Word for the Travel Wise (09/05/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

If they say places like Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are some of the last least explored tourist destinations in the world, which they often do – then Kazakhstan must be the last unexplored destination for the Foodies. How is it that I can make such a remark? Why, Horse Sausage my friends. Okay, maybe horse meat isn’t that rare and perhaps many a Foodie have experienced it’s um, (vegetarians look away) tough or tender texture tearing across their teeth. Ugh – gulp. Here are some recipes for cooking Kazy and Shuzhuk, both dishes with horse flesh included.

Today’s word is a Kazakh word used in Kazakhstan:

at – horse

Kazakh and Russian are both official languages of Kazakhstan. There are approximately 11.5 million Kazakh speakers in the world. Considering many adoptive families adopt Kazakh children someone was nice enough to put together this extensive list of Kazakh language learning resources. Whether you’re adopting or not – if you are serious about learning I suggest you check out this page. I doubt there is a more exhaustive list on the web.

Word for the Travel Wise (09/04/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Turkmens.com is the Internet’s number one site on everything Turkmen. If you want to hear Turkmen pop music, Turkmen classical music, see Turkmen horses, Turkmen art work and Turkmen artists you’ve found the right link. This was one of those countries I expected to google online and find nothing about, but this site alone proves I’m wrong. Of some of the more fascinating links I would check out the Turkmen museum which features Dr. Farzad Marjani’s private collection of jewelry. Impressive pieces. I wouldn’t mind owning something like the items seen there. Anyhow…

Today’s word is a Turkmen word used in Turkmenistan:

näche – how much?

Turkmen is the national language of Turkmenistan with some 3,430,000 speakers within the country and 3,000,000 throughout parts of Iran, Afghanistan and Turkey. The language is more closely related to Crimean Tatar and Salar and less closely related to Turkish and Azerbaijani. Wiki has good background info including additional learning links. If you’ve some knowledge of the lingo already visit this tmchat forum to learn by hanging out and chatting with other members. Same rule applies if you’re going to stop by this Dersat Turkmens page which says you can learn and has samples, tests and conversation, but it’s difficult to understand without basic skills in place. Transparent.com has Turkmen language software and LP’s Central Asia phrasebook has only a small section of Turkmen.

Word for the Travel Wise (09/03/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Just came across the tourism.uz site which I don’t recall seeing in the past and there is a bundle of useful information for travelers planning Central Asian Uzbek travel. This tip should be almost a no-brainer, but under their general info page they say not expect much of restroom facilities outside of major hotels and modern apartment buildings. So there you have it – don’t say I didn’t try to tell you so if you go looking for high-class potties.

Today’s word is a Uzbek word used in Uzbekistan:

hojathona – bathroom

Uzbek is spoken by 18.5 million in Uzbekistan and across Central Asia. It is the official language of Uzbekistan and classified as an Eastern Turkic language in the Qarluq. Wiki has great background on the lang as usual where as you can find an incredible list of the most common Uzbek words at this Introduction to Uzbek Language site. In addition to the wordlist there is also a small section for pronunciation and grammar.

Past Uzbek words: arzimaydi

Word for the Travel Wise (09/02/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

I’ve used climbing K2, the second highest mountain on Earth, as a conversation starter before, but it won’t keep me from using it again. After you see today’s word from one of the lesser spoken languages of Pakistan you’ll understand why.

Today’s word is a Khowar word used in Pakistan:

zoom – mountain

Khowar is classified as a Dardic language and is spoken by some 400,000 people in Northwest Pakistan. If you’re going over to the country try learning Urdu first. Online sources for Khowar are scarce.

Urdu is the official language of Pakistan, spoken by some 61 million natives and 104 million total. The language falls under the Indo-Aryan family, developed under Persian, Turkish, and Arabic. From my own Persian studies I’ve noticed several closely related if not exact same word. Unless someone out there has a few recommendations on learning Urdu on the web other than what is provided here, this could be a small challenge. For some basics on the script and general background info visit UK India. Otherwise I’d say it’s time to head over to My Language Exchange to find some native speakers looking to swap your lingo knowledge for theirs. Click here for a pretty good blog on a world of Urdu topics.

Past Urdu words from Pakistan: khatarnak, saman

Word for the Travel Wise (09/01/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

With this first take on the Kyrgyz language here on Gadling I’m sure some of you are wondering where the heck I get the nerve teaching something you’ll probably never ever use. Some of you might be scratching your head wondering where exactly Kyrgyzstan is located and what one would do if he/she ever found their way in the country. My solution and answer to your question: First pocket this word for a special occasion. You never know when you might run into a person of Kyrgyz descent, especially in New York. Secondly, check out some of Neil’s fine pieces in our Kyrgyzstan category. That should be a good start for now.

Today’s word is a Kyrgyz word used in Kyrgyzstan:

kechiresiz – excuse, pardon me, or sorry

Kyrgyz also known as Kirghiz is spoken by about 3 million people. The lang is a northwestern Turkic language and together with Russian it is the official language of the country of Kyrgyzstan. It is also spoken in parts of China, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Turkey. Check out Wikipedia for background info. In regards to learning online you’ve picked a toughie if you’ve decided on making Kyrgyz your second tongue. This Learning Kyrgyz blogspot page hasn’t been updated in ages, but it may have some helpful links and words of advice for persons eager to learn. If you’d like to learn by listening try the BBC in Kyrgyz. My online suggestions will stop there for now. I picked this word out of my Central Asia phrasebook from LP. Pick one up for yourself!