Word for the Travel Wise (01/23/07)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Normally when I went out to search for Twi words I’d look to my African friends to provide me with some to pass onto you. Knowing how popular Ghana is among the many folks I know and its good reputation I figured there had to be some decent places online to obtain Twi vocabulary words and I have finally found one. Check out this Twi geocities page. There is a character that usually follows most words that I am not very familiar with and it follows the word below, but in regards to reading you should be able to recognize this one if not pronounce it absolutely correct.

Today’s word is a Twi word used in Ghana:

nante – walk, go on foot, travel

Pronounced ‘chwee,’ the language is spoken by some 7 million people concentrated in southern Ghana and is a dialect of the Akan language which belongs to the Kwa language family. Wikipedia is a good place to start for the background info. Unfortunately there aren’t many Twi resources on the web so I encourage you all to make some friends from Ghana, take a trip or exercise some of these useful books and CD’s found on Amazon. You could also try My Language Exchange, but the chances of there being a fully Twi speaking person wanting to swap your language knowledge for yours doesn’t seem too bright. Sorry, but worry not. I still have my list and more words to follow.

Past Twi words: akwantuo, akwaaba

Word for the Travel Wise (01/22/07)

by Adrienne Wilson on

I’m never certain which words will come in handy for each and every traveler and on occasion I select words I know will not be to the traveler’s benefit, but then again even those can turn into something useful. It really depends on the purpose of travel and weird awkward situations presented to the explorer while dining or attending a local sports event. In summary what I want I really want to say about the word for today is it may or may not come handy. If while in Qatar it does help you, then please thank me later and if it doesn’t share with me some words you did learn.

Today’s word is an Arabic word used in Qatar:

istan’na – wait

My Language Exchange is an excellent site in making friends across the globe while zoning in on the areas that give you the most trouble in your language of choice. While most services are free, contacting other members does cost a very small fee. Other learning tools for free standard Arabic online include this Learn Arabic site which has some remarkable lessons. The audio sounds a bit off for me, but they’ve got both the Naskh script (easy to read when learning the alphabet) and the Latin spelling of the letter. Babel Arabic is another good source. Planet Edu has an online listing of Arabic schools all over the Middle East, Africa and the U.S. Lastly, for purchase and a quick pocket guide there’s the Lonely Planet Egyptian Arabic Phrasebook, which should be the closest to that spoken in Qatar verses Moroccan Arabic.

Past Arabic words: wafin, akhdar, taeadol, shwiya, la bas, filoos, khwaga, hegab, aktar, yom

Word for the Travel Wise (01/21/07)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Babble too much and you could be called one of these on your fun-sun beach vaca in Montego Bay.

Today’s word is a Patois word from Jamaica:

Mout-a-massy – someone who talks too much. A gossip.

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, obeah

Word for the Travel Wise (01/20/07)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Don’t let the cat get your tongue when trying to say hello in Albanian. I think you’ll find this one fairly easy to say.

Today’s word is an Albanian word used in Albania:

tung – hello

Albanian is spoken in Albania, Kosovo, Greece, Serbia and Montenegro, and the Republic of Macedonia. It is in its own independent branch of the Indo-European language family with no living close relatives as stated by Wikipedia. Argjiro is a pretty new site with a long way to go, but there are a few things there to help a beginner in the Albanian lang get a foothold. Start with the English-Albanian dictionary. Single-Serving online has an awesome Albanian phrase guide for the tourist with audio files. For history, lessons, and other useful knowledge on the tongue of Albania visit, Albania World.

Past Albanian words: muaj, kujtesë

Word for the Travel Wise (01/19/07)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Looking to know what’s up with Senegal both past and present? If you’re interested in history check out this timeline found at StarTribune.com what information dating as far back as the 11th century. Once you are up to speed and ready to visit present-day Senegal head to sunugaal.com and plan your trip for the future.

Today’s word is a Wolof word used in Senegal:

Naka mu? – What’s up?

According to this Wolof Online site, most Wolof speaking people believe their language is quite difficult and even un-teachable to those passionately wanting to communicate in the lingua. The website also believes if there is a will there is a way which is why you can find primer courses on Wolof there as well. Wiki has a small list of words on their information guide. You’ll notice the word used in today’s lesson above there and should be able to make good use of this one during your travels in Senegal or Gambia and Mauritania where Wolof is also spoken. Scroll further down on the Wiki and the Wolof Online sites to find additional links and resources to help in your Wolof endeavors.

Past Wolof words: jërejëf, déedéet