Questions about Languages
Ask about Languages, or answer someone else. A teacher marks the best answer.
By 
Christopher Huntley. Updated
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between translation and interpretation?
Translation works with written text and can take time to get every word right. Interpretation happens out loud, during a conversation or a speech, so the interpreter has seconds to carry the meaning across.
Is etymology useful for learning English?
It helps with long words. Knowing that "tele" means far and "graph" means writing makes "telegraph" and "telephone" easier to remember and to guess.
Why do languages change over time?
People invent things, meet speakers of other languages, and shorten what they say often. Each generation passes on a slightly different version, and small changes add up over centuries.