range of smiles.

And if you do not understand what I'm talking about, let me just ask you something. Have you ever seen someone laughing so bad he barely can stand? Did you ever thought even for a moment that you can go to a girl and laugh just like that person? Probably, and certainly you don`t have a bad smile if you just take a moment and study your smile in the mirror.

And now comes the best part from this article about body Language explained. Did you ever see a child of 3-4 years old who is hiding behind his mother's skirt and smile at you? You can see only his eyes, his mouth is hidden in the folds of the skirt, but you see that he is smiling. And the question that we ask ourselves is: is the smile actually a movement of lips?

Body language explained includes also different types of smile (ironic, sarcastically, funny, etc.) which are obtained from the movement of the lips. The smile is also obtained from movement of cheeks, eyebrows and eyelids around the eyes.

All these being said, we have to understand that we do not laugh with our mouth, but with our eyes. And who doesn't believe me, can do the following exercise: sit in front of the mirror with a Book in hand, smile, then put the Book in such a way so you can cover your nose and so you can see only your eyes. Now close your lips, bring the corners of the mouth down, meaning get your mouth at a rest position and try to do all these without moving your eyes.

Then get rid of the book and if your face still express a smile, then it would be a good idea to study all this because you have potential and you didn't need to read this article about body language explained..If not, then practice until you succeed because this is a major issue. Do you think fat people or the ones that don`t know how to dance don`t get laid? Wrong. Only sad people usually don`t get laid. And do you have any idea why is that so?

Exactly, the meaning of all this article about body language explained, means exactly that. Smile is of great importance.

Reading Female Body Language Signals - 5 Hot Body Language Signs of Female Attraction

If you want to know how a woman thinks and feels at any situation, then reading female body Language signals is crucial. Whether you're inviting a woman to a date, or you're already in a relationship, you can find out what she's thinking or feeling at any moment if you're adept in reading female body Language signs.

Here are 5 hot and reliable signs to know if a woman is attracted to you.

# 1 - The Eyes

If her eyes are dilated or widely opened, that means she's interested or may even be sexually attracted to you.

Here's another way to find out if she likes you. Notice if she looks at you longer-than-usual, glances her eyes away for a while (she may look down or on her sides), and then looks at you again. If she does this repeatedly (especially with a smile on her face), then she's very attracted to you.

When a woman is excited to see you, you might also notice her eyebrows rise unconsciously.

# 2 - The Lips

You'll know if a woman fancies you by reading her lips. Some female body Language signals that indicate attraction include wetting or massaging her lips with her tongue, softly biting them, and putting on lipstick.

# 3 - The Legs

If she consistently crosses and uncrosses her legs, then this is a clue that she likes you. If she's massaging and/or exposing her thighs while crossing and uncrossing, then this is a very clear sign of attraction.

However, if she crosses her legs tightly and for a long time, she might be indicating defensiveness. She may be signaling that she's "closed" from any potential sexual encounters.

# 4 - The Knees

You can tell if a girl's interested in you by looking at her knees. If they're facing you, then that's a good sign of attraction. If she turns her other body parts towards you as if she wants to focus her attention solely on you, then you just hit the jackpot.

If her knees are pointing towards directions other than yours, then this indicates her disinterest; hence, she wants to get out of the current situation. Reading this female body language signal is vital so you won't keep on pursuing her if she's not interested anymore.

# 5 - The Hands

If a woman touches you, then this is a very reliable sign of attraction. Notice that she may not touch you in an obvious manner. She may touch your arm to prove a point or come up with reasons to dust your shirt. But you know better!

Isn't it fascinating how you can decode what a woman is feeling or thinking by simply reading female body language signals? Now you can do away with the guessing game and start focusing on your romantic adventures.

Why Learning About the Culture Is Important in Foreign Language Learning

Many people think that learning a foreign Language consists of grammar and pronunciation. However, in order to truly become proficient with the Language, you must know and understand the culture. Discussed below are some of the reasons why learning about culture is important in foreign Language learning.

First and foremost, Language is culture. In order to speak the language conversationally, you must understand the cultural associations attached to different words and phrases. This allows you to be able to think in that language, rather than simply translate what is being said to you. When you can actually think in a language, you will likely be able to converse easily in that language.

When teachers include instruction about the culture in their foreign language courses, students' proficiency improves greatly. Rather than simply regurgitating sentences and phrases back to the teacher, they become immersed in the language. They understand why a certain phrase is being used during conversation.

Teaching students a language without teaching the culture behind it leaves students lacking the social aspect of conversing in the language. Without knowing why you use a certain phrase in a social setting as opposed to a formal setting can cause some serious faux pas when conversing with locals. It is often said that language is the soul of a country. The everyday language of a country is laced with some of the culture of that country. This is why to become truly proficient in conversational speaking of a specific language, you must know about the culture of the country it comes from

Reading Female Body Language - A Guide to Female Flirting and Women's Body Language

Body Language can be everything. You see her from across the room. She gives you a head tilt and smile. This is one of the classic female body Language clues. The head tilt offers submissiveness (like a wolf baring its throat to the Alpha) and the smile is an alluring and reassuring invitation. She wants you to make an approach and is willing to accept your lead. To learn more clues about female flirting, read on.

Ways to read female body Language: the hair

The most obvious technique is a woman's hair. A woman's hair often defines her as a woman; it is a fairly common cultural thing. Many women will also use their hair in flirting and also unconsciously use it in their body Language to indicate desire for attention and flirting. The first way is the head toss, which readjusts her hair. Since hair length and beauty is often seen as a primary trait of womanhood and beauty, by doing this she is saying, "look at me, aren't I beautiful" Another clue is playing with her hair. If she is putting it behind her ears, she is baring her throat (again, submissive). If she is twirling her hair, it is a sign of nervousness and could mean she is scared of saying something wrong and losing your interest.

Girls body language clues

Another big clue is what she is doing with her hands. Women often externalize what they are wanting inside to objects they play with their hands, when they are nervous. If she is rubbing her finger or an object (say a pen or a swizzle stick) around her lips, this shows that she desires to be kissed. If she is rubbing her hands or fingers up and down an object slowly (like a glass) this indicates that she wants to be similarly rubbed or stroked.

The Different Types of Figurative Language

Used right, they can give your writing a fresh angle, apart from helping you compare, emphasize or clarify specific thoughts. Make sure you know each type so that you may employ them in your own work.

Metaphor. Metaphors is a figure of speech expressed by comparing two things, saying that one is the other. It is a comparison of two things that do not use "like" or "as." It's highly effective because of the very indirect manner by which it communicates its message, provided the rest of your writing is capably put together (with the help of a complete writing software).

Simile. Like metaphors, they allow you to compare unlike things. However, they use a more traditional method, employing comparisons that use connectors, such as "like" and "as."

Synecdoche. This type of figurative Language uses a part of something to refer to the whole, specify a class of thing used to refer a larger or more general class. Examples include referring to a businessman as a "suit," to money as "paper" and your car as "wheels."

Hyperbole. Frequently employed in humorous writing, this entails exaggerating or overstating a fact for effect or used to evoked strong feelings or impressions. For an example, check out all the "Yo' mamma" jokes.

Pun. Puns are play on words and is the device frequently used for knock-knock jokes.

Personification. In this form of figurative Language, an abstract object or concept is represented as a person, such as when a singer refers to his "car" as a "she."

Language in the Philippines

The Philippines is a multi-lingual country. Its rich history and highly segregated demography have allowed for the development of several dialects.

The national Language of the Philippines is Filipino or Tagalog. The Language was originally called "Pilipino" but was changed in 1989 to its current name by virtue of an act in Philippine Congress. It is the most popular of the almost 170 native Languages spoken within the country. It is the language mostly spoken by the inhabitants of Luzon.

Three centuries ago, the official language of the country was Spanish. This was mainly due to the rule of Spanish colonizers. By the 1900's, during the American occupation, the national language became English. This was the language used in education and media. However, Spanish was still recognized as a language of the country and was even reaffirmed in the 1935 Philippine Constitution.

The same constitution paved the way for the development of the Philippines' own language. It was a Philippine president named Manuel Quezon, who led the initiative to select a national language for the country. In the year 1937, Tagalog was officially declared as the country's national language.

To further classify Philippine languages, academicians have subdivided these into three major groupings. The first one is the Northern Philippine languages that are spoken mainly in Northern Luzon. The next is the Meso Philippine language that includes languages spoken by people in Central Luzon. Languages under this grouping are among the most widespread. Meanwhile, those spoken in the southern region of the country belong to the Southern Philippine language grouping. Many of these languages show the influence of Sanskrit, Arabic and Indonesian words.

Today, the Philippine constitution recognizes two official languages: Filipino and English, with the former declared the national language. However, there are still other sub-languages that can be rightfully called dialects. These include Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Kapampangan and Bikol. All these languages belong to the Malayo-Polynesian branch of the Austronesian language family.

Is Japanese Language Difficult to Learn?

The answer is "yes" and "no". Yes, because, first of all, the Japanese Language has a few sounds with five standard vowels and simple pronunciation scheme; syllables are formed by a single vowel or a consonant-vowel combination. For the grammar, there are few exceptions to its rules, and restrictions on sentence structure are not severe.

The Japanese Language is considered difficult by many due to the mixture of different types of characters, namely, kanji characters, hiragana characters, katakana characters and Roman letters; the most difficult one is kanji. There are about 3,000 commonly used kanji characters including the 1,945 "daily use characters", and 46 hiragana and katakana characters each.

One aspect of the Language that makes it difficult for foreigners to grasp quickly is the presence of many words which are pronounced the same but have different meanings. For example; hana can be "flower" or "nose", ame for "rain" or "candy". Knowing kanji helps in this aspect of learning as each of these words can be easily recognized by kanji.

Cultural Considerations

Another feature which makes the learning of Japanese difficult yet interesting is the fact that the way Japanese is spoken differs depending on whether the speaker is a man or a woman, and adult or a child. Can you imagine, for instance, how strange a male foreign speaker, especially a big macho-looking man, sounds, if he speaks Japanese which he has picked up informally from Japanese lady's speaking?

What is even more troublesome is that the speaker must choose his words considering the relationship between himself and the person he is speaking to or speaking about. The barriers between the speaker and the listener/person in the topic are mostly created by familiarity between two people, age and position in society. The more unfamiliar you are to the listener, and the younger you are, and the lower your social status is, the more your speech becomes formal. The reverse is the informal speech. One example is that there are numerous words meaning "I" and each speaker refers to himself using the one what is most appropriate for his situation. Besides, these situational differences can be accentuated by the body language; custom of bowing (45 degree in general), space between two speakers, eye contact, etc., which projects the cultural aspect of the Japanese society.

In general, the Japanese are notorious for being a poor speaker of foreign language. Therefore, they appreciate the foreigners' learning Japanese. Their typical response to foreigners' speaking even a little Japanese is "Joozu desu ne!"; "Your Japanese is good!" Thus, knowing a little Japanese can go a long way, not only in communication, but captivating the heart of Japanese.

Ganbatte! (Hang in there!)

Do You Speak Another Language?

Do you speak another Language? Would you like to learn another Language? Many of us live in neighborhoods where we could not carry on a simple conversation with our neighbors if we didn't take the time to learn Spanish or French or Italian.

Our country is one of the most diverse countries in the world. Almost every nationality has some representation here. The news channels like to harp about illegal immigration, and I agree the illegals should strive to become naturalized citizens. But, what about those that are US citizens? Why should we not recognize them as what they are? Hard working people that come to America to improve their way of living. Can we really blame them? Who wouldn't want to live in the greatest country on the face of the earth? Learning to speak some of their Languages will only enhance our relationships as they strive to learn our Language, too.

When you learn to speak a second language you will increase your chances of moving up the corporate ladder as well. Businesses today have gone global. It is not uncommon for corporations to have branches in many different countries. These businesses are constantly searching for bilingual individuals to fill important positions. The money paid to those capable of speaking two, three or more languages is phenomenal.

Natural emergencies have brought the need for speaking a second language into focus. Recently, a tornado outbreak in the midwest had local emergency management officials pleading for any one who could speak Spanish. Communications had become hectic because too few EMT's had bothered to learn Spanish.

Your own community has ethnic groups still struggling to learn our language. What would you be able to do in case of an emergency. Do you speak another language that would allow you to help? This year's increase in severe storms, the threat of terrorist attacks, an earth quake or any other natural disaster are just a few reasons to consider learning another language.

Of course, you don't need a disaster as a reason to learn. The feeling of pride you will have once you master a second language will never be matched. Why not decide today to learn to speak another language. If you can afford a private tutor, great! If not, there are several affordable courses available online and they will let you learn at your own pace at home.

Would you like to speak another language? As my father told me about numerous situations, you are not going to learn any younger! Get started today.

Learn American Sign Language - Easy To Learn And Useful To Know

Many people find sign Language fascinating. While other Languages take years to learn, American Sign Language can be taught in a much shorter time period. It is one of the easiest languages to learn because most of the signs were developed to mimic the actual word or phrase it is representing. Even the alphabet signs look like the letters of the English alphabet. It is a very useful language to learn and one of the simplest to master.

People choose to learn American Sign Language for many reasons. Some have a loved one who is deaf and they want to be able to communicate. Others want to be able to communicate to deaf people that they work with or go to church with. Many wish to become more involved in the deaf community. No matter what your motives, the Learn American Sign Language program from Rocket Sign Language is simple, quick, and effective.

Would you like to become an interpreter for the deaf? The Learn American Sign Language program will help you quickly and easily acquire the skills needed to be eligible for a position as an interpreter. Even if being an interpreter is not your goal, knowing sign language is a huge asset on your resume. Many employers will pay you more if you know another language, and sign language is one of the most useful languages to know.

Many people desire to learn American Sign Language as a ministry outreach of their church. Others wish to become full time missionaries to the deaf community. Maybe you just want to be able to share your faith with people who have a hearing loss. By completing the Learn American Sign Language program, you will be on your way to the ministry of your choice in less time than you think.

ASL, or American Sign Language, can trace its roots back to Italy and France. There was a form of signing going on over there, but it was very complicated and involved. In America there was a large deaf community in Martha's Vineyard and they developed a language that was originally called 'Chilmark Sign Language' after the town where the deaf community lived. This was later tweaked and modernized to become what is known today as ASL.

Learning American Sign Language is a very useful thing to do. It can help you personally and professionally as well as giving you a sense of accomplishment. The easiest way to learn ASL is to take the Learn American Sign Language program. You will not regret it!

CLICK HERE to Learn more about American Sign Language.

15 Filipina Dating Phrases in Cebuano Language

Do you want to date a Filipina woman from the Philippines? If she lives in Cebu Island, one of the Visayas Islands, or in Mindanao Island, then your Filipina woman is a Cebuana or a Bisaya.

"Cebuana" is a term used for Filipina girls and Filipina women who grew up and recognize Cebu as their province. While "Bisaya" is a general term used for people living in most of the other Visayas islands and Mindanao Island.

Cebu is one of the provinces of the Philippines. Cebu Island is a typical tropical island with narrow coastlines, limestone plateaus, and coastal plains. Cebuano is the native Language spoken by the inhabitants of Cebu, Bohol, eastern part of Negros island, western parts of Leyte and Biliran islands, and southern third of Masbate island. It is also spoken in a few towns and islands in Samar. Cebuano has the most number of native speakers than Tagalog. In Bohol Island, the people are Boholanos and the local Language is Bol-anon.

The Language spoken throughout the most of Mindanao Island is known as Bisaya. Bisaya Language is very similar to Cebuano language and is spoken by many people in Mindanao Island.

There are many beautiful Filipina women, calling themselves as "Cebuanas" living in Cebu. So, how do you court a Filipina Cebuana woman? There are many different ways of course, and Filipina Cebuanas are no different from other Filipina women. They want to be wooed and courted with gifts and loving phrases.

Here are some Filipina dating phrases in the Cebuano language. You can use it to court the Filipina Cebuana woman who lives in Cebu!

These Filipina dating phrases are the same phrases you can also use to court Filipina Bisaya women living in most of Mindanao, particularly in Northern Mindanao, Central Mindanao and Southern Mindanao. You can find many beautiful Filipina Bisaya women from Mindanao who are beautiful, educated, and much more old fashioned in their ways than the Filipina Cebuana women.

1) I like you - "Gusto ka nako"

2) I like you very much - "Nakagusto jud ko sa imo"

3) I have a crush on you - "Naka-crush ko sa imo"

4) Take care - "Pag-amping"

5) You take care - "Mag-amping ka ha"

6) I think about you - "Nag-hunahuna ko sa imo"

7) I think about you all the time - "Pirme ko gahunahuna sa imo"

8) I dream about you - "Nagdamgo ko sa imo"

9) I miss you - "Miss nako ka"

10) I miss you very much - "Miss na miss jud nako ka"

11) I am in love you - "Gihigugma ko ikaw"

12) You are the only one I love - "Ikaw lang ang akong gihigugma"

13) I love you - "Nahigugma ko nimo"

14) I love you very much - "Gugmahan kaayo ko nimo"

15) I want to marry you - "Gusto nako ka pakaslan"

The Cebuano language or Bisaya language can have many other versions and different arrangements of the words used, but the meaning is the same. Each version depends on the situation of the moment the endearment is spoken. But these Filipina dating phrases can give you plus points to the Filipina woman you are interested with! Knowing the local Filipino language is one way to win her Filipina heart!

Why Language Classes Fail

Do you remember your high school or college Spanish? Do you remember how much time and effort you put into each class? My guess is that the answers are No and Yes, in that order. So why don't you remember what you learned in the classes? Why did you spend so much time on something that you would so easily forget? Language classes do work for some people, but the majority seem to have a very short retention span, here is why.

1) Too much theory, not enough practice. You spend so much time focusing on which word to use and how to pronounce it that you don't get any practice actually using the Language in real conversations. You can read all the passages from a Book that you want, but unless you actually try to talk to someone you will probably forget what you read.

2) Classes just aren't your style. The style of the class usually depends on how the instructor learns things, not how the students do. If you find an instructor that changes their approach to fit the students needs, keep taking classes from them. This is very rare, as most will teach the same curriculum over and over without changing their course to meet the changing needs of the students. Figure out your learning style, then find the course or product that best suites that style.

3) The people around you don't speak Spanish. In a Spanish class you will most likely be surrounded by people that don't speak Spanish. That is why you are all there, which is great - but it doesn't help you learn Spanish, which is why you paid for the class in the first place. If you can, I recommend that you take the basic class and the advanced class at the same time. You probably won't do very well in the more advanced course the first time around, but you will be surrounded by people that know more Spanish that you do. This will force you to play catch up, which is a great motivator for learning.

4) The class ends. What happens when the class ends? You go back to your normal life, and you may or may not take the next highest level of Spanish. Eventually you end up taking the last class, and unless you take it to the next level by hanging around people who speak Spanish all the time you will eventually forget what you learned.

Spanish Language Games - Where to Find Them

Like many parents, you want what is best for your child. And one thing that you have realized, is that we live in a fast world. We live in the 21st century. With modernization, growing immigration and job opportunities all over the world, you understand that anyone who speaks more than one Language has a serious advantage over everybody else. But in this consumer-oriented world, it is often difficult to find the right product, without any fear of being scammed, or worse, frauded.

There is just so many options offered all over the web that it is rough to make a thought out decision on where to look for the best software games to buy to your child. Don't worry, I've been there too, and I have found some reliable options.

If you are searching for learn Spanish kids games, I am happy to tell you that there are some well done courses, created by professional teachers, available for a reasonable price on the web. One disclaimer thought, if you are searching for learn Spanish for children free games then I will disappoint you: there is nothing reliable on the web.

Sure there might be some free Spanish games on the web, but none of them are quality products from a pedagogic point of view. So if you are looking for a good online children Spanish software game, you should consider a reasonably priced paid option made professional teachers who have the success of their students in mind. There are a few of those programs on the web.

Benefit of Learning English As a Second Language Online

If you are moving to an English-speaking country or are going to be a foreign exchange student, you will need to acquire extensive English speaking and writing skills in order to communicate effectively. Learning English as a second Language (ESL) can be easy with an online course program that lets you complete activities and exercises at your own pace, practice pronunciation and take part in in-depth learning tutorials that improve your skills. Here are some of the primary benefits of learning English as a second Language online:

1. Flexible learning format. When you choose to learn English as a second Language online, you can take advantage of a flexible learning format and ongoing class schedules. These allow you to work at your own pace and work through the activities and quizzes on your own schedule. Some online class formats do have a set schedule with lectures and presentations, but the majority are 'open form' classes where you can download materials and work through them on your own time.

2. Easy access to tutorials and reference materials. When you register for an English as a second language online program, you will be given access to a large library of tutorials and reference materials to supplement your education. These resources may include lesson plans, printable worksheets, PowerPoint presentations or even online videos.

3. Advanced pronunciation tutorials. While most online tutorials are designed with audio files that are embedded into the lesson plan, an English as a second language online course structure may have step by step tutorials that will help you improve your pronunciation. This goes beyond a simple audio file of a single word, and may include complete conversation and sentence pronunciation tutorials so that you can speak English just like a native speaker.

4. Reading comprehension activities. In addition to basic vocabulary building and grammar activities, an English as a second language online course program will include reading comprehension activities that allow you to understand new meanings, expressions and vocabulary words in different contexts. This is important when learning the English language because it exposes you to different uses of common words and phrases.

5. Essay writing skill development. Even though you will be completing your activities and lessons in an online environment, you can also submit essays for review and communicate directly with a native English-speaking teacher. This will give you a chance to practice your word and grammar usage and get immediate feedback on your work.

6. Video conferencing opportunities. Some online courses are offered through colleges and universities equipped with video conferencing software. This allows you to learn English as a second language with direct communication with an instructor or other students.

There are many benefits of learning English as a second language online, and with today's innovative online learning platforms, you won't be compromising the quality of your learning because of the reduced 'face-time' with an instructor. Some online courses are designed with video presentations, interactive tutorials and allow you to communicate directly with the teacher or other students so that you can learn as much as possible at a rapid rate.

Language and Emotions

Feelings and emotions are immaterial entities that we express through words. The terms we use are loaded with positive, neutral or negative meanings. A rich vocabulary of words to describe feelings is characteristic to emotionally intelligent persons because they are very good at communicating what they experience at the emotional level. They create an entire linguistic context when describing their emotions, Compare "I feel pretty yucky" to "I feel discouraged after trying to get his attention three times already". The advantages of using a complex and good emotional vocabulary reside in the fact that you better express yourself, you make yourself clear about your feelings and you enable the others to comprehend what you mean. Thus, your needs are more likely to be met.

The following activity is a good exercise to associate emotions with words. Use the list below:

aggressive, aggravated; alienated; amused; angry; annoyed; anxious; apathetic; appalled; awed; bashful; blissful; bored; cautious; cheerful' confident;confused;curious;
delighted; depressed; determined; disappointed;discouraged; disgusted; ecstatic; elated; embarrassed; enthusiastic; envious; excited; exhausted; fearful; frightened; frustrated;
glad; guilty; happy; helpless; hopeful; hostile; humiliated; hurt; hysterical; interested; jealous; joyous; lonely; loved; love-struck; miserable; negative; optimistic; paranoid; peaceful; proud; puzzled; regretful;
relieved; sad; satisfied; shocked; sorry; sure; surprised; suspicious; undecided; withdrawn.
Once you have reviewed the list, here are the things you should do:

Write down in your noteBook every emotion you've felt over the course of your life;
Write down a "+" next to each emotion you consider positive, a "-" next to every one you think negative and a "0" next to the ones that are neutral.
Using a scale from 1 to 10, rate each emotion in what intensity is concerned, 1 being the scale for minimal, 5 for average, and 10 for extreme.
Calculate the total number of emotions that you have experienced and write it down.
Add the positive emotions, then the negative and neutral ones, writing the results in your noteBook.
Compare your number of negative versus positive emotions.
After the comparison, you will find out what type of emotions prevails in your life. Calculate the average intensity of the positive and negative emotions and compare them. The wider the range of emotional experiences is, the richer your life is. You can accurately perceive, label and empathize with the others if you are able to describe and acknowledge your emotions.

Sexual Body Language Signals for Men

What are some sexual body Language signals and how can men use their body Language to attract more women? Good looking women know in a second or two if a man is worth a moment of their time. They are looking for a sexual attractive, confident man.

I feel most women make a decision unconsciously about whether the man is a real man or not. I feel that these unconscious decisions are based on feelings that are based on the mans body language and tone of his voice.

If you are not naturally a men that attracts women like flies then you need to learn these body language skills.

Most men look at what words and pick up lines they say to a women. They focus on techniques that are not really that important. In fact it is far more important in how you say your words and the tone and body language used. I feel you can learn these skills but most men could not be bothered and then complain about a lack of success in dating.

What area the three most important Body Language Signals to create attraction in a woman?

The first is essential and you should use your body language signal with holding her eye contact longer than she does. If a women looks at you, hold her eye contact until she looks away. If you look away first, you are making a huge mistake and you are communicating weakness. You must show in the first contact that you have no fear. If you have fear of holding her eyes then you fail big time.

I suggest to go to a busy shopping centre and hold the eyes of every women that looks at you until they look away. This can be challenging to some men but the rewards of inner growth in your self confidence are great.

Learn to use a very confident posture in your body language. Feel totally self confident and your body language will take on this quality. Push out your chest a little and stand tall. Take up more room with your body language posture. Women want a real man not a Wuss. Learn to use more slow movements and gestures. This takes practice, because when we are nervous, we tend to talk too fast and with a higher tone.

Use cool slow movements and do not make nervous gestures. Look in a James bond movie for tips. Feel totally comfortable in your skin and feel totally powerful. Imagine this if it is not true.

Use a deeper, slower body language voice tone. Learn to speak deeper from our belly and speak slower. Try this and you will find women day your voice is sexy and it turns them on. Try to add more base to your voice. Also pause more as this make you sound more content.

The English Language in the Philippines

When planning to visit the Philippines, one might be a bit anxious or even nervous because Filipino (Tagalog) is the national Language of the Philippines. However, it might be a relief to know that English is regarded as the country's second Language, therefore one will find that many Filipinos can speak and understand English. For the most part, English speaking tourists do not have to worry that a Language barrier may cause problems during their vacation. That being said, it will still be to ones benefit to also learn (Filipino) Tagalog, which is the national language.

The use and influence of the English language in the Philippines can be attributed to the American influence in the Philippines because for a time the Philippines was colonized by America. Today in the Philippines, American influence can be seen in everyday life in such things as food, the music that is listened to, and the programs on television. Moreover, American products are widely available.

The English language in the Philippines is often used along with Tagalog. As a result you will find that people mix English with Tagalog. This is commonly called Taglish.

English is also the primary medium of instruction in the country in elementary school, high school, college, and beyond. Almost all the subjects are discussed in English, with the exception of the Filipino subject, which is taught in the Filipino language.

There are schools that encourage students to express themselves in English while on campus and whenever talking to those in authority. In some families, parents teach their children at an early age to speak and use English in everyday conversations.

In the Philippine islands different languages are spoken, therefore, Filipinos who travel to another region of the country where a different dialect or language is spoken will find that they can communicate with fellow Filipinos using either the Filipino language (Tagalog) or the English language. That is if they do not speak the local language.

Some words used in Filipino were borrowed from English. Some borrowed words cannot be directly translated into Filipino so they are used as is but may be spelled in Filipino according to their pronunciation. Some of the English words that are used in Filipino include words such as: printer, fax, bar, and cell phone. Other commonly used English words in Tagalog include: hello, hi, escalator, and so on..

In the Tagalog language, there are also English words that are spelled according to their pronunciation when used in Filipino. Examples of these words are telebisyon (television), oben (oven), and kamera (camera). There are countless others but here are a few more: traysikel (tricycle), dyip (jeep), and miting (meeting).

It is a good idea and might be advantageous to learn even basic Tagalog or words from the dialect spoken in the region one is visiting. At some point knowing the language could come in handy. For instance, if you go off the beaten path you might find that you are more at ease due to the added peace of mind of knowing that you can communicate with locals, in Tagalog or another dialect; when necessary.

Language Learning - How Long Will it Take Me to Get Fluent?

It is very important to have the right expectation when you start to learn a Language. How long it will take you to become fluent depends on a few factors:

Factor 1: What do you define as fluent?

"Fluent" means different things to different people. Do you want to sound indistinguishable from a native speaker? That is a feat that not everyone can achieve, and if you are to achieve it, it probably means you will have to move to the country where the Language is spoken and immerse yourself for years.

But if you want to be able to have a well-flowing conversation with a native speaker, that will be possible in a much shorter time. You can learn up to 80% of a language relatively quickly, but the closer to 100% fluency you want to get, the more effort you have to put in.

So how long does it take you to get to 80%? It depends on the other factors below.

Factor 2: Which languages do you already speak, and which language do you want to learn?

If you are Japanese and want to learn Mandarin, you have the advantage that much of the Chinese characters ("Hanzi") are very similar to the Japanese ones ("Kanji").

If you already speak French, it is much easier to learn languages related to French, such as Spanish, Italian, Romanian and Portuguese. In the Netherlands, there are special Dutch classes and learning methods for people from Germany, Sweden, Denmark and Norway. A German friend of mine picked up near-native sounding Dutch while playing with Dutch friends on the street.

Conversely, if you are a Westerner wanting to learn Chinese, it will take you much longer because of the totally different structure of the language and the lack of recognizable words. It is possible to learn the language, but it will take you at least double the time of learning a related language.

Factor 3: How much time and effort can you bring to the table?

Being realistic when you start out learning a language helps to avoid later quitting in disappointment. A major factor in learning languages is how much time you are willing and able to put into it. In mathematics, there may be wonderkids who can simply "get" complex equations almost instantly, but learning a language is hard work, even for the most gifted language learners.

Do not just count how much time you can spend sitting in a classroom, also think about how much time you can spend revising between classes. Are you in an environment where you HAVE TO speak the language? Do you have roommates whom you can only converse with in the language you are learning? Do you watch movies or try to read Books in the language you are learning? All of these things count towards your time spent learning and really help you to speed up the learning process.

Factor 4: Are you passionate about the language? Are you good at learning languages?

In my life, I have taken classes in English, German, French, Spanish, Ancient Greek, Latin and Mandarin, and in each of these classes, I have seen some fellow learners pick up the language faster than others. It is a matter of how our brain works. Some people are simply better at reproducing sounds and seeing patterns in languages. It also helps if you have learnt other languages before, even if they are not related to the language you are learning. The 3rd language you learn will be easier than your 2nd language.

Conclusion

How fast you will become fluent in a certain language depends on a number of factors, such as:

What you define as being fluent;
How related the language is to your native language;
How much time and effort you can put into learning the language, and
Your passion and aptitude for learning languages.

You might have hoped to get a number from me as an answer to this question. To give a very broad estimate, I would say 80% fluency can be achieved in a matter of months if you dedicate yourself to it full-time (a few hours every day). If you only have a few hours every week, it will take you 1-2 years to hit the 80% mark.

Male Body Language - How to Seduce Women

One of the largest differences between men who get a lot of women and men who get ZERO women is the "aura" they give off with their body Language. If you want to learn the correct male body Language to attract women, then you are definitely in the right place. Here is how you can master seductive body Language.

Male Body Language - Seduce and Make Her Melt

1. Hand Gestures

Do you use your hands when you're talking to a woman? You should be.

What you need to do is use slow, hypnotic hand gestures during your stories. If done correctly, you will be able to captivate your audience and have them hanging on your every word. The ability to hold a woman's attention is absolutely vital in obtaining her phone number (or possibly taking her home that very night).

2. Your Clothing

You need to wear clothing that accents the right parts of your body. There are way too many men which either wear really baggy clothes or wear clothes that are WAY too tight. Get caught up on all the latest fashion and find a lady friend to go the mall with.

Women love helping guys improve their image.

3. Your "Aura"

As I said before, men who get most of the women are able to emit some kind of aura with their body language. This is to say that they give off a certain energy which women pick up on fairly easily.

This is done by knowing the principles of dominant, seductive body language and also having a WINNING mindset. You need to think of yourself as a winner. Anything less is not good enough and you will give off low value messages with your nonverbal language.

The Role of Interaction to Acquire a Second Language

In our previous article we described a typical scenario that most adult second Language learners face today. They want to master a Language and they want to do it fast. After some brief research on the Internet, they decide to invest a huge amount of money on the latest "failure-proof" Spanish course supposedly created by experts that made so many people speak overnight! (One wonders where these speakers are!) After working hard watching videos and doing grammar and vocabulary exercises time and again, they come to the conclusion that, although they may have learned lots of vocabulary and phrases, if they had to engage in a real conversation with a real native speaker of the language, they would be in deep trouble.

I am sure that many of you will feel identified with this situation and unfortunately, this is a common scenario nowadays. Adult learners are usually lured by the mere thought of learning Spanish (or any other language!) without any kind of physical boundaries or time constraints. The idea of learning a language at any time and in the comfort of their living rooms, bedrooms or even their bathrooms sounds appealing to them. Time or place are not that important, they say. Why working with a teacher if you have everything you need inside one little CD or DVD? There so many videos there, native speaker voices, vocabulary drills, audio exercises, pronunciation practice and so on and so forth that the idea of having an instructor to actually "teach" you anything seems to be a thing of the past.

However, no matter how much time, money, and effort you could put into making this program work for them, soon enough you will be confronted with the harsh fact:

Fact #1

You cannot learn a language without interaction.

Empirical research in First Language Acquisition and Second Language Acquisition clearly shows that without interaction, language acquisition cannot take place. Clear and simple, right? Leading linguists and neurolinguists specializing in language acquisition agree on this: interaction with another human being is essential to acquire a language. If you did your homework and read the articles I suggested last week, you may have a clearer picture in this respect now. The following passage is a quotation from an article published by TIME magazine on January 8th, 2006 entitled "Want a Brainer Baby?," based on studies carried out by Patricia Kuhl, PhD. Dr. Patricia K. Kuhl is a Co-Director of the University of Washington Institute for Learning and Brain Sciences. Her research focuses on language acquisition and language processing by the brain.

" CDs and DVDs designed to teach a baby Spanish or Chinese are also problematic. Patricia Kuhl, who studies acquisition at the University of Washington, conducted an experiment comparing the effects of Chinese audio recordings for children and a Chinese-speaking human. She had a native Mandarin speaker play with a group of babies while speaking Chinese for 12 sessions of 25 minutes each over a four-week period. Later she tested the babies and was able to demonstrate that they recognized Mandarin sounds. But when she repeated the experiment with three control groups - one set of babies that saw the Chinese speaker play with babies on video, another that listened to an audio recording of the Chinese woman playing and a third that had no exposure to the Chinese speaker - none seem to perceive Mandarin sounds. Apparently, the presence of a living, breathing human was essential. There's a lesson there for any parent who wants to encourage early learning. Most experts agree that what matters most is not what toy the baby plays with, but the ways in which you interact with your child.(...) But the good news is none of this costs any money. Babies prefer humans over anything inanimate.

One Key difference between human interaction and even the most sophisticated educational tool is that interpersonal exchanges engage all the senses - sight, sound, smell, taste and, very important, touch."

What are the implications of Dr Kuhl's research for you, a student interested in acquiring a second language? Even though her research is based on first language acquisition AND in babies, and although there are some differences between first and second language acquisition as well as child and adult language acquisition, a fact remains the same:

In order to acquire a language you need someone to interact with!

This raises too many questions about the effectiveness of those so called "failiure-proof" language programs on DVD or CD roms, aimed at replacing the teacher or even any contact with the real Spanish world. Why? Because even if they were the best materials that money can buy, there is something they cannot provide you with:

INTERACTION
Many say they are interactive, just because you have to do something yourself for the computer to continue or assess you. But is that really interaction? Not in the least. No program at present has the capability of following even a basic conversation with anyone, either native or non-native speaker. They can just process simple responses and offer no real sample or feedback on how the language is used in the real world. Those materials could be considered, in the best of cases, good supplements to a language course given by a real human being. However, stating that they are the "ultimate solution" or "the only tool you will even need" or even stating that they "Immere you completely in your new language so you'll learn quickly and retain what you learn" is downright false.

Dr Kuhl's findings go in line with those of Stephen Krashen's, probably the most authoritative word in the field of Second Language Acquisition. Stephen Krashen (University of Southern California) is an expert in the field of linguistics, specializing in theories of language acquisition and development. Much of his recent research has involved the study of non-English and bilingual language acquisition.

After extensive research on second language acquisition, he came to the following conclusions:

"Language acquisition does not require extensive use of conscious grammatical rules, and does not require tedious drill."

What do most language courses offer almost exclusively? Grammatical rules, and LOTS of drilling (and when I say LOTS I mean it!)

"Acquisition requires meaningful interaction in the target language - natural communication - in which speakers are concerned not with the form of their utterances but with the messages they are conveying and understanding."

What do ALL courses on DVD and CD rom offer? A total focus on the form of the utterances. How you say something is more important for them than the context in which it is said.

What don't those courses offer? Meaningful communication. You cannot communicate with anyone simply because there is no one there for you! You are just talking to some language software. Is that real immersion in the language? Would you consider the main focus is to get students conveying meaning and understanding?

"The best methods are therefore those that supply 'comprehensible input' in low anxiety situations, containing messages that students really want to hear. These methods do not force early production in the second language, but allow students to produce when they are 'ready', recognizing that improvement comes from supplying communicative and comprehensible input, and not from forcing and correcting production."

Traditional courses on DVD and CD Rom FORCE students to produce from the very first contact they have with the new language. There is only ONE and NOT two or three answers. Communication is not the focus. It is form. Does this seem to go in line with these empirical findings on how languages are acquired? Definitely not!

"In the real world, conversations with sympathetic native speakers who are willing to help the acquirer understand are very helpful."

Can you actually have a conversation with a CD Rom or a DVD? You can repeat and hopefully learn a few phrases at best, so does a parrot. Does that mean that a parrot can communicate? Does that mean that YOU will learn to speak from those sources alone?

In conclusion, as we have seen, any successful language program has to incorporate real chances for students to interact, to engage in meaningful communication.

Think and reflect upon the two questions we asked in our previous article:

1) Why do most language courses fail time and again?

2) Are audio and video courses per se enough to make you a proficient speaker of a second language? What does research on first language acquisition say about this issue?

If you have any comments about this article, do not hesitate to contact me.

Your feedback and suggestions are more than welcome. I will be looking forward to hearing from you.

I hope you have enjoyed this first issue as much as I did while creating it.

¡Que tengan una semana fantástica!

Myths Of Language Learning

By breaking down communication barriers, the Language learning industry has indeed changed the lives of people significantly. Careers advanced, relationships improved, and businesses doubled their revenues through the help of this growing business. Sadly, however, there are still those who think that learning a new Language can be done in other ways. Language learning got enshrouded by myths because many people believe that in this fast-paced world everything can be acquired without exerting much effort. Learning a new language may be a gratifying experience, but it takes time and dedication. Listed below are some of the common notions misguided people have on language learning.

Myth 1: Language learning is quick and easy.

Those who believe that they can learn Spanish or French in two to eight weeks are about to get the biggest disappointment of their lives. No school or university has met a student who can learn something that would normally take years to master. Language learning is not also an easy task, as what many perceive it to be. It requires a great amount of discipline, time and effort. The only time learning a new language becomes easy is when one visits a different country and learns a few foreign key words or phrases just so he can find his way around the city.

Myth 2: Going to foreign countries is the best way to learn a foreign language.

If one is in a foreign country, it doesn't necessarily mean he or she will automatically become an expert of the country's language. Individuals who are forced to speak a foreign country's language will often end up saying incorrect sentences that eventually becomes a galling habit. And when the habit becomes full blown, it becomes almost impossible to correct. Institutions and universities specializing in language learning is still the best place to develop a foreign tongue.

Myth 3: Kids learn languages more easily.

This is a popular belief commonly affirmed by linguists because of the belief that children begin learning a language at birth. The problem, however, happens when the child enters puberty (about 12 years old). A study done recently suggests that one's first language must be acquired by that age, because after puberty, neurological changes in the brain make it impossible to fully learn a language.

Myth 4: Pronunciation is not important.

Many fail to correct their pronunciation either because their professors didn't consider it important or they just assume that their pronunciation is already good enough. A long-time resident in the US who suddenly migrates to England will be surprised to find out that most British will not understand a word he'll utter simply because the way English is pronounced in both countries are different. Genuine language learning considers the importance of proper accent and pronunciation in making conversations smoother and more pleasant. Furthermore, if one takes time to learn a foreign country's natural way of speaking, he or she will look more secure and learned, becoming more easily accepted by others.

Free Sign Language Charts

Being deaf does not mean that someone is weird. The deaf have friends, families with whom they need to communicate with. They therefore use a certain mode of communication that varies from one place to another. This mode of communication involves the use of body movements, facial expressions and lip patterns. The mode is not universally standardized.

Free sign Language charts are supplied to several orphanages. Most can't afford to buy the needed technologies. Various web sites also provide these charts to ensure the dispersion of knowledge for the public. Baby charts are also available for infants and toddlers. The IQ of babies has been shown to increase when taught symbols. Some organizations offer this coaching free of charge. Some require a payment of around $12 a month.

Free sign Language charts have the image of a hand representing alphabets or even Arabic numerals. A closed fist denotes the letter A. A flat hand shows the letter B while keeping the thumb forward and the thumb bent denotes C. Letter D is shown by stretching the palm flat with the index finger raised but the rest of the fingers are closed. To represent E, do it as though you are representing A. However, the thumb is kept under the closed fingers.

Keeping the palm stretched with the index and thumb coupled denotes F. G is represented by keeping the palm in position. H is represented as G but the index and middle fingers are stretched out. I is denoted by keeping the palm in position with the little finger raised up. Free sign Language charts have all the letters of the alphabet well represented.

Anxiety in a Second Language Learning

There are three types of anxiety in Language learning. Anxiety is an affective factor and like most affective factors such as tiredness, boredom and emotional disorders, anxiety can have an adverse effect on second Language learning.

One type of anxiety is trait anxiety as Rod Ellis refers to as 'the disposition to be anxious' (1994). This is a general characteristic within a person's general personality. The second type of anxiety is known as 'state anxiety,' which is based on a learner's reaction to a specific learning situation like taking an exam or reciting an oral presentation. This is anxiety based on a specific learning situation. The third type is situation - specific anxiety which is based on the general orientation of anxiety resting on certain learning contexts in which a learner does not perceive himself or herself fit or linguistically capable for acquiring proficiency in speaking and/or reading contexts. Anxiety can have either a debilitating effect (increasing anxiety on learning) or a facilitation (easing anxiety on learning). Ellis relates to anxiety as result due to the following factors:

1. Learners competitive natures

2. Teachers' questions are threatening

3. Lack of a relaxed second language environment

Some learners tend to switch off when confronted with a potentially threatening learning context. Conversely, the switch off strategy can be employed by good learners who find the material of the language classes boring, not sufficiently challenging, etc. by using the switch off strategy, anxious learners

1. By trying to find a gap in the teaching methodology and learning opportunities and therefore, want to close that gap but are too anxious and therefore cannot close the gap.

2. By switching off, they can either make their learning more enjoyable and opportunist or switch off completely because of the perceived threat.

In addition, learners pursue the switch-off strategy in order to analyze a specific language learning task, function, element. Usually such learners are dependent on the learning process and often let their emotions interfere in the learning process. The degree of anxiety can also be intensified by a few factors, that often are overlooked:

1. age - varies between adults and children and the learning context at hand.

2. Motivated - How motivated is the learner to study the second language

3. Self-image. Does the learner have enough self-confidence?

Because anxious learners are generally tied up by the emotional element(s), they often do not have enough self-awareness to regulate their learning and cannot switch back to a specific learning context. They are also unable to remember the contents of the previous lesson.

Rod Ellis. (1994) Second Language Acquisition. Oxford University Press.

Can You Really Learn A Foreign Language While You Sleep?

It really seems so easy. Just put on the CD or tapes, relax in bed and learn English (or another foreign Language) while you sleep. Have you ever seen those ads that say, "Learn English While Sleeping" or that promise "effortless" Language learning by listening to a tape or CD while you relax or take a nap? With the continual rise in the study of English as a foreign or second Language, (EFL, ESL) progressive TEFL English and foreign language teachers, foreign language learners, and educational administrators need to be aware of the implications posed by claims of "learning English (or another foreign language) while you sleep. To better understand the processes involved let's first look at each of them individually in turn. In this first part of the series, we'll examine the elements of sleep.

What is Sleep?

The state of sleep is generally defined as "the resting state in which the body is not active and the mind is unconscious." A more extensive definition is offered by Webster's New World Dictionary (third ed., 1989); "sleep: a natural, regularly occurring condition of rest for the body and mind, during which the eyes are usually closed and there is little or no conscious thought or voluntary movement, but there is intermittent dreaming".

Sleep is also likened to death. In the Holy Bible (NWT, 1981) at John 11: 11 Jesus says, "Lazarus or friend has gone to rest, but I am journeying there to awaken him from sleep." Then in verse 14 Jesus clarifies his meaning of "sleep", "At that time, therefore, Jesus said to them outspokenly: Lazarus has died." In describing death the bible continues at Ecclesiastes 9: 5 stating, "The living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all." Sleep then, is characterized as a condition typically devoid of conscious thought. Have you ever slept through a severe thunder storm, a series of car alarms going off, an explosion, an earth tremor (minor earthquake) or dogs barking loudly at night? Completely unconscious, right? For even further clarification, here are some characteristics of human sleep.

Characteristics of Sleep

Characteristics of sleep in humans are:

o lying down, if possible although sleep is possible in almost any position according to studies done on astronauts and in sleep study centers

o Eyes are closed, but sleep can occur with opened eyes in an environment devoid of light and / or distraction

o You don't hear anything or do not consciously respond to external sounds depending on the level, depth or stage of sleep

o Slow, rhythmic breathing pattern (which might be altered during dream stage)

o Muscles are completely relaxed with the exception of altered states of sleep or reaction to dreams or abnormal physical conditions

o Person may occasionally roll over changing positions

Stages of Sleep

On the average, a person goes through five stages, or levels of sleep. The stages each have distinctive characteristics and determine what the brain and body are capable of.

o Stage One - 4-5% Light sleep. Muscle activity slows down

o Stage Two - 45-55% Breathing and heart rate slows. Body temperature decreases

o Stage Three - 4-6% Deep sleep. Slow Delta waves begin

o Stage Four - 12-15% Very deep sleep; brain produces Delta waves

o Stage Five - 20-25% Rapid eye movement (REM); dreaming occurs

Why Do We Sleep?

For the most part, sleep allows several vital functions to take place. It is an essential physical and mental state with which we cannot do without. Our sleep allows us:

o To repair muscles and other tissues

o To replace aging or dead cells

o An opportunity for the brain to organize and archive memories, that is in part, to transfer data and memories from short to long-term memory

o Lowers energy consumption (balance of enzyme production achieved, i.e. blood glucose levels, electrolyte levels, etc.)

o To recharge the brain (diminished supplies of fluids and enzymes in organs and lymphatic system can be replenished during sleep)

How Much Sleep?

Most young adults need 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night, but the quantity of sleep required can vary depending on age, daily activity, diet, nutrition and other physical and / or psychological factors. Sleep deprivation can directly affect:

o Short term memory

o Performance

o Efficiency

o Physical health

o Emotional health

With 30 to 40 million Americans suffering from serious sleep-related disorders, the effect of sleep on learning and cognitive competencies is of serious concern.

In the next segment of this series, "Learn A Foreign Language While You Sleep: Theoretical Approaches", we'll look at both recent and current language-learning theories and approaches and how some might seemingly provide some support for these claims.

Body Language And Your Cat

Did your know that cats talk with their body's, as well as their voices? You have probably noticed how a cat will arch his back, swish his tail or roll over. Most of us think nothing of these little movements, but, just about everything a cat does with his body means something. A cat expresses himself by using body Language.

1. Arching his back: If two cats arch their backs, they are preparing for a real fight. The ears may be turned back and the hair on their backs stand straight-up.

2. Swishing the tail: The whole tail will move side to side, very gently. This tail movement means your pet is alert and curious about his surroundings, perhaps another animal near by, maybe a dog.

3. When your cat rolls over: This is a good thing. He or she feels comfortable and relaxed. He is probably trying to get your attention for affection. Your cat is telling you he likes you.

4. Whiskers: Cat whiskers and their position tell you a great deal. When a feline is excited, tense and ready to act, the whiskers will be pointed forward and fanned out. A calm or comfortable cat, his whiskers point outward and are less spread apart. This can also mean a friendly disposition or indifference. A cat that is hunting prey will thrust her whiskers forward. A shy, timid or reserved cat will bunch the whiskers together and flatten them out to the side of the face. Whiskers flat against the face signify the cat is frightened.

5. Rubbing against your legs: When your kitty does this, he is leaving his body scent on you, it is a sign of affection.

6. A quick moving tail: A tail that is moving side to side very quickly and aggressively, means your cat is agitated and angry. The hair on his tail may also stand on end, giving a bushy appearance. Your feline will most likely make an aggressive stance. If your cat is doing this, it is best to keep your dogs and children away from him.

7. Listening: Your feline will relax his ears forward and out slightly when he is listening. Perhaps aware of a dog near by.

8. A cat staring: If a cat is staring, it is usually before and during a feline fight. Or, before an attack to another pet or even a human.

Now, that you have learned a little about body Language and your cat, watch your pet and see if you notice any of the body Languages mentioned above.

A Little Tip, if you are not a lover of cats and you are sitting in a room with a group of friends, don't look away from the cat, look at him as though you adore him. Why? When people look at felines, the felines feel threatened. The person who doesn't look them, is the one they don't feel threatened by.

So, guess who they head towards? I bet you non cat lover's out there wish you knew this little tip a long time ago.

Felines can be a very interesting, yet, complicated pet. They can be enduring, or they can be the biggest snobs. But, no matter what, we love our pets and would do anything for them. I know a few humans who have some pretty crazy body Language too.

petsareagift.com Joanne Curtis/Author