Botanicals Botanicals By Laurie Tennent By Laurie Tennent Context Of Conversation "It's a conversational tool, so we teach the language through the context of conversation:' Mike said. "Each thematic chapter explores a different topic and how you engage in a con- versation about that topic. Because Chaldeans still speak the language to one another, it remains a conversa- tional language. It's a community that wants to use their native language to talk every day, and we've worked with them to make some tweaks to our natural template that better fits their needs The brothers also say their program is unlike any other language learn- ing software on the market because it incorporates relevant cultural refer- ences throughout. "Not all language learning programs are created equal, and our philosophy is that as anyone starts out, they want to learn things they find useful from that first lesson. This way our custom- ers can make connections with people through the language and continue to feel motivated to learn it. We start by teaching greetings and relate each lesson back to your native language Mike said. The programs are never generic, and they incorporate and teach cul- tural lessons. "If you're learning Mandarin, we don't teach you the word for matzah ball soup, we make it relevant to that language and culture; instead we'd teach you how to order rice Jason said. Given their unique approach to teaching a language, Jason also explained that promoting and teach- ing Chaldean culture was an impor- tant piece of the project. "Our communities have always been close and, from a Jewish perspective, the language is a commonality. This is the modern form of Aramaic that our Talmud is written in, some of our prayers are written in it, and it's simi- lar to Hebrew:' Jason said. Mango Languages is also consider- ing developing an Aramaic course, as the language is still spoken by Chaldeans in their religious services. "We have religion and scholarly cours- es, so we teach biblical Hebrew, Greek and Latin, and we're certainly test- ing the waters with Aramaic," Jason added. In the habit of reviving and teaching what some would call dead languages, the company is also rolling out a Yiddish program, coming later this month. Programs are sold in packages of "journeys" or chapters, and are avail- able for $79. ❑ COLLECTOR'S PREVIEW Monday, June 17th, 6 to 9PM Benefiting the Kelly Fund at the College for Creative Studies $40 per person PUBLIC EXHIBITION June 18th through July 18th Hours: Monday — Friday 10AM to 6PM, Saturdays 10AM to 6PM, Sundays 11AM to 4PM No admission fee VENUE: PLANTERRA CONSERVATORY Purchase tickets at planterra.brownpapertickets com or via e-mail at RSVP@planterra.com or by calling 248-661-1515 launetennentstudio.com COLLEGE forCreative STUDIES Planterra. The Kelly Fund is in honor of Laurie Planterra Conservatory Tennent's mother Kelly Hutcheson, which provides grant funding to CCS 7315 Drake Road students for art supplies, special West Bloomfield, Ml 48322 projects and non-tuition needs . www.planterra.com 1843290 A ik Ream joia tt6 Felt a tut-Refst dog ai the 31" Atuuuti Gettiveo Package For $250, you will receive 18 holes of golf with cart, continental breakfast, lunch on the course, snacks and ice cream, cocktails, Award Banquet, auction, gifts, prizes, complimentary range balls and locker facilities... Best of all, your tax deductible donation will support B'nai B'rith, BBYO, and Hillel! Banquet Only $50 includes cocktails, dinner and silent and live auctions! i3 Wet Monday, June 24th, 2013 Wabeek Country Club, Bloomfield Hills / 1 1 Help Us Help Others! Spoon! A Event Sponsor - $5000 CELEBRATING 1 ' CIO/ (VASAL4.4 C., FOUNDED IN 1843 B'NAI B'RITH INTERNATIONAL Event sponsor banner, two foursomes, sponsor sign at tee, sponsor award and awards banquet • Gold - $2500 two foursomes, sponsor sign at tee, sponsor award and awards banquet A Silver - $1500 one foursomes, sponsor sign at tee, sponsor award and awards banquet A Hole Sponsor plus Foursome - $1000 four golfers, sponsor sign at tee, and awards banquet • Hole Sponsor plus One Golfer - $500 one golfer, sponsor sign at tee, and awards banquet • Hole Sponsor - $400 Sponsor sign at a tee and one guest at the awards banquet For Reservations or more information, call 248-646-3100 June 13 • 2013 15