Word for the Travel Wise (12/17/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

After going through some of the language archives I just realized I forgot to include a very useful link in the Latvian lessons that can help not only with the exploration of Latvian, but many other langs as well. BBC Languages Quick Fix has a section for Latvian with audio on all the very basics. This is one of my favorite links and I have referred several people who want to learn more popular lingos to their pages. If you haven’t yet – please check it out!

Today’s word is a Latvian word used in Latvia:

paldies – thank you

To learn Latvian online for free you’ll need to be resourceful. Start with this Latvian Institute website full of info on the country and a short page dedicated to the lang and some common words which include axe, broom, pea, and beard. The Latvian tourism site has few, but far more useful in terms of greetings. If you’re more about face-to-face language practice head to the American Latvian Association’s annual meeting in April. As always find out who on My Language Exchange would be willing to help.

Past Latvian words: cirvis, dzintars, mugura

Word for the Travel Wise (12/16/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

When my plane landed in Budapest I had no idea at the time how much I would fall in love with the city, but over the course of my stay I started to seriously day dream about living in the country. What would it have been like? What could it be like today, tomorrow or in five years? In the event that I went out on a wing and took the big leap into living in eastern Europe I started practicing the local language with my first word being a very basic and essential one.

Today’s word is a Magyar (Hungarian) word used in Hungary:

Jó napot – hello

The Hungarian lingo is a Finno-Ugric language, which you can learn more about at Wikipedia, right now let’s stick to the places you can learn it for free. Hungarotips is a completely free site with beginner, intermediate, and advanced lessons. This impulzus web page has everything you’d basically find in a LP guide. There’s no audio, so read a little about the alphabet and then find someone who’s willing to make sure you speak like a local. The verbal exchange will be very rewarding I am sure. As always remember to scope out the BBC for basic lang downloads.

Past Hungarian words: köszönöm, vásárlók könyve, hangverseny, kijárat, segítség

Word for the Travel Wise (12/15/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Hmm… I could be wrong about this slang out of the Philippines, but looking at this long list of slang words and their notes it would seem I am very correct. Just don’t go running around using this one until you’ve gotten triple confirmation from some very fluent in P.I. slang folks. One could certainly try it with the ladies and if the answer results in a slap to the face or silly giggle you may have nailed it right on the head. I welcome anyone with this particular language background to clue me in as to if this is indeed correct.

Today’s word is a Tagalog word used in the Philippines:

bubelya – boobs

Tagalog is one of the major languages in Central Philippines and part of the Austronesian language family. For some reason I was surprised by the number of free GOOD resources available to prospective Tagalog student. Wikipedia has great background info on the lingo as well as related languages, Bikol, Hiligaynon, Waray-Waray, and Cebuano. Mongabay pretty much covers all the really good, up and running links to sites that help teach Tagalog, after checking out a few I’ll do the favor of pointing the best out. The first is an interactive language and Filipino culture resource site tools are provided for both teachers and students. A pretty intense breakdown on local slang and how it is derived can be found here. Travel Lang has word and phrase generator that spits out all the basic words you’d use while visiting.

Past Filipino/Tagalog words: taon, kalye, alak, masarap, sayaw, kapayapaán

Word for the Travel Wise (12/13/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Here is an easy and very common word I’m sure you’ll be using on your stay in Iceland.

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

bless – goodbye

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, menning

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

by Adrienne Wilson on

Running low on luck these days? According to Wikipedia, Obeah, a type of sorcery practiced in Jamaica and various parts of the West Indies contains many traditions for helping, healing and bringing love and money to those who are seriously without. I’d never heard of it until a couple of days ago when I went searching for words for tonight’s word plug and I also wouldn’t mess with it, but I’m also not at rock bottom in my life. Anyhow, just throwing this one out there for anyone who wishes to further investigate.

Today’s word is a Patois word from Jamaica:

obeah – a brand of witchcraft practiced in Jamaica

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, peenywally