Word for the Travel Wise (11/01/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

I’m on the run this evening so I’m hitting you with another Somali word to start the month. Hope this one comes in handy someday.

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

magacaa – What is your name?

Since Somali isn’t spoken by a large population learning the language online for free will be a difficult task to accomplish. Start with this Fortunecity site. They offer a 600 word English to Somali dictionary and vice versa. 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, aabbe, waddan

Word for the Travel Wise (10/31/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Cue spooky eerie music now and crank the dry ice someone, because it’s Halloween! If you’re out trick-or-treating save some candy for me and be sure to watch out for witches, demons, goblins and ghosts. Happy Halloween everyone!

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

geist – ghost

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), krieger, bolzen, durchgeknallt, ankommen

Word for the Travel Wise (10/30/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

While I don’t know for sure how many people flock to Bulgaria to become expats there is obviously enough for this Expat Bulgaria site Neil kindly pointed us to not long ago. I don’t think Bulgaria would be my first country of choice, but if anyone here is considering living there and missed this piece before check it out and afterwards start brushing up on the language.

Today’s word is a Bulgarian word used in Bulgaria:

kâshta – house

The Bulgarian lang falls into the Southern branch of Slavic languages and is closely related to Macedonian. It is the official lingo of Bulgaria and can also be heard in parts of Greece, Turkey, Romania, and Serbia to name only a few. To continue learning Bulgarian online head to BBC for the QuickFix with audio for the most common travelers phrases. EasyBulgarian online offers guides and nine lessons that help beginners learn the alphabet, correct pronunciation in addition to dialog from native Bulgarian speakers. Find a Bulgarian pal online to help with conversation at My language Exchange or pick up an Eastern European LP phrasebook for the road.

Past Bulgarian words: mózhé bí, most

Word for the Travel Wise (10/29/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Culture in Iceland? Of course there is culture in Iceland and tons of it! Check out the country events guide if you don’t believe me and to point your attention to one that especially caught my eye look for the African Souvenirs in Iceland Exhibition taking place until 12, November 2006. Could be a pretty cool cultural event to check out, otherwise being in Iceland should be a cultural experience in its own.

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

menning – culture

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, dýrt

Word for the Travel Wise (10/28/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

I’m gearing up for my big run tomorrow, but I just wanted to send this funny looking piece of Patois your way.

Today’s word is a Patois word from Jamaica:

peenywally – firefly

You can expand your ‘Rasta Patois’ in several ways. The most rewarding way is straight from the horse’s mouth, so you may wish to seek the knowledge from some West Indian folks in your neighborhood. If you can’t learn anything that way due to the low number of West Indian peeps in your circle, try watching films. The Rockers is an awesome and entertaining starting point. The 25th anniversary edition DVD has great features, including a small Rasta Patois dictionary. A good source on the net is Jamaicans dot com and Jahworks seems decent.

Past Patois words: satta, gwaan, labrish, mash up, budufbaf, tegareg