How to say “Happy Thanksgiving” in 10 different languages

Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated mainly in the USA and Canada to give thanks for the blessing of the harvest.

It possibly dates back to 1565, though the first Thanksgiving meal is generally thought to have taken place in 1621 in the Plymouth colony between the colonists and the Wampanoag tribe. It became a symbol of cooperation and interaction between colonists and Native Americans.

Thanksgiving became a national holiday in the USA in 1941 and is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November (November 26th in 2015), while in Canada it falls on the second Monday of October. Thanksgiving is not celebrated in other countries, except by expatriate Americans and Canadians. Thanksgiving celebrations involve a large family meal which traditionally includes turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie, and also big parades.

‘Happy Thanksgiving’ in other languages:

French-speaking people in North America might wish one another ‘Bonne Action de grâce’ or ‘Joyeux Thanksgiving’. The Canadian French version of Thanksgiving Day is ‘Jour de l’Action de grâce’, and in France it is known as ‘le Jour de Merci Donnant’.

– In Spanish Thanksgiving Day is known as ‘el Día de Acción de Gracias’ and Happy Thanksgiving is ‘¡Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias!’. The festival is also known as ‘Día del Pavo’ (Turkey Day) by Spanish speakers from Latin America living in the USA.

– The Portuguese equivalent for Thanksgiving Day is ‘O Dia de Acção de Graças’, and for Happy Thanksgiving, ‘Feliz (dia de) acção de graças’.

– The German version of Happy Thanksgiving is ‘Herzliche Danksagung’ or ‘Fröhliche Danksagung’ and the day itself is ‘Danksagung’.

– In Danish Thanksgiving Day is ‘Helligdag’ and Happy Thanksgiving is ‘Glædelig Helligdag’.

– In Dutch Thanksgiving Day is ‘Gedenkdagen’ and Happy Thanksgiving is ‘Vrolijke gedenkdagen’.

– In Swedish Thanksgiving Day is ‘Helgdag’ and Happy Thanksgiving is ‘God Helgdag’.

– In Polish Thanksgiving Day is ‘Dzień Dziękczynienia’ or ‘Święto Dziękczynienia’ and Happy Thanksgiving is ‘Święto dziękczynienia’ or ‘Wszystkiego najlepszego z ozkazji Święta Dziękczynienia’.

– In Mandarin Chinese Thanksgiving Day is 感恩節日 [感恩节日] (gănēnjiérì) and Happy Thanksgiving is 感恩節快樂 [感恩节快乐] (gănēnjié kuàilè).

– In Japanese Thanksgiving day is 感謝祭 (kanshasai) and Happy Thanksgiving is感謝祭おめでとう (kanshasai omedetō) or ハッピー感謝祭 (happī kanshasai).

 Cactus helps over 10,000 people to learn over 3o languages in over 200 destinations each year.

If you have a language learning query that you can’t find the answer to, please get in contact with us either by Facebook or Twitter or contact us here.

Day of the Dead in Mexico: a time to celebrate

Anyone lucky enough to have already seen the latest Bond film, Spectre, will have been treated to the most fabulous opening sequence shot during Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebrations.

The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is not the morbid event it may at first appear: to the contrary, it is an uplifting fiesta, celebrated mainly in Mexico, to remember and pay tribute to friends and relatives who have died.

It is believed that the souls of the deceased are believed to return to earth on this day, which falls on 2nd November each year, in conjunction with the Catholic holy festival of All Saints’ Day (Día de Todos los Santos) on 1st November.

As with many Mexican rituals, the Day of the Dead has pre-Hispanic roots, dating back some 2,500-3,000 years to the Aztecs, Mayas, Olmecs and other indigenous civilisations. In Aztec times the festival was celebrated in August, the ninth month of the Aztec calendar, and for an entire month. In modern-day Mexico, celebrations take place in November, and the day before Día de los Muertos, 1st November, is dedicated to lost children and infants: this is known as Día de los Angelitos, or Day of the Little Angels, as children who die are believed to automatically become angels.

On the Day of the Dead families traditionally build altars in their homes and visit graveyards to commune with their lost loved ones. They take offerings, or ofrendas, of sugar skulls, garlands and flowers (often marigolds, which have ancient ceremonial importance), and personal gifts such as photos and favourite foods of the departed. It is thought that these will encourage the souls of the dead to visit, and pillows and blankets are even laid out so that they can rest after their long journey. Many people spend all night beside the graves of their relatives. But it is a happy atmosphere that prevails, with dancing, feasting and the recounting of affectionate anecdotes.

One of the best places to experience Day of the Dead is around the beautiful region of Pátzcuaro in Mexico’s Western Central Highlands. Mexicans and sightseers flock here to remember their loved ones and join in the renowned festivities, which include traditional music and dances, candlelit vigils and picturesque ceremonies.

Cactus offers Spanish courses in 4 locations across Mexico, including Oaxaca which is famed for its Day of the Dead celebrations. Spanish courses start each week, from one week upwards, and can be combined with accommodation and meals with a local family – the perfect way to immerse yourself in the language and culture.

Top 10 French Rugby Phrases

With the Rugby World Cup 2015 in full swing, things are heating up. We’ve seen a shock Japanese victory and a stunning Welsh win, and supporters from all over the world cheering on their teams!

If you’ll be supporting the French, here are a few French rugby phrases to make you look – and sound – like a pro:

French Rugby Phrases

Que le meilleur gagne ! May the best team win!
Non seulement it est puissant, il est vite ! Not only is he strong, he is fast!
C’était un en-avant, tu sais It was a forward pass, you know
Le ballon est passé entre les poteaux The ball passed between the posts
Il est recompensé He worked hard to get that (un essai = try)
C’est incroyable I can’t believe it
Allez, l’arbitre! Come on ref, you can see something was wrong there!
Quel beau match ! What a great game!
Ça ira mieux la prochaine fois ! Better luck next time!
On est les champions ! We are the champions!

Cactus offers French evening courses in locations across the UK and French courses abroad (France, Switzerland, Canada and French Islands).

If you have a language learning or language teaching query that you can’t find the answer to, please get in contact with us either by Facebook or by Twitter, or contact us here.

Halloween vocabulary in Spanish

otoño Autumn / Fall
el 31 octubre 31st October
el día de todos los Santos All Saints Day
Halloween Halloween
la calabaza Pumpkin
la bruja Witch
la escoba Broom
el cementerio Cemetery
la vela Candle
el disfraz Disguise / Costume
el esqueleto Skeleton
el gato negro Black cat
el murciélago Bat
la araña Spider
el espantapájaros Scarecrow
el vampiro Vampire
el duende Goblin
la momia Mummy
el monstruo Monster
el diablo Devil
los caramelos Sweets / Candy

Rugby World Cup Host Cities – Learn English

The Rugby World Cup host cities are fantastic locations to learn English

England is host to the Rugby World Cup 2015 and teams from all over the world will be meeting in venues across the country throughout September and October 2015.

If you are travelling to England to support your team, this is your perfect opportunity to learn English! Many Rugby World Cup host cities are home to excellent English language schools, where you can take a course for one week and improve your English. You will be able to get around and communicate with confidence! Taking an English course also guarantees you accommodation with a local family or in a student residence, which is useful in host cities where hotels are often booked up in advance.

Even if you don’t have tickets, you will be able to experience the atmosphere and excitement of the Rugby World Cup just by being in England! Games are being broadcast live in bars and venues across the country – and the Japanese rugby team was even seen swimming in the sea off Brighton after their win on the opening weekend!

Whichever team you support, wherever you are, there will be a great atmosphere for the Rugby World Cup Final at Twickenham on Saturday 31st October. Come and enjoy the fun, and learn English at the same time!

The best English courses in Rugby World Cup host cities:

brighton_beachHost City: Brighton & Hove

Venue: Brighton Community Stadium, Brighton

Best English course: 1 week General English course (5 lessons) in Brighton

 

 

Rugby World Cup host cities - CardiffHost City: Cardiff

Venue: Millenium Stadium, Cardiff

Best English course: 1 week General English course (16 lessons per week) in Cardiff

 

 

leeds_statueHost City: Leeds

Venue: Elland Road, Leeds

Best English course: 2 week General English course (20 lessons per week) in Leeds

 

 

kensingtonHost City: London – Brent

Venue: Wembley Stadium, London

Best English course: 1 week General English Course (20 morning lessons) in Kensington, London

 

 

wimbledonHost City: London – Richmond

Venue: Twickenham, London

Best English course: 1 week General English course (24 lessons) in Wimbledon, London

 

 

Rugby World Cup host cities - ManchesterHost City: Manchester

Venue: Manchester City Stadium, Manchester

Best English course: 1 week General English course (18 lessons) in Manchester

 

 

nottinghamHost City: Leicester

Venue: Leicester City Stadium, Leicester

Best English course: 1 week General English course (22 lessons) in Nottingham

 

 

 

Cactus offers English courses in many locations across the UK and in destinations worldwide.

If you have a language learning or language teaching query that you can’t find the answer to, please get in contact with us either by Facebook or by Twitter, or contact us here.

 

Free Language Courses: 11 Courses To Win!

Cactus is giving away 11 free language courses in exciting locations across the globe!

This is a fantastic chance to learn a language for FREE! To enter, visit us at the upcoming Expat Show or Language Show Live or simply complete the entry form below by 22nd November – and you could be jetting off to learn one of seven languages in some of our best locations:

Chinese Mandarin Prize
Learn Chinese in one of China’s biggest and most exciting cities – Shanghai. Feel the buzz of its vibrant music and club scene, shop til you drop, admire the city’s beautiful architectural heritage and indulge in delectable food – this should be on everyone’s ‘to-do’ list!

Free language courses Shanghai

1 x 1 week General Mandarin Course (20 lessons) in Shanghai with Mandarin House. Prize includes 6 nights’ accommodation in a shared apartment.

 

 

 

 

French Prizes

Whether you want to enjoy the glamorous Côte d’Azur in Nice, be chic in Paris, sip wine in Bordeaux or catch some waves in Biarritz, we have a fantastic choice of prizes to learn French in France!

Free language courses Biarritz

1 x 1 week General French Course (20 lessons) in Nice, Paris, Bordeaux or Biarritz with France Langue. Prize includes 6 nights’ accommodation in a host family.

1 x 1 week French & Cooking Course (20 language + 2 cooking lessons) in Nice with France Langue. Prize includes 6 nights’ stay in a host family.

 

 

German Prize

There can be fewer exciting places than Berlin to learn German, a city of fascinating history, cutting edge architecture, first class food and nightlife like no other – and we have two courses to be won in this captivating German capital!

Free language courses Berlin

2 x 1 week General German Course (20 lessons) in Berlin with GLS. Prize includes activities but not accommodation.

 

 

 

 

Italian Prize

If your idea of heaven is a twinkling blue sea, pastel coloured buildings adorning the hillside, bougainvillea tumbling over balconies and mouthwatering food and wine, then this Italian course in Salerno should be yours!

Free language courses Salerno

1 x 1 week General Italian Course (20 lessons) in Salerno with Accademia Italiana. Prize includes 6 nights’ accommodation in a shared apartment OR host family.

 

 

 

 

Portuguese Prizes

Portugal’s colourful capital is an inspiring place to learn Portuguese, with its cobbled streets, iconic yellow tram, traditional bars and leafy plazas. Learn Portuguese on its own or take painting lessons too – we have two fantastic prizes to be won here!

Free language courses Lisbon

1 x 1 week General Portuguese Course (20 lessons) in Lisbon with Portuguese Connection. Prize includes 6 nights’ accommodation in a host family.

1 x 1 week Portuguese & Painting Course (20 language + 6 painting lessons) in Lisbon with Portuguese Connection. Prize includes 6 nights’ accommodation in a host family.

 

 

Russian Prize

If you want to learn Russian in stunning surroundings, Latvia’s capital, Riga, fits the bill perfectly. A treasure trove of art-nouveau architecture, this is a city of elaborately carved façades, funky gargoyles, winding cobbled streets and stately boulevards – as well as the most unexpectedly brilliant nightlife.

Free language courses Riga

1 x 1 week General Russian Course (20 lessons) in Riga with Durbe Latvia. Prize includes 6 nights’ accommodation in a shared apartment OR, for students under 18 years, in a host family.

 

 

 

Spanish Prizes

It’s impossible not to fall in love with Valencia, and we’re delighted to be able to offer two people the chance to jet off to this charming city on Spain’s eastern Mediterranean coast. Home of paella, fabulous festivals, a bustling port and excellent beaches, this is one our favourite places to learn Spanish.

Free language courses Valencia

2 x 1 week General Spanish Course (20 lesson) in Valencia with Taronja. Prize includes 6 nights’ accommodation in a shared apartment.

 

 

 

Evening Language Course Prize We are also offering ONE free evening course in any location in the UK! The lucky winner will be able to choose their preferred language and location for a 10-week evening course starting in January 2016. See our evening courses website for full details of courses near you.

Free language courses: please note

  • Our free language courses are available on selected dates and we ask all winners to check dates with us before confirming flights
  • Accommodation is included in the prize where stated
  • Entry is open to all visitors to the Cactus stand at the Expat Show (11th-12th September) and Language Show Live (16th-18th October) who complete an entry form, and to everyone who signs up using our entry form below
  • The deadline for entering is Sunday 22nd November
  • The lucky winners will be announced on Monday 7th December
  • Please consult our Terms and Conditions for full details of the competition and individual prizes.

We look forward to seeing you, and good luck! If you have a language learning or language teaching query that you can’t find the answer to, please get in contact with us either by Facebook or by Twitter, or contact us here.

Expat Show Free Tickets: London Olympia

Are you considering moving abroad? Whether you are thinking about relocating for work or emigrating for an improved lifestyle, the Expat Show in London promises to be an excellent source of information and advice from the experts.

As leaders in language training for relocation, Cactus is exhibiting at the Expat Show and we have FREE tickets for anyone wishing to visit – available until 6th September!

Expat Show Free Tickets

Expat Show free ticketsOrder your Expat Show free tickets here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why visit Cactus at the Expat Show?

Moving abroad is a big decision, especially if you are moving to a country where a different language is spoken. Cactus can help you make the process smooth and enjoyable by designing a bespoke language course to suit you and your family – be it through lessons before you go (evening language course or private tuition) or once you are in your new location (language course at a local school or private tuition). Speaking the language will help you integrate into the local community and feel at home much more quickly; it will also help you to make friends, give you confidence and make daily routine much easier.

Visit us on Stand A12 in the Relocation & Lifestyle Centre for a FREE language needs analysis and to claim your £50 voucher to put towards any language course!

We will talk you through the best language learning solution for you and make sure you are fully prepared to follow your dream.

If you have a language learning or language teaching query that you can’t find the answer to, please get in contact with us either by Facebook or by Twitter, or contact us here.

Bastille Day: The best places to celebrate in France

Former Cactus intern Cécile Sargueux gives us a bit of history and top tips for celebrating ‘le quatorze juillet’ in her home country…in English / en français!

FRENCH / EN FRANCAIS

Le 14 juillet est le jour de la fête républicaine française symbolisant la Liberté et l’Egalité, et commémorant le passage de la monarchie à la République.

Histoire:
A Paris, le mardi 14 juillet 1789, des émeutiers prennent d’assaut la prison de la Bastille qui est le symbole du pouvoir absolutiste. Leur objectif est de s’emparer des armes pour pouvoir affronter les troupes du Roi. Ce jour marque le début de la Révolution française, la constitution de nouvelles règles de fonctionnement et l’instauration de nouvelles valeurs, définies dans la Déclaration des droits de l’homme. Comme ce jour a été très sanglant pour le peuple français, c’est le jour de la Fédération du 14 juillet 1790 qui est officiellement célébré, et non pas la prise de la Bastille.

Jour de fête nationale: feux, bals et défilés
Partout en France et pour tous c’est jour de fête nationale. De somptueux défilés militaires sont organisés, avec défilés motorisés, aériens et à pied, sauts de parachutistes et fanfares militaires. D’innombrables feux d’artifice sont tirés les 13 et 14 juillet, et des bals populaires et des concerts animent les villes en effervescence jusqu’au bout de la nuit ! Chaque année, flonflons, pétards, cocardes tricolores, danse et musette accompagnent l’ambiance festive, bon enfant et féérique du 14 juillet. C’est une expérience unique à vivre !

Voici 3 des villes qui offrent un spectacle fabuleux à cette occasion:

Paris:
La plus importante parade militaire se déroule à Paris. Les principaux corps d’armées sont présents, et les militaires défilent en grande tenue sous les yeux du président de la république et de la foule. Brandissant fièrement le drapeau de la nation, le cortège descend le long des Champs Elysées, de la Place de l’Étoile jusqu’à la Concorde.
L’impressionnant feu d’artifice de Paris est un de ceux qui nécessitent le plus de moyens financiers et humains en France. Tiré au pied de la tour Eiffel, on peut l’admirer depuis le Champ de Mars ou la Place du Trocadéro.

Lyon:
Un bal des pompiers est généralement organisé dans toutes les villes de France. A Lyon, les sapeurs pompiers de Gerland transformeront leur caserne en un club géant, avec une plage de sable à l’extérieur. Sur la Place de la Croix Rousse, une véritable station balnéaire prendra place, où danse, musique, transats, boissons et pétanque seront au programme. Sur les quais de Saône, 3 scènes différentes constitueront le grand bal populaire. Le feu d’artifice grandiose de Lyon partira depuis la colline de Fourvière.

Carcassonne, à une heure de Toulouse:
Chaque année, un exceptionnel et époustouflant feu d’artifice de renommée internationale embrase les légendaires remparts de la cité médiévale. Pendant 25 minutes, plus de 700 000 personnes assistent à ce spectacle inouï de lumières et de couleurs qui enflamment le ciel. C’est un des meilleurs feux d’artifices au monde !

ENGLISH / EN ANGLAIS

On the 14th of July, French Republican day is celebrated to commemorate the transition from the monarchy to the First Republic, and to symbolize la Liberté et l’Egalité (Liberty and Equality) won by the people.

History:
In Paris, on Tuesday, the 14th of July 1789, rioters stormed the prison of Bastille, a symbol of the absolutist power. Their objective was to take possession of the weapons to be able to face the King’s troops. This day marked the beginning of the French Revolution, the constitution of new rules of functioning, and the establishment of new values defined in the Déclaration des droits de l’homme (Human rights statement). Given that this day was very bloody for the French people, we officially celebrate the 14 July 1790 Fête de la Fédération, and not the storming of the Bastille.

Bastille Day: pyrotechnics, balls and parades
Everywhere in France and for everyone, this is a national day of celebration. Sumptuous march-pasts are organized with flypasts, motorised and walking parades, parachute jumps and military bands. There are many firework displays on 13th and 14th July, and cities across France celebrate with balls and concerts throughout the night! Every year, brass bands, firecrackers, dance and accordion music go with the festive, friendly and enchanting atmosphere of the Bastille Day. It is a unique event to experience!

Here are 3 cities offering a fabulous show for this occasion:

Paris:
The greatest march-past takes place in Paris. The main army corps are present, and impeccably uniformed servicemen parade before both the President of the Republic and the crowd. Whilst proudly brandishing the national flag, the procession goes down Les Champs Elysées, from La Place de l’Etoile to La Concorde. The impressive fireworks display of Paris requires the utmost financial and human resources. Fired at the bottom of the Eiffel tower, it can be watched from Le Champ de Mars or La Place du Trocadéro.

Lyon:
A Firemen’s ball (Bal des pompiers) is generally organised in every French town. In Lyon, the fire-fighters of Gerland will turn their fire station into a giant club, with a sandy beach outside. On La Place de la Croix Rousse, a real seaside resort will take place, where dance, music, deckchairs, drinks and petanque are planned. On the quays at Saône, 3 different stages will host the big popular ball. The spectacular fireworks of Lyon will be fired from the Fourvière Hill.

Carcassonne, only one hour from Toulouse:
Every year, an outstanding fireworks display, well-known all over the world, sets ablaze the ancient ramparts of the medieval city. For 25 minutes, more than 700,000 people attend this extraordinary show of lights and colors setting fire to the sky. This is one of the best firework displays in the world!

Cactus offers French courses in Paris, Lyon and many other fantastic locations in France.

We also offer evening language courses in French in London, Manchester, Bristol and other major UK locations. This is the perfect way to learn the basics or brush up on existing skills prior to visiting France!

Tennis fever: Top French tennis phrases

With Wimbledon upon us, it’s time to pick up more than your racquet…here are our top tennis expressions in French and English!

With tennis season in full swing – the French Open recently finished and Wimbledon finally here – it is customary for local tennis courts to become full as wannabe Federers dust off their racquets and tennis fever sets in.

This year why not impress your friends with more than your passing shot? Here we bring you essential tennis vocabulary and expressions in French, for use on or off court and preferably with a bowl of strawberries (fraises) and cream (crème) to enjoy afterwards.

Top 10 French Tennis Vocabulary:

Backhand Revers
Forehand Coup droit
Serve Service
Smash Smash
Game, set, match! Jeu, set et match!
Umpire Arbitre
Ballboy Ramasseur / ramasseuse de balles
Out! Out!
Foot fault Faute de pied
Tramline Couloir

Top 10 French Tennis Expressions:

Great shot! Joli coup!
You cannot be serious…that shot was in! Vous n’êtes pas sérieux… la balle était bonne!
Can I have another ball please? Je peux avoir une autre balle s’il-vous-plait?
I saw the chalk flying! C’était pleine ligne! (J’ai vu la craie voler)
Somebody’s mobile has gone off in the crowd Un téléphone portable a sonné dans le public
It’s another ace! C’est un autre service gagnant / ace!
He’s broken his serve! Il a fait le break!
That’s a killer drop shot C’est un amorti gagnant (qui tue)
The rain covers are coming out…play is suspended Les bâches imperméables sont sorties…le match est suspendu
It’s gone to a tie-break…there’s nothing between them! Ca va être un jeu décisif / tie-break…un rien les sépare!

Wimbledon takes place from 29th June – 12th July 2015. Cactus runs foreign language evening courses in Wimbledon and in other locations across London and the UK

English courses in London are also available throughout the year.

Tour de France: Essential cycling vocabulary this July

Shift your language up a gear with our French cycling vocabulary for this year’s Tour de France

Kicking off on 4th July 2015, top cyclists and cycling enthusiasts from all over the world will congregate on French soil for 21 days of gruelling, thigh-burning action that will cover over 3,500 km of mountains, valleys, remote countryside and busy cities. Although the course route changes each year, the race always finishes in Paris, with riders cruising to the finishing line, cheered on by thousands of supporters, along the famous Champs-Elysées.

It’s hard not to get into the spirit of things – even if you’re not a huge cycling fan – if you happen to be in a part of France where the race passes through. For the French the Tour can be an excuse for a great party, and the sense of anticipation is contagious. Families set up picnic tables at the side of the road to wine and dine, the adults sipping wine patiently in the shade whilst the children play around them, waiting for the riders to pass through. When the drone of the helicopter finally announces the arrival of the front riders, everyone jumps to their feet and prepares to applaud the multi-coloured lycra-clad bodies flying past – a true spectacle in itself, to say nothing of the countless publicity vans, police bikes, camera bikes and support cars that follow. You can support the race anywhere along the way by checking out the Tour map online.

Whether you’re watching the race live in France or on television at home – or even planning a cycling holiday yourself to France – you’ll impress your friends by picking up a few cycling terms to shout out at opportune moments.

Here’s our list of essential Tour de France vocabulary:

Le cyclisme Cycling
Un cycliste Cyclist
Un domestique Support rider
Un échappé Breakaway rider
Le peloton Pack / bunch of riders
La tête de course Leader of the race
Une équipe Team
Une étape Stage / leg of the race
Contre la montre Time trial
Le parcours Route
La course Race
Une montée Uphill slope
Une descente Downhill slope
Changer de vitesse Change gear
Ralentir Slow down
Dépasser Overtake
Un vélo de course Racing bike
Un vélo tout terrain Mountain bike
Une crevaison Puncture
Un bidon Water bottle
Un casque Helmet
Le maillot jaune Yellow jersey (worn by the overall leader)

Get up close to the action by taking a language course in France this July! Cactus runs French language courses in 15 locations across France, including Paris and other locations near to the Tour route.

If you can’t make it to France this year, why not learn the language closer to home? Cactus also runs French evening courses in London, Brighton, Manchester and other major UK locations.