This week's phrase is one I stumbled upon in a manuscript I edited:
"to go to town on sth"
What does it mean?
This idiom means to do something with much zest, speed and determination, and often without sparing any expenses. Example: "He went to town on his new novel and already has written over hundred pages in only two weeks."
Where does it come from?
The original meaning of this phrase refers to expensive shopping trips to the nearest town. It has first been recorded in 1933 and seems to be of American origin.
My two cents:
When I stumbled upon this phrase in the manuscript, I had a vague idea of its meaning but wasn't quite sure. I chose the easiest way to find out: through the author! Thanks to Richard I. Prescott for this nice new phrase! What strikes me somewhat funny, however, is that I learnt this phrase with American origins through an English writer...
Language ... the bridge of communication, the magic creator of worlds, the brush and paint of authors. Language is magic. It gives us power. It is something you just have to love.
Saturday, 2 July 2011
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
Language Jobs - Writer
Now, it is obvious how I come to write about this job, isn't it? I am a writer, I love to write, and writing uses language(s). So, here's my overview of the job of a writer:
Writer
Description
A writer writes. Novels, short stories, poems, articles, blog posts, essays, games, ...
Some things are assignments, with a deadline and agreed payment, others are written on speculation (novels, for example, but other things as well - mostly for magazines).
Necessary Skills
A writer needs to know his tools, that is syntax, vocabulary, grammar and style. Depending on what kind of texts he wants to write, he needs to know the requirements (character development, plot, outline of a report or scientific text, etc.).
Furthermore, especially for fiction writers, it is highly advisable to read a lot. So, if a writer wants to write fantasy, he should read at least some fantasy novels and short stories first; if he wants to write crime and suspense, he should read some books from those genres, and so on. Reading not only helps to get to know the genre, but it also improves the writer's tool set.
Last but not least, though this is to be taken with a grain of salt, a writer definitely needs to be a tad bit crazy...
Income Range
Income, like with most freelancing jobs, varies greatly. There are a few select authors who get rich writing (and marketing!) their fiction or non-fiction, and a legion of freelancers who are glad if they are able to pay their bills every month. Content-mills pay crap but offer lots of opportunities for writers who are able to write several articles per hour while better-paying venues are difficult to get into.
Where to Find Jobs
There are lots of so-called content-mills out there, websites which pay very low rates but offer the opportunity to write tons of articles. Then, there are countless magazines, both print and online, which buy short stories, poems and non-fiction. Last but not least, there are all the literary agents and publishers from the big players to the small publishers with print runs in the low hundreds.
Writer
Description
A writer writes. Novels, short stories, poems, articles, blog posts, essays, games, ...
Some things are assignments, with a deadline and agreed payment, others are written on speculation (novels, for example, but other things as well - mostly for magazines).
Necessary Skills
A writer needs to know his tools, that is syntax, vocabulary, grammar and style. Depending on what kind of texts he wants to write, he needs to know the requirements (character development, plot, outline of a report or scientific text, etc.).
Furthermore, especially for fiction writers, it is highly advisable to read a lot. So, if a writer wants to write fantasy, he should read at least some fantasy novels and short stories first; if he wants to write crime and suspense, he should read some books from those genres, and so on. Reading not only helps to get to know the genre, but it also improves the writer's tool set.
Last but not least, though this is to be taken with a grain of salt, a writer definitely needs to be a tad bit crazy...
Income Range
Income, like with most freelancing jobs, varies greatly. There are a few select authors who get rich writing (and marketing!) their fiction or non-fiction, and a legion of freelancers who are glad if they are able to pay their bills every month. Content-mills pay crap but offer lots of opportunities for writers who are able to write several articles per hour while better-paying venues are difficult to get into.
Where to Find Jobs
There are lots of so-called content-mills out there, websites which pay very low rates but offer the opportunity to write tons of articles. Then, there are countless magazines, both print and online, which buy short stories, poems and non-fiction. Last but not least, there are all the literary agents and publishers from the big players to the small publishers with print runs in the low hundreds.
Monday, 27 June 2011
How Family Can Affect Your Language Learning
Family...that's the bunch of people who may support you in your endeavours and plans, or tell you to get a "normal" job...we can't choose them. Some are lucky, others not so, but how can family affect your language learning?
First of all, the most obvious influence. If someone in your family has a different native language, that's a great boost of motivation to learn it. Furthermore, you might even get active help in your struggle to learn the language, or grow up bilingually from the beginning.
But even when you have no one in your family who speaks a different native language, you might get encouragement and even someone who wants to learn a new language together with you. I remember when my mom and I tried to learn Dutch together. It was so much fun! Most of the time, we would look at each other and burst into laughter over a funny-looking or funny-sounding new word, we would help each other with the exercises and dialogues...and it was a great motivation to know: Hey, my mom is coming around in two days; I should learn the new vocabulary and do some exercises until then!
Of course, sadly, there's the case of negative effects as well. If your family doesn't like it that you want to learn a different language (or, not that specific language you want to learn), it might be difficult to find enough motivation (or even opportunities if you are still living with your parents, for example, and your parents don't want you to learn it). You might have to face constant arguments about your endeavours, or have to keep it a secret. Most of all, you lack support and encouragement from people who should do exactly that.
You see, your family can have a great effect - both positive and negative - on your language learning endeavours. I wish everyone the luck to have a supportive family, and hope that those whose family lacks support won't be discouraged from broadening their horizon by learning a new language if that's what they want to do.
Happy learning!
First of all, the most obvious influence. If someone in your family has a different native language, that's a great boost of motivation to learn it. Furthermore, you might even get active help in your struggle to learn the language, or grow up bilingually from the beginning.
But even when you have no one in your family who speaks a different native language, you might get encouragement and even someone who wants to learn a new language together with you. I remember when my mom and I tried to learn Dutch together. It was so much fun! Most of the time, we would look at each other and burst into laughter over a funny-looking or funny-sounding new word, we would help each other with the exercises and dialogues...and it was a great motivation to know: Hey, my mom is coming around in two days; I should learn the new vocabulary and do some exercises until then!
Of course, sadly, there's the case of negative effects as well. If your family doesn't like it that you want to learn a different language (or, not that specific language you want to learn), it might be difficult to find enough motivation (or even opportunities if you are still living with your parents, for example, and your parents don't want you to learn it). You might have to face constant arguments about your endeavours, or have to keep it a secret. Most of all, you lack support and encouragement from people who should do exactly that.
You see, your family can have a great effect - both positive and negative - on your language learning endeavours. I wish everyone the luck to have a supportive family, and hope that those whose family lacks support won't be discouraged from broadening their horizon by learning a new language if that's what they want to do.
Happy learning!
Saturday, 25 June 2011
Word of the Week ... X
Since I use this word regularly to search for more information about the phrases or words I explain on Saturdays, I think it's only fair to mention it in its own post:
"etymology"
Meaning: The word "etymology" goes as far back as into the late 14th century and has its roots in Greek. It describes the study of word origins and history. The original Greek words "eteos" (and thus derived etymos) and "logos" mean "true" and "teaching of".
Example: Do you know the etymology of the phrase "my cup of tea"?
"etymology"
Meaning: The word "etymology" goes as far back as into the late 14th century and has its roots in Greek. It describes the study of word origins and history. The original Greek words "eteos" (and thus derived etymos) and "logos" mean "true" and "teaching of".
Example: Do you know the etymology of the phrase "my cup of tea"?
Wednesday, 22 June 2011
Language Jobs - Editor
Although the editor is normally only working with one language, it is still a language job since your work tools are grammar, spelling, style etc.
Editor
Description
Editors help develop and polish manuscripts, both fiction and non-fiction. They need to read a lot, and to work on a computer or desk (depending on whether they prefer to edit on the screen or with pencil on printed pages). Editing requires a high level of concentration.
Necessary Skills
Editors have to be aces in grammar, spelling and punctiation (or need at least some good references to look something up whenever they are not sure). In addition, editors should be avid readers as well since they need to be sure in style issues, plot and story development. Non-fiction editors must be experts in their fields since their work often requires fact-checking. They need to be able to research missing knowledge.
Income Range
The income of editors, both freelancers and employees, varies greatly. It depends on how well someone can sell himself, as well as some luck with high-paying clientele or a good employer. Most editors, however, don't earn particularly much.
Where to Find Jobs
Most editors work on a freelance basis for private clients, newspapers, magazines, publishing houses or literary agents. Some few are lucky to get a regular employment as editor, mostly with the "big players" in the publishing industry or with government and non-profit institutions.
Editor
Description
Editors help develop and polish manuscripts, both fiction and non-fiction. They need to read a lot, and to work on a computer or desk (depending on whether they prefer to edit on the screen or with pencil on printed pages). Editing requires a high level of concentration.
Necessary Skills
Editors have to be aces in grammar, spelling and punctiation (or need at least some good references to look something up whenever they are not sure). In addition, editors should be avid readers as well since they need to be sure in style issues, plot and story development. Non-fiction editors must be experts in their fields since their work often requires fact-checking. They need to be able to research missing knowledge.
Income Range
The income of editors, both freelancers and employees, varies greatly. It depends on how well someone can sell himself, as well as some luck with high-paying clientele or a good employer. Most editors, however, don't earn particularly much.
Where to Find Jobs
Most editors work on a freelance basis for private clients, newspapers, magazines, publishing houses or literary agents. Some few are lucky to get a regular employment as editor, mostly with the "big players" in the publishing industry or with government and non-profit institutions.
Monday, 20 June 2011
From the Life of a Bilingual Writer...(I)
Random Observations
There is no such thing as "the" dominant language in my brain.
I haven't yet have dreamt with subtitles - though I'm totally waiting for the first dream of that kind (and hope that either audio or subtitles will be in a language I understand - it would totally such not to be able to understand my own dream).
Memories of conversations and situations come to me in either language - no matter which language was the original one (yes, Americans in my memory suddenly speak German, and Germans English, and...oh, you get it).
The way I write dates varies with my mood (and sometimes with no reason or logic at all) and doesn't necessarily correspond to the language of what is written below.
When I talk to someone else who is bilingual German/English, I might switch languages in mid-sentence and use whichever language fits best or comes to me first.
My notes are scribbled down in both languages without any logic or system behind it.
My online dictionary is my best friend when I can't think of a certain word in the language I need but remember it in the other language - even if it is not a perfect match (works both ways). The dictionary results usually include the word I was looking for.
It frustrates me to no end when I can't think of a particular word in either language since I can't even look it up, then.
It also frustrates me when I know the perfect word for a situation/emotion/whatever - in the wrong language! - and can't find an equally good match in the other language.
To be continued...
There is no such thing as "the" dominant language in my brain.
I haven't yet have dreamt with subtitles - though I'm totally waiting for the first dream of that kind (and hope that either audio or subtitles will be in a language I understand - it would totally such not to be able to understand my own dream).
Memories of conversations and situations come to me in either language - no matter which language was the original one (yes, Americans in my memory suddenly speak German, and Germans English, and...oh, you get it).
The way I write dates varies with my mood (and sometimes with no reason or logic at all) and doesn't necessarily correspond to the language of what is written below.
When I talk to someone else who is bilingual German/English, I might switch languages in mid-sentence and use whichever language fits best or comes to me first.
My notes are scribbled down in both languages without any logic or system behind it.
My online dictionary is my best friend when I can't think of a certain word in the language I need but remember it in the other language - even if it is not a perfect match (works both ways). The dictionary results usually include the word I was looking for.
It frustrates me to no end when I can't think of a particular word in either language since I can't even look it up, then.
It also frustrates me when I know the perfect word for a situation/emotion/whatever - in the wrong language! - and can't find an equally good match in the other language.
To be continued...
Saturday, 18 June 2011
Word of the Week ... IX
Today's word (because I read it in a forum post from one of my friends and like it):
"flabbergasted"
This word was first mentioned as far back as in 1772 and comes from England (from Sussex as a source in 1823 states). It seeems to be a new creation from the words flabby or flapper and aghast.
Meaning: stunned, amazed, speechless, shocked... apparently, it can be used for both a very positive and a very negative event which just leaves you open-mouthed and at a loss for words
Examples: Jenna was flabbergasted when she saw the surprise her boyfriend had bought for her. -- All those regulations and requirements left me flabbergasted.
Can you come up with your own examples?
"flabbergasted"
This word was first mentioned as far back as in 1772 and comes from England (from Sussex as a source in 1823 states). It seeems to be a new creation from the words flabby or flapper and aghast.
Meaning: stunned, amazed, speechless, shocked... apparently, it can be used for both a very positive and a very negative event which just leaves you open-mouthed and at a loss for words
Examples: Jenna was flabbergasted when she saw the surprise her boyfriend had bought for her. -- All those regulations and requirements left me flabbergasted.
Can you come up with your own examples?
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