Word for the Travel Wise (09/22/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Although this particular Zouk Nights dance group is located in Australia and not the birthplace of the sound, it would be still be pretty cool to learn the movements of the French Caribbean inspired dance. According to the Zouk Nights, Brazilian dancers started dancing to Zouk when Lambada music stopped being produced. So this is what I’m thinking – whether you are in Australia, Brazil or Martinique somewhere your body should be moving to the music. No excuses.

Today’s word is a Portuguese word used in Brazil:

noite – (noy-te) night

Easy Portuguese online offers a small dictionary of useful words, useful phrases, and a couple of short lessons to get you started. Most have audio clips including our word for the day found here. Portuguese Language dot net has excellent historical info on the language and numerous tools to help you get motivated and be successful at learning the 6th most spoken language. For Portuguese heard in Portugal you can download mp3 audio from BBC, which I’m sure there are several similarities between the two countries. Those interested in classroom study abroad can click here for more info at Franco Americano.

Past Portuguese words: xixi, bronzeador, lanchonete, esquerda, crianças

Word for the Travel Wise (09/21/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Earlier this year I took on an ambitious task of attempting to cover every African country for Black history month. The funny part of covering almost all the countries is that I have been to none. Never seen Africa and never touched the continent, but I felt there were enough stories from other people to complete the mission. WRONG. While there is a ton of info on countries like Kenya, South Africa, Egypt and Morocco there is little on countries like Burundi. I discovered this during my searches, but also found a few helpful online places for little Burundi. One of which can be found here. Erik also did a bizarre plug on the country back in April.

Today’s word is a Kirundi word used in Burundi:

ubu – now

Kirundi is an official language of Burundi, a Central African country. There are about 4.6 million speakers of the language some also residing in Tanzania, Congo-Kinshasa and Uganda. Learning Kirundi will be difficult online. Wiki has a short list of words, but you’ll probably have to tour the country if you ever wish to become anywhere close to fluent.

Word for the Travel Wise (09/20/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Holiday Park in Germany is celebrating 35 years and has a horde of specials for the season running up until November 5, 2006. If your family is going on holiday in Europe put this one on the list for the kiddies, but only if they’re good.

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

ankommen – arrive

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

Word for the Travel Wise (09/19/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

How I’ve managed to forget this wonderful travel site often loaded with photography from some lesser explored places – I do not know. TravelAdventures.org has an amazing photo set of Yemeni people, the Haraz Mountains, qat, and other Yemeni things. I’m going to bookmark this one for future reference and so I don’t forget it again.

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

khwaga – foreigner

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.

Past Arabic words: wafin, akhdar, taeadol, shwiya, la bas, filoos

Word for the Travel Wise (09/18/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Ever wonder who the first person to sample certain foods was? Like who decided seaweed was okay to eat or which fish you could nosh on raw and which ones you couldn’t? Every time I find myself in front of a salad bar or sushi bar I ponder these things. Sure, sometimes I just dig right in without thinking about it, but really. There’s a lot of seaweed in the ocean. Japan-guide provides the skinny on three of the most commonly eaten seaweed and which dish you may find them.

Today’s word is a Japanese word used in Japan:

nori – thin, dried seaweed sheets

Spoken Japanese comes smoothly for those who either practice or submit themselves to hours of Japanese pop music, but either way one can learn this language in through several avenues. Japanese Online is a VERY good FREE site to start learning. They have audio and a great conversation lessons. The lessons get more in-depth as you become a registered user which is still free of charge. Takese.com has a list of over 2000 words worth checking out. Those on the road already may want to pick up the LP Japanese phrasebook or check into a school for a few weeks of learning. Study Abroad has a list of school located all over the country. If you’re seeking help with written Japanese best of luck to you!

Past Japanese words: hajimemashite, dewa mata, tomodachi, omocha, uchiwa