Word for the Travel Wise (10/02/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

So here’s a confession: I’m a big wimp when it comes to cold weather. Yup, I’m the type that moans and groans during the acclimation process, but it’s my moaning that gets me by and my groaning along with several extra layers that allows me to stay warm. Having just arrived in Fargo, North Dakota today something about the place feels slightly different than Florida and it’s not just the temperature. I feel so far away. Almost as if I was in say, Greenland or some place.

Today’s word is a Greenlandic (Kalaallisut) word used in Greenland:

ilaasortaat – boat

Greenlandic also known as Kalaallisut language is spoken by 54,000 people and is closely related to Canadian Inukitut. In my own opinion I’d say most words are dizzying and longer than the length of the country itself, but that is just me. You can visit the Greenland Language Council online, but their site is in full Greendlandic so without any prior skill you won’t get too far. Wiki and Ethnologue report, both have great background info and lastly there is this Greendlandic for Travelers (silly Engleeshes) to check out. I didn’t get it, but maybe you will.

Past Greenlandic words: mattak

Word for the Travel Wise (10/01/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Here’s a good Vietnamese word I ran across recently. Just make note that I hadn’t all the proper accent characters for some of the letters. For instance the ‘d’ in dô should have that line that crosses over the top portion. If you’re familiar with Vietnamese at all you’ll know what I’m talking about. If not, this is great opportunity to get familiar with the lang!

Today’s word is a Vietnamese word used in Vietnam:

bàn dô – map

To continue learning Vietnamese online start with phrase list found at the NY Public Library. This Wanna Learn / Geocities page has some free words and phrases listed. It was one of few I could find online for free though you won’t get far. Rosetta Stone offers audio and web courses for a fee and there’s always the opportunity to take a Vietnamese language class in Hanoi, Vietnam with CIEE. For those flying through the country for just a few short days pick up the phrasebook.

Past Vietnamese words: Xe Ðap, xinh xinh, cam hut thuoc, tam biêt

Word for the Travel Wise (09/30/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Here’s another interesting blog out of Greece. This one is called Elginism, which means an act of cultural vandalism and focuses on museum scandals and ancient art. Certainly isn’t your average blog, but that’s what I dig about it. If you’re headed to the country and plan on doing some museum hops it may be worth the time to pick up some inside info just to have some conversation pieces if the opportunity so arises.

Today’s word is a Greek word from Greece:

filaki – prison

Online sources for learning Greek for free include BBC Languages and AGNI. The courses at BBC Languages are incredible. Probably one of the best you’ll find online and audio can even be found for today’s word by clicking here. Amerispan offers Greek immersion and language courses in Athens. Pretty pricey, but hey it’s Greece!

Past Greek words: toh karavee, Pascha, aigolios, thello, foni

Word for the Travel Wise (09/29/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

A friend of mine left for Nairobi earlier this month, but prior to heading out she was poking around Gadling wondering why there wasn’t more on Kenya? I agree, Kenya is definitely a place we should have loads of information about with so many people interested in the Masai Mara and other attractions I’m sure. Well– I’m sure she’ll have plenty of recommendations when she makes it back from her volunteer travels and I’ll be sure to pass them along.

Today’s word is a Swahili (Kiswahili) word used in Kenya:

zaidi – more

Masai-Mara has a section devoted to useful Swahili and Kenya Travels has a similar list, but to catch the missing words between the two I suggest looking at them both. The Kamusi Project is the internet’s only living Swahili dictionary which has been suspended due to funding issues. Sad, seeing it seems like one of the best sources to learning the lang, but the if you’re willing to donate a few dollars you can help keep the website alive. To learn basic background facts about Swahili check out Wikipedia. Did you know the name Swahili comes from the plural of Arabic word sahel (singular) or its plural sawahil meaning “boundary” or “coast?” Just one cool fact I discovered during the first lesson I taught.

Past Swahili words: unasemaje, simu , asubuhi

Word for the Travel Wise (09/28/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

From October 4-8, 2006 Dubrovnik will have its 4th Dubrovnik International Film Fest featuring a selection of documentary, feature and short films from around the globe. If you’re hanging around Croatia and looking for an opportunity to catch up on your movies why not swing by?

Today’s word is a Croatian word used in Croatia:

ime – (ee-me) name

Falling under the western group of south Slavic languages, the Croatian language is used primarily by the Croats and is written in the Croatian alphabet. Croatian is an official language of Croatia as well as Bosnia and Burgenland (Austria). Wiki is the perfect starting point to learn all the background notes on the language as well as an example of the language as found in The Lord’s Prayer. This Hrvatski jezik website has a few lists of useful words and phrases for the traveler looking to get by in the country. Things like days of the week, shopping, sightseeing, customs, and basic greetings are all covered. Learn-Croatian.com is another good tool for picking up enough to make due and offers a number of links to help those interested in learning further. As always two of my personal language learning fav’s include the BBC Quick Fix Guide to Croatian with audio for download and LP’s pocket sized Croatian phrasebook.

Past Croatian words: kolodvor, more