Word for the Travel Wise (12/05/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Zimbabwe wasn’t where I was planning to pull the word from today, but I stumbled upon one and noticed I’ve never selected from this part of Africa ever before. All this is a shame too as the year is almost over and this is the first time Zimbabwe gets a mention. I’m sure I’ve missed several other uncommon languages, but that doesn’t make it excusable. Tonight we embrace the Shona language.

Toady’s word is a Shona word used in Zimbabwe:

harare – the one who does not sleep

Harare is the capital city of Zimbabwe and Shona also known as ChiShona is the mother tongue of Zimbabwe. Spoken in Mozambique, Zambia, and Botswana as well, there are approximately 7,000,000 speakers. Travelers heading to Zimbabwe needn’t worry too much about knowing this particular language. With English holding the official status anyone should be able to get around comfortably or close to. If you wish to continue online start with this Shona English dictionary and then proceed to this Shona Language site. Wikipedia, like always, has good background detail on the history and people that speak the lang in Zimbabwe and surrounding countries.

Word for the Travel Wise (12/04/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Brr… Since the weather system seems to be in a funk almost everywhere these days perhaps it is time we start learning the local lingo to help us better discuss global warming when chatting with our concerned foreign friends, say in Estonia.

Today’s word is an Estonian word used in Estonia:

jää – ice

To learn more about the background of this Finno-Ugric lingo check out Wiki online which has a few words to get you started at the bottom of their page. To jump right into the meat of the language go to speakestonian.com.uk which has a long list of everyday phrases to use and several links to keep you learning using a variety of methods. For free mp3 downloads for your cell phone go to the BBC and to make a pen pal or two before your journey sign-up at My Language Exchange.

Past Estonian words: pearoad, tere, pood

Word for the Travel Wise (12/03/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Today has been an extremely long day of driving. I have no desire to see another car, steering wheel, vehicle, or anything to do with the road. I’m pooped. Only the call of duty keeps me up and that is bringing you today’s word and more! See how much I care?

Today’s word is a Mongolian word used in Mongolia:

gudamj – street

Mongolian is an Altaic language and spoken by over two million people throughout Mongolia (where it has official language status) and by up to three million people in northern China. Wikipedia doesn’t offer much for increasing your Mongolian vocabulary, but it has great background information. Learning Mongolian online will be tough without an understanding of their alphabet or script used. Omniglot is the perfect place to begin to start learning the alphabet. For quick reference use LP’s Mongolian Phrasebook on your trip.

Past Mongolian words: mori

Word for the Travel Wise (12/02/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

At the time you read this post I’ll probably be out and about around NYC with a friend enjoying my Saturday night as one should on the weekend. I haven’t much else to add so without delay here is your word for the day.

Today’s word is a Korean word used in Korea:

shigan – time

For more vocab words found on the menu check out Korea infogate. Several more words in the Korean alphabet with excellent pronunciation guides can be found at Mr. Oh’s Learn Korean website. It’s a fun place to start to learn the basics. KBS World Radio has a three part, 30 chapter online learning guide all for free. I can’t get the Hangul text to show up, but they’ve got sound clips of all the sample conversations available. Learn Korean dot net has most of the aforementioned along with a forum to meet other speakers both fluent natives and beginners. For a list of Korean language programs in the country click here.

Past Korean words: shik-sah, sollongtang, yuh heng, mollah yo, hullyunghan, chuhwangsaege

Word for the Travel Wise (12/01/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

I’m going to piggy-back on my post earlier for World AIDS Day for today’s word. Before you use this one you might wish to check around with a Portuguese native, but knowing a little something will definitely help when the time comes to have a romantic and safe evening with your fling or long-time lover.

Today’s word is a Portuguese word used in Portugal:

proteção – protection

Easy Portuguese online offers a small dictionary of useful words, useful phrases, and a couple of short lessons to get you started. Most have audio clips including our word for the day found here. Portuguese Language dot net has excellent historical info on the language and numerous tools to help you get motivated and be successful at learning the 6th most spoken language. For Portuguese heard in Portugal you can download mp3 audio from BBC, which I’m sure there are several similarities between the two countries. Those interested in classroom study abroad can click here for more info at Franco Americano.

Past Portuguese words: xixi, bronzeador, lanchonete, esquerda, crianças, noite, barco