Word for the Travel Wise (07/30/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

A close pal of mine just took off to Germany earlier this week and I’m going to guess she’s probably not reading Gadling, but for those of us who didn’t make it this time looking to brush up on our German before heading out and over, this word is for you…

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

durchgeknallt – when somebody just lost it, blown

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

Word for the Travel Wise (07/29/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

A long time ago I said I wouldn’t post any naughty or disrespectful words in the languages posted mainly because you’re not likely to make friends using them and I’m all about collecting friends over enemies in foreign lands. However, this thought process of mine is not always one of another human being and therefore it is not a two way street. In the event I’m heading down a narrow-minded one way street in Johannesburg or just happen to over hear the use of certain negative words I’d still like to know their meaning. That being said here’s something you probably don’t want to be called while journeying South Africa…

Today’s word is an Afrikaans word used in South Africa:

dof – a derogatory term that describes someone who is a little dim-witted

For learning Afrikaans online check out this Afrikaans.us site and Ominglot guide with additional links. Aviva has a nice list of words with their translations you may hear most commonly during your visit in the country. Parties with some knowledge of the language may wish to do some reading over at this blog all in Afrikaans. I haven’t a clue what the content is about, but it could come in handy. Note that the name Afrikaans is simply the Dutch word for African where Afrikaans is the African form of the Dutch Language.

Past Afrikaans words: bly stil , plakkies, woestyn

Photo of the Day (07/29/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on


During all my years of school I never really had the chance to go abroad in an exchange program to learn another lang, which is a real bummer considering how much I adore lingo immersion. Anyhow, this photo comes from my younger cousin Camille’s photo files from her Junior year jaunt through Paris. As much as I’m in love with the bright red lights, wind mill and hearing her experiences I’m also a wee-bit green. Green with envy that is, but I suppose I’ll make to Paris one day. Until then, I have the photo and the stars to gaze into.

Word for the Travel Wise (07/27/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

Did I mention I am training for a marathon this October? Um, yeah – I’m still trying to figure out why I made a move to do that and when it is all said and done you can sure bet I won’t be signing up for another. It isn’t that the marathon day itself is what I find horribly painful. It’s the consistent, time consuming training that is a little tough for me. One hour, two hours, three; spent training over 18 weeks for one big day of running… Sigh. If I had a bumper sticker for my sneakers it’d probably say something like, “I’d rather be studying Farsi.”

Today’s word is a Farsi (Persian) word used in Iran:

dovidan – to run

Excellent sites for learning Persian online include a personal favorite called Easy Persian and Farhangsara. Both sites have an excellent beginner’s guide into the language and use images, sound and music to assist you in the process. Check out Lonely Planet’s Farsi (Persian) Phrasebook for a shorthand guide at the ancient lingo.

Past Farsi words: be salamati, toot farangee, kheyli golabi, tazeh

Word for the Travel Wise (07/26/06)

by Adrienne Wilson on

I don’t know what’s up with the weather these days, but it is hot as Hades these days and quite frankly it has me longing to escape. Right about now I’d give anything to be lounging on the shores of a shady palm-fringed tropical island. It doesn’t matter where so long as the wind tosses enough ocean mist my way to help keep the body temperature cool.

Today’s word is Kreyòl (Haitian creole) word used in Haiti:

chalè – heat

This Kreyol website features comprehensive cultural and travel info on Haiti. Their overall goal is to spread positive messages about the country and create positive images. Their online Kreyòl dictionary is one of the best! iCreole is a good place translation tool if you wish to know a word within seconds. For a fun look at some popular proverbs check out this Discover Haiti site. Make note that the Creole used in the proverbs is not that of the Creole spoken in Port-au-Prince. Lastly, leave it to good old Pimsleur to have audio books dedicated to learning Creole. Expensive, but you can also look for them in your local library.

Past Kreyòl words: evite, il/zile, voryen