Supercharge Your Brain

Published 9 months ago • 2 min read

Did You Know? The Eyak language, once spoken in the coastal areas of Alaska, became internationally known when its last native speaker, Chief Marie Smith Jones, passed away in 2008. This marked the first time a North American language was declared extinct in recent history. Efforts are now underway to revive Eyak through language learning apps and educational programs, using the extensive documentation that was left behind.

WHISPERS OF WISDOM

Good morning,

Ever stumbled upon a quote that stopped you in your tracks, Reader?

Just the other day, while sipping my morning coffee and scrolling through an old book, I found myself chuckling and nodding in agreement with a line that seemed written just for me.

It’s funny how the right words, strung together just so, can feel like a personal message, isn’t it?

This got me thinking about the beauty of the English language and its memorable quotes that often pop up just when we need them most.

Today, I want to share that magic with you. We’re diving into "Top Quotes on English" — a collection of witty, wise, and wonderful remarks that have touched hearts and sparked smiles. Ready to see which ones you'll connect with? Let’s uncover these gems together.

THE BEST QUOTES ON THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

From its uncanny ability to borrow and transform to its perplexing inconsistency, this collection of quotes celebrates and critiques the wonderfully complex beast that is English.

11 TOP QUOTES ON ENGLISH

WORD OF THE DAY: LAGNIAPPE

Today’s word is “lagniappe,” a term rich with warmth and generosity, originating from the Louisiana French adaptation of the American Spanish word "la ñapa," meaning a small gift given to a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase.

The roots of "lagniappe" trace even further back to the Quechua word "yapa," referring to a bonus addition.

Traditionally used in commerce, especially in the markets of New Orleans, a lagniappe typically might be a thirteenth doughnut added to a dozen, or an extra piece of fruit, a token to enhance the exchange between buyer and seller.

This charming tradition builds a rapport and imbues a simple transaction with a personal touch.

Lagniappe thus celebrates the art of giving a little extra, not only as a practice in trade but as a reminder of the joy found in generosity. It encourages us to go beyond the expected in our daily interactions, enriching our communal ties through simple, thoughtful gifts.

IDIOM SPOTLIGHT

Yesterday, we purred over Cat Idioms; today, it's the dogs' turn! Just like our spirited canine friends, language is filled with playful and spirited expressions. For those who lean more towards Team Dog, today’s insights are especially for you—a real treat packed with dog idioms that are sure to add a wag to your lexicon!

11 DOG IDIOMS EVERY DOG LOVER MUST KNOW

BROADEN YOUR HORIZON

Have you ever thought about picking up (yet) another language, Reader?

Venturing into the world of foreign languages not only broadens your linguistic skills but also opens up new cultural horizons, deepening your connection with people and places far beyond your everyday experiences.

As you explore new vocabularies and grammatical landscapes, you'll find that understanding a new language can transform your view of the world, offering a fresh perspective that is both enlightening and rewarding.

Ready to take your brainpower to the next level?

Our upcoming article below, "Supercharge Your Brain: Learn Multiple Languages At Once," dives into the benefits of multilingualism. Enjoy!