Word for the Travel Wise (03/16/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Estonian food in its traditional form is packed with pork, potatoes, and garden variety veggies. Since I’ve never tried the food myself, I can’t be a real critic to the taste, but for those who don’t fancy pork over dinner or bore easy of the local fare check out the City Paper’s list of great Estonian and foreign restaurants to dive into when touring Tallinn. The biggest culinary influence comes from Germany, but you’ll also be able to find Tex-Mex, Thai, Indian, Greek, and even delicious dishes from Azerbaijan. The Restoran Bakuu is only one fine example (least it looks like it from the pictures) of quality and mouth-watering Azerbaijan grub to chow-down on in Estonia. However, if you’re going to be in Estonia for a week or so you really should try to take advantage of all the oink-oink and tatters.

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

pearoad – main courses

Now the word ‘pearoad’ is some thing kind of funny to me. A pea as we all know is quite a tiny veggie and roads can vary in length and I know I am breaking this down in terms of English, but it just strikes me odd to call main courses a ‘pearoad.’ I would think it’d make a better fit to describe appetizers or starters, but if you’re only looking for something small you’ll notice starters under ‘eelroad’. Also, ‘pea’ in Estonian is also the word for head. Very interesting – stuff this Estonian lang, eh?

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.

Word for the Travel Wise (03/07/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

It seems I’m doomed. Shaking all these Soca lyrics from my brain is going to be a tough task to tackle even when I return home. I’ve been known to get a song or two stuck in my head for days and nights. The worst one ran for a 15 day period where I would either hum or burst out the tune of “Son of A Preacher Man.” It was horrible. Luckily this one isn’t too bad and while I have the song’s words running throughout my mind I figured I’d make some use of this moment by incorporating it into the word of the day.

Today’s word is Kreyòl (Haitian creole) word used in Haiti:

il, zile – island

The song in my head is Nadia Batson’s One Island where the chorus has the catchy line; “From one island, to another island” and repeat about five times. So today while I’m here in Trinidad I figured I’d give a little love to another island in addition to making island the word for the day.

This Kreyol website features comprehensive cultural and travel info on Haiti. Their overall goal is to spread positive messages about the country and create positive images. Their online Kreyòl dictionary is one of the best! iCreole is a good place translation tool if you wish to know a word within seconds. For a fun look at some popular proverbs check out this Discover Haiti site. Make note that the Creole used in the proverbs is not that of the Creole spoken in Port-au-Prince. Lastly, leave it to good old Pimsleur to have audio books dedicated to learning Creole. Expensive, but you can also look for them in your local library.

Past Kreyòl words: evite

Word for the Travel Wise (03/02/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Now that Carnival is over the next big for Trinidad like the other 31 finalists is the World Cup. While I can’t speak for the other countries team support is quite alive here on the Caribbean island. Flag colors have been painted on soccer balls which have been placed on the lighthouse near City Gate, on CD’s (for show only) to take back as souvenirs and of course there are tons of Soca songs to help pump and bring the crowd’s energy and excitement levels to new heights.

Today’s word is a German word used in Germany:

krieger – warrior

While the country sings in support of their beloved futbol team’s accomplishments, I sing because its been two days after Carnival and I’m still quite sore. I feel like a krieger or warrior of sorts having survived the bacchanal that took the streets of Port-of-Spain. In any case I’ll be rooting for the team during the World Cup games this summer in Germany in the comfort of my home.

You can find audio and German slang at BBC Languages, who continue to impress on the online scene. They probably have one of the BEST FREE German language guides on the net. Make no mistake in passing this one up! When it boils down to it there are several good sites to learn the Deutsch lingo. Deutsch Lernen and German for Travellers are two other good picks. First Step World offers study abroad courses in Munich and Berlin.

Past German words: vorglühen(s)

Word for the Travel Wise (02/23/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

My friend’s friend here in Trinidad has been showing me one hell of a good time in the country so far and it is my hopes that things will continue to move in such fashion. Laughter, drinks, dancing, and limin’ on the beach which is soon to come in Tobago. Tonight we’re headed out to a pan yard lime organized by a group of international and local friend’s of hers who all happen to speak French. She teaches French here in Trinidad so it’s not surprising she’d know almost all French speaking persons residing on the island, but now I’m a little concerned about this trip. Will I be subject to bus loads of French speaking persons all interested in pan, but refusing to share that same interest with non-French speaking Adrienne? Of course not. Please do not mistake this for bad-mouthing the French language, but anyone who knows me well enough knows it doesn’t agree with me. I’ve tried – sort of.

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

difficile – complicated

Now I can’t help laughing aloud when giving this word. For starters I’m teaching you French after I just placed my own language incapability out on the table and secondly because a French speaking friend of mine most recently referred to me as a complicated person. Whether the last is true or not, I do find French complicated to learn. I think it’s the gender thing. Anyhow… free online sources include France-Pub, French Assistant, and the BBC Languages.

Past French words: confiture

Word for the Travel Wise (02/13/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Before I apologize for my irregular posting these days, let me start by telling you how exhausted I’ve become. Only a few hours rest between now and the time I board my plane en route to Trinidad & Tobago and the last few days have been filled with the excitement and madness of packing and trip preparation. I’ve made list after list and checked them multiple times to make sure I haven’t forgotten anything. And since this trip is by no means the roughing it kind, I’ve managed to stuff close to my entire wardrobe inside. That was a bit of an exagerration, but the suitcase if bulging and I’ve even had to enforce the sit and zip technique, rather than re-evaluate the goods inside. Everything in there is a necessary necessity. Now, my apologies.

Today’s word is a Finnish word used in Finland:

väsynyt – tired

Why I chose Finnish today, I haven’t a clue. I’m somewhere between pre-zombie zone with all that has been going on and somewhere on my mind rest the need to advance our Finnish language skills. Don’t ask any further questions. I plucked this useful jewel right out of an online English-Finnish translation dictionary and pray that for once those things are functioning appropriately. To access the online dictionary go here.

Finnish is a member of the Finno-Ugric language family and classified as an agglutinative language. This particular Finnish language site provides some examples of easy words and phrases, an intro to the lingo, pronunciation guide and a list of additional Finnish material elsewhere. Another excellent way to advance your skills and engage your senses is to listen to the local music. Try the Finnish Music Information Center for audio and background information on the country’s favorite sounds. Online Finnish Lessons is another site offering lists of links to check out and if you’re in the city of Helinski stop by one of the schools to enroll in Finnish courses.