Word for the Travel Wise (07/06/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Okay, so I was just toying around looking for something to inspire a word or two tonight and this was the best I could do. Maybe it wasn’t the best, but it gave me a small chuckle. I went to Iceland’s tourism site to see what events were happening around the country, but got sucked into What Are They Saying About Us semi gossipy press-release section. In this section of the site you’ll find stories from the NY Times, Globe and Mail, LA Times, Shape Magazine and even the Oprah Show, where Ms. Oprah Winfrey is quoted saying, “I think I’m part Icelandic.” That to me is funny. Otherwise it really hasn’t a whole lot to do with the word I ended up going with, but I’m sure you’ll get it.

Today’s word is an Icelandic word used in Iceland:

dýrt – expensive

Háskóli Íslands, one of the universities offers an excellent free starter course to learning Icelandic. Pictures, text, and audio for sample conversations are included. European Youth Portal points out other sources of study within the country and distance learning. I’ve met several speakers with My Language Exchange. Lastly, check out the BBC for a few easy phrases to help get you around the town.

Past Icelandic words: söngkona/söngvari, himnaríki, velkomin

Word for the Travel Wise (06/18/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Just a quick note for all the wonderful adventure dads or armchair traveling fathers reading here this Sunday evening, hope you’re having a most magnificent father’s day and more!

Today’s word is a Somali word used in Somalia:

aabbe – (pronounced ah-bo) father

Since Somali isn’t spoken by a large population learning the language online for free will be a difficult task to accomplish. You maybe able to find an exchange partner online at My Language Exchange, provided there are Somali speakers registered with the site. Your best bet would be travel within the country, finding a local tutor or purchasing language software from African Language dot com. Their CD-ROM is priced at $99 USD, so may wish to shop around before buying.

Past Somali words: maxaad shektay, qaalin, khapar

Word for the Travel Wise (06/17/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

As summer quickly comes near I can’t keep from thinking of great beach destinations to spend simmering days in the hot sun cooling off by the ocean. Malta maybe? Ibiza perhaps? Jamaica sounds good. Beyond anything I’d love to take off to a place in the Carribbean like Martinique, St. Lucia or Guadalupe before hurricane season really kicks in with fierce everyday rains, but chances are that trip won’t be happening soon. Until it does I’ll just keep dreaming – as always.

Today’s word is a French word used in Martinique:

pensées – thoughts

French is the third largest Romance language in the world in terms of native speakers according to the Wikipedia and is the official language of 29 countries. There are a number of places to learn French abroad which include Canada and Switzerland in addition to France. Amerispan offers immersion programs in all three of the countries and more info can be found by clicking here. Search other study abroad programs at some of these sites here: Coeur de France, Accord French Language School, and Transitions Abroad to name only a few. Swing over to My Language Exchange where you are sure to find someone willing to exchange their lingo skills for some of your own. Free online sources for learning French include France-Pub, French Assistant, and the BBC Languages.

Past French words: confiture, difficile, frottis, ma reum (mère)

Word for the Travel Wise (06/09/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Alas, the World Cup games have arrived and it was a sad day for both Polish fans and Costa Rica’s Ticos that stormed over to Munich to support their teams. I was fortunate enough to stay inside and watch a good portion of each game, but the one I’m really hoping to see is Trinidad & Tobago vs. Sweden tomorrow. With Trinidad & Tobago being one of the smallest nations in history to qualify for the World Cup and one of my favorite countries to vacation you can already guess who I’ll be rooting for – Go Soca Warriors!

Today’s word is a slang word used in Trinidad & Tobago:

rampalooge – rampage

I tried searching for a good word you might hear during game times like these and this one seemed to fit. I can’t recall having heard the word on my three week Carnival jaunt through the country, but I’m certainly hoping TnT and those traveling over to Germany for the games don’t go on some type of win-or-lose rampage. Then again, it’s the World Cup which only happens every four years. Max it up!

Definition of today’s word and past Trini slang is compliments of the online Trini dictionary.

Past Trini slang words: bawlin’, bacchanal, lime

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

by Adrienne Wilson on

Lightening flashed through the La Quinta window pane of my room this morning. I squinted my eyes to the flashes bouncing off the wall and only jumped at the loud booming thunder. Sliding from underneath my covers I tip-toed to the window to steal a glance at the storm. Too much lightening. The entire world’s ending looked as if it was taking the La Quinta hotel and Tulsa, Oklahoma under first. I covered my face. It was too early. I searched for the room clock. The red digital numbers read 6:66 A.M. My mouth opened and I began to shriek in terror…

Okay, I’m just yanking your chain. There was a horrible thunderstorm this morning in Tulsa, but I surely wouldn’t pin that on any silly superstition or blame it on the day. That’s just Mother Nature doing what she has always done best. However, there are others who will seek out signs and omens of sorts to credit to this day of triple 6’s.

Today’s word is a Greek word from Greece:

aigolios – a bird that is an evil omen

I discovered this word on the Owl Pages where they break down several owlish words, meanings and origins. Personally I think owls are far too cute to be evil, but that’s just me.

Online sources for learning Greek for free include BBC Languages and AGNI. The courses at BBC Languages are incredible. Probably one of the best you’ll find online and audio can even be found for today’s word by clicking here. Amerispan offers Greek immersion and language courses in Athens. Pretty pricey, but hey it’s Greece!

Past Greek words: toh karavee, Pascha