Learning language is always my biggest passion, along with making music. As a Songwriter, I have a goal to write my own songs in other languages. Currently I'm learning Spanish and I really want to be able to write a lyrics in Spanish without looking up dictionary and with a broader nuance (e.g. using idiomatic expressions). I'm still on my way to achieve that, not an easy task but I'm optimistic about my goal. I'm also trying to improve my Spanish accent, so I could record my Spanish songs better in my future projects. Apart from my songwriting goal, I also have a dream to travel to Spanish speaking countries to experience the culture there. For example Mexico, Colombia, Spain, Argentina, Venezuela, and many more.

For me italki has a special place in my heart for my language learning journey. I have been sticking with italki for these past 5 years and I never regret every single step of it since the day one. With italki I can learn and practice all of my target languages and learn new cultures too. The icing on the cake is I have been meeting so many amazing people here, who have different backgrounds from around the world and they become my best friends! This is the most interesting moment for me. Therefore in these past 5 years I've been gaining so many benefits by joining italki and I'm very proud to be a part of italki community. Happy 15th anniversary italki! 🎉🎊 Thank you for everything.

In my opinion, it is very subjective and can be different from person to person. Some people have ability to learn many languages at the same time, which is called polyglot. But for other people they can only learn 2 or 3 languages at maximum, because they don't have natural ability to be a polyglot. Genuine passion in learning as many as languages is also a huge factor to determine how successful someone to be proficient in many languages. As I haven't had children, I'm trying to picture myself if I have kids. I would see first whether my kids have natural ability to learn multiple languages and observe how big their passions in learning new language. Let's say if my kids speak Indonesian or English fluently as their mother tongue, then I'd add one more language as their second language, for example French. I would rather keep them focusing on their French instead of letting them learning multiple languages at the same time. This way they can speed up their progresses to master their French. However, this is a pure subjective opinion in my point of view. Everyone has different thought and I respect that.

A positive teacher-student relationship is formed through a mutual support system from both sides. The teacher can create a positive atmosphere during the lesson to build a good chemistry with the students. For example the teacher can share more about the culture in their countries as a part of the lesson while keeping the students to speak more their target languages. This could be a great connection because language is also a part of the culture. So students will feel more welcomed not only as a student, but it could build a friendship between the teacher and student.

After reading the article about American vs Chinese business culture, I feel like the Chinese culture is more similar to Indonesian business culture. For example, Indonesian companies more embrace collectivism culture in their workplaces, for example if you work at Indonesian companies, you can see that the employees will flock together to just have lunch. Secondly, they don't have a smooth career transition comparing to American culture. The career promotion and progression take so long and even sometimes you have to speak up to your boss if you want to be promoted and increase your salary. Indonesian business culture is hierarchical based on age and position, I assume that these are also same in Chinese business culture. Leadership is paternalistic and the oldest person usually leads discussion, because they have seen as the most respected and more experienced person in the meeting room. In terms of business etiquette, usually Indonesians put the title like Mr or Mrs followed by their first names. For example if your boss name is Mr Edy sudjana, then you have to call him "Mr Edy". It is common, formal, and polite. Also avoid to use your left hand when you have to shake your hands and give something to someone.

Hello everyone, my name is Ben and I'm a Community Tutor on italki. I'm offering English lesson here with affordable prices. You can try my trial lesson with only $4 for 30 minutes and if you find my lesson suit your needs and goals, you can book my main lessons with one hour duration and I will bring you the best experience that you can have in learning English. See you soon in the lesson and thanks for reading :)

What does "¿" sign mean in Spanish in the beginning of a sentence? In which context or situation where we have to put that sign in the beginning of the sentence?

How do you say "Best regards", "Sincerely yours", and "Kind regards" in Spanish when you make a closing for your letter? (My question is in the formal context and when you contact someone for the first time)