Every summer for a while now I've written myself a to-do list to try an encourage myself to be at least a little productive and not just simply waste the months away. I am yet to even come close to completing one of these lists, so this year I've decided to post it on here and I'll have to write a short update every so often on the end of a blog post to keep you guys up to date. This way I can review my (lack of) progress might actually get something done... It's worth a try at least!
First of all, I've picked a few things from my bucket list I'd like to tick off:
46. Learn how to say that really long welsh town name (Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwyll-llantysiliogogogoch)
50. Have a big 21st
104. Do the cinnamon challenge
'That was the single worst thing I've ever had to do'. Why do I challenge myself to do these stupid things?? Though for your entertainment and proof that I actually tried it I might film myself doing it. I can already feel the regret creeping in...
Then a few I'd like to work towards:
42. Learn to speak fluently in at leats five languages
I'm obviously going to keep up my German and Spanish but I'm also going to work on one of Arabic, Danish or French, as I already have a little understanding of these. Which do you think I should go for? Also any learning tips would be greatly appreciated.
83. Watch 100 Greatest Films of all time - Watch at least 10 of these. I got my two lists (which can be found on my Bucket List page) from a friend who is the biggest film buff I've ever encountered, so I doubt there exists anything more accurate!
84. Read 100 Greatest Books of all time - Read at least 5 of these. I'm not sure which list is exactly the official one, but after reading a few this is the one I most agreed with. If you know of a better one, let me know. Though since it's rather opinion based thing, I can't guarantee I'll agree.
Then there's practical things like sorting out my files in preparation for next term, moving into my NEW FLAT in Bermondsey, buying books and sorting out things for German Society! I'm also willing to consider any other challenges you may be able to think of for me whilst on my travels... Comment/tweet to let me know! Let's see how I manage eh?!
Showing posts with label danish. Show all posts
Showing posts with label danish. Show all posts
Thursday, 6 June 2013
Monday, 11 March 2013
Awesomely Untranslatable
Just a quick one to share this link that appeared on my news feed on faceyb this morn! It's a list of 20 words that are untranslatable into English. It's really quite an interesting read, I only wish I'd seen it earlier as it would have fit in well with Friday's post... Number 16 is a personal favourite as it is a word we discussed a lot whilst travelling with the Danes as none of us could figure out the English translation. And now I know why!
Tried to make the picture the link but I failed miserably. So just click here instead :)
Tried to make the picture the link but I failed miserably. So just click here instead :)
Friday, 8 March 2013
Hi, Hallo, Hej, Hola, Bonjour...
First of all, I'm not going to apologise for my mini hiatus, I've just been crazy busy and a little unwell recently. Which also meant I couldn't go to Madrid/Salamanca, my first trip abroad of the year. BOOOOOO :( I may have to cancel my trip to Dublin in a couple of weeks too, which would really suck, but if I don't I'll be sure to keep you all updated, don't you worry!
This week I fancy talking about language. I don't know if I've made obsession with language clear on here yet, so I think it's about time I shared. Something that I am accumulating a large collection of is phrase books. I buy one everywhere I go and then try out at least a few basic phrases with the locals. I think it's something I've picked up from my parents, as when we were younger they'd always try and learn a bit of the destination language before we'd head off abroad. I recommend Lonely Planet ones, they always have dead helpful 'how to pronounce things' bits and have all the silly chat up lines in too, for bants with your friends ;)
Click here for some killer foreign pick up lines.
I suppose I do this for two main reasons; politeness and curiosity. Maybe politeness isn't quite the right word but you get the general idea. Basically, I think that if you are visiting/working in/moving to another country you should at least give the local language a go. I understand that some people just aren't language learners and can't make it stick, but it's not difficult to stumble through a few basics - the worst they will do is laugh at you and reply in English or help you through as best they can (this happens to me a lot). I mean, in the UK, we're just so LAZY when it comes to foreign languages. That age old excuse 'It's fine, everyone speaks English' is becoming rather tiresome. Especially because, well, it's not true. Around 1 billion people speak English, which yes is a lot, however that leaves 6 BILLION who don't, who you can never talk to if you don't make the effort. Now that's a fair number. Plus you'd be surprised at how flattered/surprised/grateful people can be if you give their language a go, especially if it's not a particularly well known one.
Curiosity probably doesn't apply to everyone, but to a language geek like myself travel provides a massive opportunity for me to explore other languages and types of languages and generally just geek-out. I've learned way more about other languages from travelling and meeting native speakers than I ever have in a classroom. It just seems a golden opportunity to ask questions and learn from an expert source, who in turn probably wants to learn from you too. It's not only a source of simple conversation, but something that everyone can connect with. From travelling I've gained a fascination for Scandinavian and Slavic languages, especially Danish (honestly, I just think it's beautiful) after spending a fair amount of time walking through the Peruvian Jungle trying to master the soft 'd' sound and repeating 'skide, skede, skøde' over and over again - I won't translate it on here as it's a little rude, but feel free to do so yourself and know it sounds hilarious to a Dane. These are languages I'd never even have considered interesting had I not given them a try. It was also nice to be able to make a Danish lady, who came into the shop I work in a few weeks ago, leave with a smile on here face, as I had taken the time to learn 'Hi, my name is Emily, how are you?' in her language. It's the kind of compliment we Brits will never understand as we're so used to hearing foreigners speak English.
Learning Danish walking to Machu Picchu (day 3). Just look at how much fun we're having.
I guess my point is that whilst adventuring around the world and discovering new and exciting cultures, the opportunity to explore language shouldn't be wasted. After all, it is one of the most important parts of culture. There are many cultural differences in language itself, from humour to ways of relating to one another, which are evident even from British to American to Australian English. It's an easy way to spark a conversation and make someone laugh, especially if you're rubbish. So no excuses. Give it a go. I dare you ;)
This week I fancy talking about language. I don't know if I've made obsession with language clear on here yet, so I think it's about time I shared. Something that I am accumulating a large collection of is phrase books. I buy one everywhere I go and then try out at least a few basic phrases with the locals. I think it's something I've picked up from my parents, as when we were younger they'd always try and learn a bit of the destination language before we'd head off abroad. I recommend Lonely Planet ones, they always have dead helpful 'how to pronounce things' bits and have all the silly chat up lines in too, for bants with your friends ;)
Click here for some killer foreign pick up lines.
I suppose I do this for two main reasons; politeness and curiosity. Maybe politeness isn't quite the right word but you get the general idea. Basically, I think that if you are visiting/working in/moving to another country you should at least give the local language a go. I understand that some people just aren't language learners and can't make it stick, but it's not difficult to stumble through a few basics - the worst they will do is laugh at you and reply in English or help you through as best they can (this happens to me a lot). I mean, in the UK, we're just so LAZY when it comes to foreign languages. That age old excuse 'It's fine, everyone speaks English' is becoming rather tiresome. Especially because, well, it's not true. Around 1 billion people speak English, which yes is a lot, however that leaves 6 BILLION who don't, who you can never talk to if you don't make the effort. Now that's a fair number. Plus you'd be surprised at how flattered/surprised/grateful people can be if you give their language a go, especially if it's not a particularly well known one.
Curiosity probably doesn't apply to everyone, but to a language geek like myself travel provides a massive opportunity for me to explore other languages and types of languages and generally just geek-out. I've learned way more about other languages from travelling and meeting native speakers than I ever have in a classroom. It just seems a golden opportunity to ask questions and learn from an expert source, who in turn probably wants to learn from you too. It's not only a source of simple conversation, but something that everyone can connect with. From travelling I've gained a fascination for Scandinavian and Slavic languages, especially Danish (honestly, I just think it's beautiful) after spending a fair amount of time walking through the Peruvian Jungle trying to master the soft 'd' sound and repeating 'skide, skede, skøde' over and over again - I won't translate it on here as it's a little rude, but feel free to do so yourself and know it sounds hilarious to a Dane. These are languages I'd never even have considered interesting had I not given them a try. It was also nice to be able to make a Danish lady, who came into the shop I work in a few weeks ago, leave with a smile on here face, as I had taken the time to learn 'Hi, my name is Emily, how are you?' in her language. It's the kind of compliment we Brits will never understand as we're so used to hearing foreigners speak English.
Learning Danish walking to Machu Picchu (day 3). Just look at how much fun we're having.
I guess my point is that whilst adventuring around the world and discovering new and exciting cultures, the opportunity to explore language shouldn't be wasted. After all, it is one of the most important parts of culture. There are many cultural differences in language itself, from humour to ways of relating to one another, which are evident even from British to American to Australian English. It's an easy way to spark a conversation and make someone laugh, especially if you're rubbish. So no excuses. Give it a go. I dare you ;)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)