Via the Telegraph Photo: ALAMY

The longest word in the English language (pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis) is 45 letters. But it has nothing on the 63-word behemoth in German that is  Rindfleischetikettierungsüberwachungsaufgabenübertragungsgesetz. It was such a mouthful that the word–which references a law about the labeling of meat–was officially repealed by a local parliament. Thanks to the use of compound nouns, the German language has many “Über” words, including a 83-letter monster meaning “”Association for Subordinate Officials of the Head Office Management of the Danube Steamboat Electrical Services.”

To read the entire story from the Telegraph, click here.

What are some of your favorite long words in English and other languages? Let us know in the comments!

As the clock strikes midnight and the new day begins, the Global Language Network (GLN) is joining other DC area nonprofits in a 24-hour crowd funding campaign, beginning now and ending 11:59 pm, called Do More 24. Hosted by the United Way of the National Capital Area, Do More 24 seeks to create a local movement that leverages the power of the crowd to support our region’s nonprofit organizations through focused, online giving that is directed at creating maximum impact.

Since 2005, GLN has positively impacted the DC community by offering affordable classes in over 60 languages to over 6000 students by engaging and training volunteer native speakers who teach their language and share their culture with our community.

Join us! Be part of the Do More 24 movement. By donating $12, $24, $48, or more to GLN, your contribution will help us to continue to:

• offer classes in a wide variety of languages,
• keep classes affordable and accessible, and
• promote cultural well-being.

Here’s how you can join the Do More 24 movement:

1. Click here to donate! Every dollar counts!
2. Spread the word through your networks, blogs, Facebook, and Twitter (using #domore24)
3. Donate $200 or more and receive priority registration to one of the GLN’s many classes + 1 year membership to GLNsiders

Give to GLN today and help us to do more!

An aspiring polyglot, learning Russian is a goal of mine that I have long desired to fulfill.  After completing my Russian Foreigner class with GLN this spring, I came away with more than than new Russian vocabulary and grammar.  Through interactions with my teachers and classmates, I also developed a stronger appreciation of Russian culture.  Because many of the class participants had already studied some Russian, traveled or lived in a Russian-speaking country, or had a Russian acquaintance, I was able to draw upon a wealth of diverse experiences to get the most out of my time in the classroom.  Whether we were discussing Russian proverbs, holiday traditions or food recipes, there was often someone with a personal story to tell.

On June 6th, donate to the GLN.

The GLN is joining forces with other area nonprofits and the United Way of the National Capital Area for a region wide day of giving: Do More 24. On Thursday, June 6th we will work together to help change the lives of those in need in 24 hours. The money raised will support additional classroom space, language course offerings, and special GLN community events.

Donate on June 6th: http://domore24.org/charities/the-global-language-network/

Why should you do more in 24 for the Global Language Network?

Our Vision is to connect and empower people through language and culture. This continues to be our focus and the main driver of our success!

Since 2008, the GLN has brought the gift of language to more than 6,000 students. We continue to offer affordable language classes in more than 60 languages by engaging more than 80 volunteer native speakers and training them to teach their language and culture in the GLN community.

The GLN stands on a unique three pillar model that has help us achieve such an amazing accomplishment in a short period of time:

1. Dedicated Teachers;
2. A Communicative Approach; and
3. Fostering a Learning Community.

Image courtesy of marina moia

NerdGraph put together an infographic comparing the advantages and disadvantages of being monolingual vs. multilingual. While mono linguists tend to have a wider vocabulary and faster retrieval rate, bilinguals tend to be more creative and better problem-solvers.

Other fun facts:

• 99% of Latvians can speak two or more languages
• Bilangualism results in a 2.8% increase in hourly wages

Check out the full infographic from NerdGraph: Monolingual vs Bilingual.