Word for the Travel Wise (12/07/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Now here is a word you can surely get away with doing some sign language to get your point across if needed, but things would probably go so much smoother if you knew it off the top of your head. It could save you the extra dizziness you could be experiencing from your achy head already.

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

maltèt – headache

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, il/zile, voryen, chalè, move

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

by Adrienne Wilson on

Ever since the release of Borat all the ‘stans’ seem to be getting a little more attention and in my book that’s great! It means more people are waking up to the whole wide world and realizing these tiny less-explored spots are still alive and kicking. After I came back from Tajikistan people kept asking how was Kazakhstan and while I thought it was annoying that they couldn’t get it right at first, I started looking at who was doing the asking. Most of them probably wouldn’t have been in the same ball park if it hadn’t been for that silly Borat.

Today’s word is a Kyrgyz word used in Kyrgyzstan:

jaqshë – good

Kyrgyz also known as Kirghiz is spoken by about 3 million people. The lang is a northwestern Turkic language and together with Russian it is the official language of the country of Kyrgyzstan. It is also spoken in parts of China, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Turkey. Check out Wikipedia for background info. In regards to learning online you’ve picked a toughie if you’ve decided on making Kyrgyz your second tongue. This Learning Kyrgyz blogspot page hasn’t been updated in ages, but it may have some helpful links and words of advice for persons eager to learn. If you’d like to learn by listening try the BBC in Kyrgyz. My online suggestions will stop there for now. I picked this word out of my Central Asia phrasebook from LP. Pick one up for yourself!

Past Kyrgz words: kechiresiz

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