Last weekend at the Language Show Live in London, EVS Translations didn’t just meet potential new employees, but also discovered an ingenious technique to make learning new languages faster and easier. The principle is to read an international bestseller such as Le Petit Prince, Harry Potter or Asterix with the help of a native-language glossary in the margin or in an extra booklet in the original language.
The idea was developed in 1978 by Danish pair Christa Pålsson and Thomas Klemann. Initially, Danish books which were not protected by copyright due to their year of publication were supplied with vocabulary aids in French. Being two very experienced teachers, the couple knows which words students always have difficulties with and research these for the reader.
However, language enthusiasts have to bring along a certain level of language because the fun disappears without any previous knowledge. The concept is particularly suitable for students age 13 and up – and for adults too of course! The offer quickly widened to other languages, so that alongside Danish and French, now English, German and Russian also bring entertainment and fun all rolled into one.
The founders’ motivation is clear: “Books should be read in their original language.” From 19 to 23 October, the two Danes are exhibiting their innovative concept at the Frankfurt Book Fair in Hall 3.0 at stand A 24.
Do you want to refresh your English and love the adventures of Harry Potter? At the weekend you have the opportunity to stock up for the cold winter months with the glossaries for all 8 volumes! Incidentally, the books are printed and bound locally at the “Klingbjerg” printing company in Haderslev, 50 kilometers north of Flensburg. You can find more information at: http://www.klingbjerg.dk/.
