You wonder what travelling has to do with language love? Well, I'll tell you: If you travel to foreign countries, you most likely need to know at least some in their language. Plus, languages and the cultures of the countries they are spoken in belong together. So, let me tell you some about culture shocks.
I am in America at the moment, in a big city. And I come from Germany, from a small town. So, I knew I was in for some sort of culture shock. But, I wasn't in for one at the supermarket. What happened?
When I went to some part of the city, I knew it would be impressive at best and that I would have many new impressions rushing in on me. I was prepared, and it went without a culture shock. Of course, it was all new to me, I had to get used to it, but I wasn't alone and I was prepared for it.
The other day, when we went to the supermarket, I wasn't prepared. I mean, who on earth would think of a culture shock at a SUPERMARKET? It couldn't be that different, could it? Well, it could...and it was. I had all those new and/or different products rushing in on me, the different measurements, the different currency, the different prices. I was overwhelmed!
What I'm trying to say, I guess, is this: If you go to some new place, be prepared for a culture shock EVERYWHERE! That way, you prepare yourself and might be able to cope with the different impressions just fine, while when you're not prepared, it will likely overwhelm you at some point too.
Be prepared to have a whole set of new impressions, differences and maybe even disappontments and you should be just fine. That said, enjoy your travels!
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.
Monday, 28 February 2011
Saturday, 26 February 2011
My Two Cents ... XIII
Today's phrase is:
"to make oneself smell like roses"
What does it mean?
Now, when I first encountered that phrase, it was used to describe the fact that some people will talk bad about others while only giving away (true or false) good information about themselves. Thus, they make themselves seem good, innocent and often the poor victim while others are the bad guys.
Where does it come from?
Ok, I haven't had luck with finding its origins but I've come up with related phrases: "come out smelling like a rose" which means that you come out of a situation successful and often better than others, and "come up smelling like a rose" which means that you manage to come out looking good after a difficult or nasty affair.
My two cents:
I guess the origin is simply that a rose is seen as something which always smells pleasant so if someone smells like a rose after a nasty situation (maybe originally some situation which involved real nasty smells), he is still pleasant, agreeable. And, if all the others smell nastily afterwards, he sure was the most successful (at least in keeping the nasty smells away from him).
"to make oneself smell like roses"
What does it mean?
Now, when I first encountered that phrase, it was used to describe the fact that some people will talk bad about others while only giving away (true or false) good information about themselves. Thus, they make themselves seem good, innocent and often the poor victim while others are the bad guys.
Where does it come from?
Ok, I haven't had luck with finding its origins but I've come up with related phrases: "come out smelling like a rose" which means that you come out of a situation successful and often better than others, and "come up smelling like a rose" which means that you manage to come out looking good after a difficult or nasty affair.
My two cents:
I guess the origin is simply that a rose is seen as something which always smells pleasant so if someone smells like a rose after a nasty situation (maybe originally some situation which involved real nasty smells), he is still pleasant, agreeable. And, if all the others smell nastily afterwards, he sure was the most successful (at least in keeping the nasty smells away from him).
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
3 Tips How to Get the Most out of a Machine Translation
I understand that there are many people who rely on machine translations every day. Some of the translations services available even manage quite acceptable translations - if you just want to know what a text is about!
Here are some guidelines to help you get the most out of machine translations:
1) Use short and simple sentences!
The shorter and simpler the sentences are, the higher the probability that they will come out right. So if you need something you have written translated for others, stick with simple sentences without appositions, subordinate clauses etc. Use vocabulary with only one meaning whenever possible. Think of the machine translator as a learner of a foreign language who looks up every word in a dictionary and simply uses the first translation offered. So, the easier you make it for the machine, the better your chances that the translation is understandable and makes sense.
2) Use it for a general overview only!
As long as you only need a general overview, machine translations can be your friend. When you only want to read a blog in a foreign language, for example, machine translations may even make it funnier than it is. Believe me, some of the results you'll get are so weird that they are outright funny. As long as you keep in mind that the text you read is not necessarily the text the writer had intended, you'll be fine.
3) Never, ever use machine translations in important contexts!
Have you ever read the Terms of Use of a foreign company? Sometimes, they make you cringe. Sentences without proper verb, sentences without any sense at all, sentences which are sometimes just wrong. Whenever I see such Terms of Use, I know that the company hasn't spent a single buck on a proper translation. They have used a machine translation. And, honestly, if they don't have (or don't want to spend) the money for a proper translation, they should have simply done without a translation at all. People who visit their site and find such a poor translation may understandably doubt the seriousness of the company. I mean, if possible clients can't even read the Terms of Use, why should they go with that company at all? In worst case, such a poor translation in a business (law, ...) context can cause serious trouble. In best case, it "only" damages the company's reputation...
My conclusion: If you use machine translations wisely, they can be a great help. If you use them in the wrong contexts, however, they can cause severe damage.
Here are some guidelines to help you get the most out of machine translations:
1) Use short and simple sentences!
The shorter and simpler the sentences are, the higher the probability that they will come out right. So if you need something you have written translated for others, stick with simple sentences without appositions, subordinate clauses etc. Use vocabulary with only one meaning whenever possible. Think of the machine translator as a learner of a foreign language who looks up every word in a dictionary and simply uses the first translation offered. So, the easier you make it for the machine, the better your chances that the translation is understandable and makes sense.
2) Use it for a general overview only!
As long as you only need a general overview, machine translations can be your friend. When you only want to read a blog in a foreign language, for example, machine translations may even make it funnier than it is. Believe me, some of the results you'll get are so weird that they are outright funny. As long as you keep in mind that the text you read is not necessarily the text the writer had intended, you'll be fine.
3) Never, ever use machine translations in important contexts!
Have you ever read the Terms of Use of a foreign company? Sometimes, they make you cringe. Sentences without proper verb, sentences without any sense at all, sentences which are sometimes just wrong. Whenever I see such Terms of Use, I know that the company hasn't spent a single buck on a proper translation. They have used a machine translation. And, honestly, if they don't have (or don't want to spend) the money for a proper translation, they should have simply done without a translation at all. People who visit their site and find such a poor translation may understandably doubt the seriousness of the company. I mean, if possible clients can't even read the Terms of Use, why should they go with that company at all? In worst case, such a poor translation in a business (law, ...) context can cause serious trouble. In best case, it "only" damages the company's reputation...
My conclusion: If you use machine translations wisely, they can be a great help. If you use them in the wrong contexts, however, they can cause severe damage.
Monday, 21 February 2011
Travelling the World
While you read this, I will probably still be at the airport in Chicago. It will be my first visit to the United States, my first visit ever to any non-European country. I am very much looking forward to my time in the States although it will be a time of change for me. Many people say that Germany and America aren't that different. Well, by now, I know this to be wrong. I won't only learn to know a different country, I will also learn to know a different mentality.
So, what character traits does someone need who wants to travel the world? I mean, if even two countries like Germany and America differ greatly in mentality, people who travel to "more foreign" countries like Asian or African countries are in for an even greater culture shock.
Be open-minded.
Other countries may look like a different planet to you. You may well be confused, or even shocked, by how they do things, or by their mentality. However, don't compare them constantly to your home country. They may be different but difference isn't equal to being worse. No one likes to hear that he or she does things worse than others. Try to find out more about the other culture. Of course, that doesn't mean that you mustn't build your own opinion but you should take your time to really understand before you judge.
Be curious.
Other countries and cultures are interesting. Be curious about them instead of looking for things which seem worse than in your country. Look for differences and similarities and broaden your horizon. If you don't understand something, ask questions. People usually will answer your questions about their country and culture as long as your questions are neutral and show curiosity, but no judgement.
Be willing to learn.
Whether it's the laws of a different country, the dos and don'ts of a different culture or society or a foreign language: Show that you are willing to learn something new. Most people will appreciate your effort to learn a few words or sentences in their language even though your language skills don't go much further. They will be much more willing to talk in your language with you if they notice that you are willing but just not able to talk in their native language. The same goes for the dos and don'ts of a culture or society. If you do a grave don't but people see that you are willing to learn from your mistake, they will forgive you much more easily. The only thing you should really be aware of before travelling are different laws which might get you into trouble if you just behave the way you are used to.
If you are prepared to find yourself in a different culture, speak a different language and, sometimes, even literally dive into a completely different world, your travels may well be some of your best experiences ever.
So, what character traits does someone need who wants to travel the world? I mean, if even two countries like Germany and America differ greatly in mentality, people who travel to "more foreign" countries like Asian or African countries are in for an even greater culture shock.
Be open-minded.
Other countries may look like a different planet to you. You may well be confused, or even shocked, by how they do things, or by their mentality. However, don't compare them constantly to your home country. They may be different but difference isn't equal to being worse. No one likes to hear that he or she does things worse than others. Try to find out more about the other culture. Of course, that doesn't mean that you mustn't build your own opinion but you should take your time to really understand before you judge.
Be curious.
Other countries and cultures are interesting. Be curious about them instead of looking for things which seem worse than in your country. Look for differences and similarities and broaden your horizon. If you don't understand something, ask questions. People usually will answer your questions about their country and culture as long as your questions are neutral and show curiosity, but no judgement.
Be willing to learn.
Whether it's the laws of a different country, the dos and don'ts of a different culture or society or a foreign language: Show that you are willing to learn something new. Most people will appreciate your effort to learn a few words or sentences in their language even though your language skills don't go much further. They will be much more willing to talk in your language with you if they notice that you are willing but just not able to talk in their native language. The same goes for the dos and don'ts of a culture or society. If you do a grave don't but people see that you are willing to learn from your mistake, they will forgive you much more easily. The only thing you should really be aware of before travelling are different laws which might get you into trouble if you just behave the way you are used to.
If you are prepared to find yourself in a different culture, speak a different language and, sometimes, even literally dive into a completely different world, your travels may well be some of your best experiences ever.
Saturday, 19 February 2011
My Two Cents ... XII
Today's phrase:
"to go cold turkey" (to quit cold turkey)
What does it mean?
To go cold turkey means that you stop a drug or medication all at once instead of getting off gradually. Usually, when you go cold turkey, the side effects are far worse and in many cases, supervision is required to ensure your health (when you stop drinking alcohol as alcoholic, for example.)
What are its origins?
The term was first used with the meaning of "speaking the plain truth" in the USA in the early 20th century. Some years later, the first sources in Canada and the USA mention it in connection with drug addicts in the above describes meaning.
My two cents:
It makes sense that any idiom with "turkey" in it originated in Northern America. The states have Thanksgiving with the traditional turkey and therefore have a special "bond" to that animal. The explanation for this idion which makes the most sense is that a meal of cold turkey takes no preparation, as does speaking the plain truth (without thinking of how to phrase it best or talk around it) and stopping taking drugs all of a sudden. I really like this phrase as it is just one more colourful idiom of the English language.
"to go cold turkey" (to quit cold turkey)
What does it mean?
To go cold turkey means that you stop a drug or medication all at once instead of getting off gradually. Usually, when you go cold turkey, the side effects are far worse and in many cases, supervision is required to ensure your health (when you stop drinking alcohol as alcoholic, for example.)
What are its origins?
The term was first used with the meaning of "speaking the plain truth" in the USA in the early 20th century. Some years later, the first sources in Canada and the USA mention it in connection with drug addicts in the above describes meaning.
My two cents:
It makes sense that any idiom with "turkey" in it originated in Northern America. The states have Thanksgiving with the traditional turkey and therefore have a special "bond" to that animal. The explanation for this idion which makes the most sense is that a meal of cold turkey takes no preparation, as does speaking the plain truth (without thinking of how to phrase it best or talk around it) and stopping taking drugs all of a sudden. I really like this phrase as it is just one more colourful idiom of the English language.
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
How to Say "I Love You" in German
After Glory Lennon gave us such great insight into how to say "I love you" in Spanish, I will do the same with German today.
First of all, there are two ways to say it. It depends on who you say it to. If you say it to a lover, for example, you say "Ich liebe dich". This implies really strong feelings and is normally exclusively used for lovers, though it can be said to parents or children too. It would look very strange, however, if you said this to a good friend.
For all other persons, there is the term "Ich hab dich lieb" or, more common, the shorter version without the personal pronoun: "Hab dich lieb!"
You use the latter at the end of a letter, email or text message, for example, or in everyday speech. As you don't just tell anyone that you love him or her, the term "(Ich) hab dich lieb" is usually used towards family (parents, children, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles etc) and close friends for whom you feel strongly. It is more common among female friends and I guess most guys would shoot you a weird glance if you told them "Ich hab dich lieb."
A few examples:
When you talk to your lover, you tell him "Ich liebe dich."
Towards your parents or children, you can either use "Ich liebe dich" or "Ich hab dich lieb", whereas the latter is more common.
Within family relations, you usually use "(Ich) hab dich lieb."
If you are a girl, you might say to your close female friends or gay male friends "Hab dich lieb."
If you are a boy and not gay, you will likely get weird looks if you say to anyone of your friends "Hab dich lieb."
Finally, thanks to Glory Lennon, the Beatles Song "She Loves You in German" (I didn't even know that song before...) :)
First of all, there are two ways to say it. It depends on who you say it to. If you say it to a lover, for example, you say "Ich liebe dich". This implies really strong feelings and is normally exclusively used for lovers, though it can be said to parents or children too. It would look very strange, however, if you said this to a good friend.
For all other persons, there is the term "Ich hab dich lieb" or, more common, the shorter version without the personal pronoun: "Hab dich lieb!"
You use the latter at the end of a letter, email or text message, for example, or in everyday speech. As you don't just tell anyone that you love him or her, the term "(Ich) hab dich lieb" is usually used towards family (parents, children, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles etc) and close friends for whom you feel strongly. It is more common among female friends and I guess most guys would shoot you a weird glance if you told them "Ich hab dich lieb."
A few examples:
When you talk to your lover, you tell him "Ich liebe dich."
Towards your parents or children, you can either use "Ich liebe dich" or "Ich hab dich lieb", whereas the latter is more common.
Within family relations, you usually use "(Ich) hab dich lieb."
If you are a girl, you might say to your close female friends or gay male friends "Hab dich lieb."
If you are a boy and not gay, you will likely get weird looks if you say to anyone of your friends "Hab dich lieb."
Finally, thanks to Glory Lennon, the Beatles Song "She Loves You in German" (I didn't even know that song before...) :)
Monday, 14 February 2011
How to Help a Dyslexic Child
Dyslexia is one of those problems which easily lead to frustration and start a vicious cicle:
Frustration -> Losing Desire to Learn -> More Mistakes -> Frustration
So what can we, the friends, parents or teachers, do to help children who suffer from dyslexia?
First of all, strengthen the child's self-esteem. Focus on the things he's good at. Maybe even start with things which have nothing to do with writing or reading at all.
Rule of thumb: Praise the child even for small successes but do not chide him for his mistakes!
Dyslexia is a learning disorder. It has nothing to do with being lazy or dumb. Thus, it doesn't help to force the child to do excercises over and over again as long as he doesn't understand the rules behind them.
The most important part: Talk to the child!
You need to find out how he thinks, which rules he understands and where exactly his problems are. No two dyslexic children have exactly the same problems. Question everything he writes, his mistakes and, even more important, the words he wrote correctly. Check whether it was learning by heart, pure chance at guessing or real understanding which led to the correct spelling.
Lead by example!
Dyslexic children often have no interest in reading. No wonder, it means hard work and even more frustration for them. However, reading can play a great part in learning how to spell correctly. Try to awake your child's interest in reading. Children are curious by nature, and books are such a great source of enjoyment and knowledge. Thus said, read yourself. Show him that reading can be a pleasure by doing it yourself. Look for books which might be interesting for him and offer to read them aloud. After a time, you can take turns. The child's turns should be very short in the beginning while your turns are longer so that the child really gets an incentive to read: "If I read this short sentence, my mother/father/friend will read the whole next page to me." Slowly, as the child gets better, make his turns longer. However, always watch out that he still has fun. By no means, make reading a strain or a duty!
Answer questions!
Whenever the child comes to you to ask how a word is spelled/read aloud, help him. Show him that asking for help and posing questions is good and that you are willing to help him. If the child asks you about topics of interest to him but you can't tell him much, show him where he can find more information: in the library, in the internet, in books you have at home.
When you manage to turn the frustration into desire to learn again, you have won. Granted, the child will still need help and will most likely always have problems with reading and writing, but you have turned the vicious circle into a positive circle:
Desire to Learn -> Spending Time Reading and Writing -> Rewards (better grades, information, pleasure) -> Desire to Learn
Frustration -> Losing Desire to Learn -> More Mistakes -> Frustration
So what can we, the friends, parents or teachers, do to help children who suffer from dyslexia?
First of all, strengthen the child's self-esteem. Focus on the things he's good at. Maybe even start with things which have nothing to do with writing or reading at all.
Rule of thumb: Praise the child even for small successes but do not chide him for his mistakes!
Dyslexia is a learning disorder. It has nothing to do with being lazy or dumb. Thus, it doesn't help to force the child to do excercises over and over again as long as he doesn't understand the rules behind them.
The most important part: Talk to the child!
You need to find out how he thinks, which rules he understands and where exactly his problems are. No two dyslexic children have exactly the same problems. Question everything he writes, his mistakes and, even more important, the words he wrote correctly. Check whether it was learning by heart, pure chance at guessing or real understanding which led to the correct spelling.
Lead by example!
Dyslexic children often have no interest in reading. No wonder, it means hard work and even more frustration for them. However, reading can play a great part in learning how to spell correctly. Try to awake your child's interest in reading. Children are curious by nature, and books are such a great source of enjoyment and knowledge. Thus said, read yourself. Show him that reading can be a pleasure by doing it yourself. Look for books which might be interesting for him and offer to read them aloud. After a time, you can take turns. The child's turns should be very short in the beginning while your turns are longer so that the child really gets an incentive to read: "If I read this short sentence, my mother/father/friend will read the whole next page to me." Slowly, as the child gets better, make his turns longer. However, always watch out that he still has fun. By no means, make reading a strain or a duty!
Answer questions!
Whenever the child comes to you to ask how a word is spelled/read aloud, help him. Show him that asking for help and posing questions is good and that you are willing to help him. If the child asks you about topics of interest to him but you can't tell him much, show him where he can find more information: in the library, in the internet, in books you have at home.
When you manage to turn the frustration into desire to learn again, you have won. Granted, the child will still need help and will most likely always have problems with reading and writing, but you have turned the vicious circle into a positive circle:
Desire to Learn -> Spending Time Reading and Writing -> Rewards (better grades, information, pleasure) -> Desire to Learn
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