I’m teaching English online. If you’re a native speaker, you can help out by listening/reading the passage below and answering the questions that come after it. If you’re learning, I invite you to do the same. You might find the explanation helpful.
* I didn’t have a good day today. I went to a party last night, and drank a lot. I stayed out until late. I woke up later than usual, and ran to work in my pajamas. I arrived at work late, and my boss told me off for being in my pajamas. I was so tired that I fell asleep at my desk, and didn’t write the report that I was supposed to.
* As you can see, I did a lot of things wrong. (I went to a party. I drank a lot. I got up late. And a lot of other things.)
* What should I have done differently?
Put your answers in a reply to this post! Thanks! And if you’re not sure how to answer, I’ll give a short explanation in a moment.
My answers: You shouldn’t have gotten up late. You should have used an alarm clock. You should have written the report earlier.
————
Need help? Look at this:
To answer these questions, you’ll need to use this sentence pattern:
* You shouldn’t have (verb). You should have (verb).
The (verb) in each case must be a past participle. Most past participles are the same as simple past, but there are some exceptions.
Verb - Past - Past Participle
drink - drank - drunk
do - did - done
go -went - gone
write - wrote - written
get - got - gotten* (see below for more on this verb)
Thanks for listening. And if you have problems with past participles, don’t worry, they’re quite difficult. I’ve heard non- native English speakers from all over the world who can pass for natives, if not for their incorrect use of past participles. So if you have trouble, you’re not alone.
Aug 26, 2008
Aug 23, 2008
The HA? technique.
A conversation in a Chinese shop usually goes like this:
But occasionally, and much to my annoyance, the person behind the desk insists on using English, often very difficult to understand English. The conversation goes like this:
A confused foreigner might just shrug and try to continue in English, deciphering what the hapless sandwich maker is saying along the way. He or she misses out on a small opportunity to practice his or her Chinese. Although it’s not a large opportunity, as any language learner will tell you, every little opportunity counts, and eventually these snatched conversations go together to form a fluent mandarin speaker.
So if you ever find yourself with someone who stubbornly refuses to speak mandarin to you, I suggest my own special technique for making someone speak mandarin. Try this:
Etc.
You’ll notice that after each English phrase, you should reply with 哈？(HA?) This makes it clear that you don’t speak English. You might have to reply to a question with 哈 several times before the other person gets the point, but eventually they’ll start speaking Chinese to you.
And finally, I only recommend this for situations when you’re the customer in a shop. The 哈? technique is designed only for those situations when one is being served, and the person doing the serving doesn’t seem to understand that the servee wishes to practice his/her Chinese.
If a friend or one of your peers keeps answering your Chinese questions in English, you’ll need a more subtle approach.
“Hello welcome can I help you.”
“意大利经典.” (A classic Italian sandwich please.)
“你要什么面包?” (What bread would you like?)
“好的，大的…”
But occasionally, and much to my annoyance, the person behind the desk insists on using English, often very difficult to understand English. The conversation goes like this:
“Hello werrrcum, kenn-eye herrp pyu.”
“意大利经典.” (A classic Italian sandwich please.)
“You wanna which-a?” (Pointing to bread)
A confused foreigner might just shrug and try to continue in English, deciphering what the hapless sandwich maker is saying along the way. He or she misses out on a small opportunity to practice his or her Chinese. Although it’s not a large opportunity, as any language learner will tell you, every little opportunity counts, and eventually these snatched conversations go together to form a fluent mandarin speaker.
So if you ever find yourself with someone who stubbornly refuses to speak mandarin to you, I suggest my own special technique for making someone speak mandarin. Try this:
“Hello welcome, can I help you?
“意大利经典.” (A classic Italian sandwich please.)
“You wanna which-a?” (Pointing to bread)
哈？(HA?)”Which-a?” (Pointing again.)
哈？(HA?)
”你要什么面包啊！” (Which bread do you want?)
(Smile of recognition) “哦！白面包。” (Oh! White bread.)
“Big/smoh?”
哈？(HA?)”Big/smoh?” (Tries communicating with sign language)
哈？(HA?)”大的还是小的？” (Big or small size?)
“哦！大的.” (Oh! A large one.)
Etc.
You’ll notice that after each English phrase, you should reply with 哈？(HA?) This makes it clear that you don’t speak English. You might have to reply to a question with 哈 several times before the other person gets the point, but eventually they’ll start speaking Chinese to you.
And finally, I only recommend this for situations when you’re the customer in a shop. The 哈? technique is designed only for those situations when one is being served, and the person doing the serving doesn’t seem to understand that the servee wishes to practice his/her Chinese.
If a friend or one of your peers keeps answering your Chinese questions in English, you’ll need a more subtle approach.
Funny Mistakes
New Video called Funny Mistakes. Explaining a story I had about language mix-ups. Have fun watching it ^^
BY THE WAY, CONGRATULATIONS EVERYONE FOR OVER 100 POSTS! I feel so accomplished being part of this group =D
Aug 22, 2008
differences between Japanese and Korean 1
This is a video about some differences between Japanese and Korean :)
I'm planning to make more videos on this topic,
so if you have any requests, please let me know! ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3vPZJntDMU
Aug 20, 2008
Chinese Vlog#1 第一次的中文錄像博客
這是我第一次的中文錄像博客（Video Blog)。我做這部錄像是為了提高我的口語。如果你們發現任何語法的錯我，請趕快告訴我！
這不錄像片是8月17日拍的。
This is my first Chinese Vlog, which I made to improve my spoken Chinese. Please help me by making suggestions or corrections! This video was taken on the 17th of August.
我其實已經發現幾個問題。I actually discovered a few mistakes.
請幫我改正。Please help me correct them.
這不錄像片是8月17日拍的。
This is my first Chinese Vlog, which I made to improve my spoken Chinese. Please help me by making suggestions or corrections! This video was taken on the 17th of August.
我其實已經發現幾個問題。I actually discovered a few mistakes.
請幫我改正。Please help me correct them.
Aug 18, 2008
Taxi Driver Catches Thieves
Here's another story that I've read out and filmed loud in an effort to improve my spoken Chinese. If you can't see the video, it's here.
The article is here.
It's not the same as the version that I was reading from but is close enough.
Basically, the story is this:
A taxi driver, while waiting for the next shift to show up, witnesses a robbery. He cunningly drives away, in the direction the thieves were running. Sure enough, they flag him down and jump in. They state their destination as the international cinema. He attempts to make a u-turn, but the thieves stop him, wanting to get as far away from the scene of the crime as possible.
The taxi driver maintains his cool, asking "So, you're seeing a movie at this hour?" One of the thieves, obviously shaken, stutters "um... yes....". The driver has a stunningly bold idea; he finds his phone, and dials "110", the number for the police. "Hey buddy," he says. "I was waiting for you but two customers came, so I'm on a job. I'm at the corner of (something-something) and (something-something) at the moment, can you come here instead? Thanks."
The thieves in the backseat catch on that he wasn't talking to the next shift, but the police. "Can you stop, I need to buy some cigarettes" says one thief. Instead, the driver locks the doors and floors the car. After a lot of screaming and shouting, and attempts to break the windows, the driver is forced to stop. The thieves escape. He gives chase, screaming for help all the while. The thieves are eventually apprehended by passers by, other drivers, and three (yes, three!) police cars that turn up.
The translation really doesn't do the article justice. It is portrayed as such a dramatic story in the original Chinese; the crafty taxi driver comes up with a brilliant scheme to catch the wicked thieves... I've just stated the facts in my translation.
I wonder if anyone unfamiliar with mainland Chinese newspapers finds the original article interesting; I'm always struck by how the Chinese newspapers try to stay aloof, and use chengyu as much as they can. Newspapers that originate outside mainland China use much simpler language, and try to appeal to the masses more. I remember learning in high school that newspapers in Australia try to write at a level that can be understood by a high school student; in China there isn't this philosophy of simple reporting.
The article is here.
It's not the same as the version that I was reading from but is close enough.
Basically, the story is this:
A taxi driver, while waiting for the next shift to show up, witnesses a robbery. He cunningly drives away, in the direction the thieves were running. Sure enough, they flag him down and jump in. They state their destination as the international cinema. He attempts to make a u-turn, but the thieves stop him, wanting to get as far away from the scene of the crime as possible.
The taxi driver maintains his cool, asking "So, you're seeing a movie at this hour?" One of the thieves, obviously shaken, stutters "um... yes....". The driver has a stunningly bold idea; he finds his phone, and dials "110", the number for the police. "Hey buddy," he says. "I was waiting for you but two customers came, so I'm on a job. I'm at the corner of (something-something) and (something-something) at the moment, can you come here instead? Thanks."
The thieves in the backseat catch on that he wasn't talking to the next shift, but the police. "Can you stop, I need to buy some cigarettes" says one thief. Instead, the driver locks the doors and floors the car. After a lot of screaming and shouting, and attempts to break the windows, the driver is forced to stop. The thieves escape. He gives chase, screaming for help all the while. The thieves are eventually apprehended by passers by, other drivers, and three (yes, three!) police cars that turn up.
The translation really doesn't do the article justice. It is portrayed as such a dramatic story in the original Chinese; the crafty taxi driver comes up with a brilliant scheme to catch the wicked thieves... I've just stated the facts in my translation.
I wonder if anyone unfamiliar with mainland Chinese newspapers finds the original article interesting; I'm always struck by how the Chinese newspapers try to stay aloof, and use chengyu as much as they can. Newspapers that originate outside mainland China use much simpler language, and try to appeal to the masses more. I remember learning in high school that newspapers in Australia try to write at a level that can be understood by a high school student; in China there isn't this philosophy of simple reporting.
A subtitling exercise
A small subtitling exercise I did about a month and a half ago. I have the utmost respect for people who produce subtitles - it's a very painstaking, tedious thing to do.
This was from a wayang kulit (Javanese shadow puppet) show my group did with guest dhalang (shadow puppeteer) BRM Bambang Irawan from the royal court of Kraton Surakarta in Solo, Central Java. Yep - a royal performer with us lowly university students ^^;; Languages used include Javanese and English.
Anyway, enjoy!
This was from a wayang kulit (Javanese shadow puppet) show my group did with guest dhalang (shadow puppeteer) BRM Bambang Irawan from the royal court of Kraton Surakarta in Solo, Central Java. Yep - a royal performer with us lowly university students ^^;; Languages used include Javanese and English.
Anyway, enjoy!
My 20th Birthday Party!
어젯밤 저랑 제 친구들이랑 제 생일 파티를 했어요.
정말 정말 재미있었어요!
처음에 우리는 우리 집에서 피자를 먹고, 그 다음에 노래방으로 갔어요.
친구들이 많이 와서 너무너무 기뻤어요 ^^ 아직도 기뻐요.
昨日のよるに私はたんじょうびパーティーがありました! 本当にたのしかったです。
たくさんの友達がぼくのうちにきました。わたしたちはピザをたべてからカラオケにいきました。
とってもうれしかったです。今までもうれしいです^^
(Sorry for the horrible Japanese. Wanted to practice ;;; )
Last night my friends and I had a birthday party for me! It was really really fun. First we ate pizza at my house and then we went to karaoke. Since a lot of my friends came, I was really happy. I still am. ^^
Here is a video of all the pictures from last night. Enjoy watching it ^^
정말 정말 재미있었어요!
처음에 우리는 우리 집에서 피자를 먹고, 그 다음에 노래방으로 갔어요.
친구들이 많이 와서 너무너무 기뻤어요 ^^ 아직도 기뻐요.
昨日のよるに私はたんじょうびパーティーがありました! 本当にたのしかったです。
たくさんの友達がぼくのうちにきました。わたしたちはピザをたべてからカラオケにいきました。
とってもうれしかったです。今までもうれしいです^^
(Sorry for the horrible Japanese. Wanted to practice ;;; )
Last night my friends and I had a birthday party for me! It was really really fun. First we ate pizza at my house and then we went to karaoke. Since a lot of my friends came, I was really happy. I still am. ^^
Here is a video of all the pictures from last night. Enjoy watching it ^^
Aug 17, 2008
Korean/Japanese Quick Vocab Review 1
It was a lot of fun making this video because I made the picture for the video first, and then recorded the audio as the video was being played (without the audio) - so I had to try a few times until I could say everything correctly without any mistake. Haha.
This video is for reviewing, but it might also be helpful for learning new words :)
If you have trouble watching the video, please go to http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=SpKmnKEQ7KI
Spanish practice - 'tener' (Korean/Japanese/Spanish)
a video on the verb 'tener' :)
The sentences are in the order of Korean, Japanese, Spanish.
Aug 16, 2008
Japanese Kanji Practice
Kanji writing practice #1
This is my kanji writing practice :) Hehe. I hope this will be helpful for those who're studying Korean in Japanese!
Aug 15, 2008
Korean Video Homework #5
For those of you who don't have a youtube account... here's my first Korean Video homework...
Aug 14, 2008
Voy a comenzar a practicar mi espanol :)
Hola todos. He decidido a comenzar a hablar y escribir mas en espanol! Quien habla espanol aqui?
Aug 13, 2008
Indonesian (2)
Bahasa Indonesia (2)
First, let's review a little.
나오는 단어들
ini, itu, kantor, telepon, buku, kursi, banyak, orang,
pergi, apa, meja, pensil, jendela, guru, mahasiswa
And here are some new expressions I learned.
나오는 단어들 + 문장들
saya, aku, kami, kita, Saya orang Korea, Kami orang Korea,
Kita orang Asia, anda, saudara, kamu, engkau, bapak, ibu,tuan, nyonya, nonaApa kabar, Saudara Ali?Saudara-saudara, lihat ke sini. Ibu-ibu dan bapak-bapak yang terhormat.dia, ia, beliau, Apakah dia guru?, Ya, beliau guru saya.
Selamat pagi, pak!, Maaf, bu!, Apa kabar, nona?
Siapa, Ayah saya guru.
Aug 12, 2008
Chinese Reading Practice #2
My Filipino accent comes out so strong on recordings... I have a long way to go till I sound more native..............but then again accents don't really matter.
Yes as I said earlier I have been planning to do this kind of video, but I waiting for someone to do it first....Anyway this is the article's URL - http://www.chinese.net.au/navigator/oznews/11521.php
Yeah I couldn't resist the cheesy opening...
Yes as I said earlier I have been planning to do this kind of video, but I waiting for someone to do it first....Anyway this is the article's URL - http://www.chinese.net.au/navigator/oznews/11521.php
Yeah I couldn't resist the cheesy opening...
English Review
Last week I asked for some responses to questions in English and today I'd like to go over some of the answers.
Thanks very much to these people for participating in the first assignment! Specifically, thank you to theresa, nicholas cripps, hyunwoo sun, koungeun choi, yiwei, lucierili, RuaGreenwood, Cody, sorry if I forgot anyone.
Here are some answers I'd like to go over.
A1: I'm eating a fruit.
A2: Yes, I do.
A3: I eat a fruit after my dinner every day. Fruits keep us healthy and strong. :)
"Fruit" is an uncountable object, so we can't say "a" fruit, or "fruits" but just "fruit". "I'm eating fruit". And "I eat fruit".
Monkey:What are you doing, Mr.Pig?
Pig:I'm eating watermelon...
Monkey:Do you eat watermelon often?
Pig:Yes,I do.
Monkey:How many watermelon do you eat a day?
Pig:Three...one is for my breakfast,the second is for lunch and the last one should be for my dinner
A conversation between a pig and a monkey? Hahaha! I like it. But we should say "How many watermelons..." and not "How many watermelon...". When we ask "how many" we always use the plural. It's always hard to know when to use the plural in English.... Hyunwoo has got it completely correct:
Hyunwoo:
Q1: What are you doing?
A1: I'm listening to a podcast.
Q2: Do you listen to podcasts often?
A2: Yes, I do.
Q3: How often do you listen to podcasts?
A3: I listen to podcasts all the time.
Notice that he says that "I'm listening to a podcast". This is the only time one should use the singular in these three sentence patterns. Off the record, this is the part my girlfriend is having the most trouble with.
Next is lucierili's answer. She also has no mistakes, but uses a few constructions that beginners sometimes get wrong, so I thought I'd mention them.
Q1: What are you doing?
A1: I'm packing my luggage.
Q2: Do you study often?
A2: Yes, I do. I like studying languages.
Q3: How often do you go to the restaurant?
A3: I go once a month.
Remember what I mentioned about uncountable objects? "Luggage" is one of those so we don't say "a luggage" or "luggages" but just "luggage".
Also, she uses a plural in "I like studying languages". Notice that we have the plural "languages" and not "language".
If you want to see some more answers, look here:
http://www.maxiewawa.com/2008/08/04/simple-present-present-continuous-frequency/#comments
http://talkwiththeworld.blogspot.com/2008/08/simple-present-present-continuous.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4NdkQzk55k
Thanks very much to these people for participating in the first assignment! Specifically, thank you to theresa, nicholas cripps, hyunwoo sun, koungeun choi, yiwei, lucierili, RuaGreenwood, Cody, sorry if I forgot anyone.
Here are some answers I'd like to go over.
A1: I'm eating a fruit.
A2: Yes, I do.
A3: I eat a fruit after my dinner every day. Fruits keep us healthy and strong. :)
"Fruit" is an uncountable object, so we can't say "a" fruit, or "fruits" but just "fruit". "I'm eating fruit". And "I eat fruit".
Monkey:What are you doing, Mr.Pig?
Pig:I'm eating watermelon...
Monkey:Do you eat watermelon often?
Pig:Yes,I do.
Monkey:How many watermelon do you eat a day?
Pig:Three...one is for my breakfast,the second is for lunch and the last one should be for my dinner
A conversation between a pig and a monkey? Hahaha! I like it. But we should say "How many watermelons..." and not "How many watermelon...". When we ask "how many" we always use the plural. It's always hard to know when to use the plural in English.... Hyunwoo has got it completely correct:
Hyunwoo:
Q1: What are you doing?
A1: I'm listening to a podcast.
Q2: Do you listen to podcasts often?
A2: Yes, I do.
Q3: How often do you listen to podcasts?
A3: I listen to podcasts all the time.
Notice that he says that "I'm listening to a podcast". This is the only time one should use the singular in these three sentence patterns. Off the record, this is the part my girlfriend is having the most trouble with.
Next is lucierili's answer. She also has no mistakes, but uses a few constructions that beginners sometimes get wrong, so I thought I'd mention them.
Q1: What are you doing?
A1: I'm packing my luggage.
Q2: Do you study often?
A2: Yes, I do. I like studying languages.
Q3: How often do you go to the restaurant?
A3: I go once a month.
Remember what I mentioned about uncountable objects? "Luggage" is one of those so we don't say "a luggage" or "luggages" but just "luggage".
Also, she uses a plural in "I like studying languages". Notice that we have the plural "languages" and not "language".
If you want to see some more answers, look here:
http://www.maxiewawa.com/2008/08/04/simple-present-present-continuous-frequency/#comments
http://talkwiththeworld.blogspot.com/2008/08/simple-present-present-continuous.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4NdkQzk55k
My entry for KoreanClass101.com's 5th Homework Assignment
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qR3IhT2bzqA
I sound stupid at the end -_-;; Next time, remind me to sound more manly, hahaha. Oh yeah, if you can notice the surprise, you get a high five!
Aug 11, 2008
Chinese News #1
I haven't made many Chinese videos, so I thought I'd (try to) start a series. I'm going to pick a news story at random and just read it out. The goal is to get good enough that it will not only be an interesting linguistic experiment, but that normal Chinese speaking people will be interested enough to watch just to catch up on news from Australia. I'm always a little amazed at how crazy my facials are; I don't think I do it in real life!
If you can't see the video, click here.
If you can't see the video, click here.
Multilingual Weekend
This is partially as a reply to Cody's story about how he had to use Spanish, but also partially to show off. :)
I went out on the weekend to a place called De La Coast on the weekend. I don't exactly remember the name. Anyway, it's 100元 for all you can drink, so it's quite popular with people from all over the world (as we'll see). During the course of the night:
I had to push past a group of people speaking German. I said "Entschuldigung" as I pushed past them on the way to the bathroom, and "Es tud mir Lied" on the way back.
I had to get past some Japanese with a loud 失礼しあすよ！ and some frantic bowing on their part.
I had a conversation with a Japanese girl in line for the bathroom. The entry for men's and women's were right next to each other.
Three of the people that I was there with were French, so before every trip to the bar
I made a big show of asking "Vous boire quelle-que chose? Et toi? Et toi?" (One eventually told me that "Tu boire?" is enough though.)
I went out on the weekend to a place called De La Coast on the weekend. I don't exactly remember the name. Anyway, it's 100元 for all you can drink, so it's quite popular with people from all over the world (as we'll see). During the course of the night:
I had to push past a group of people speaking German. I said "Entschuldigung" as I pushed past them on the way to the bathroom, and "Es tud mir Lied" on the way back.
I had to get past some Japanese with a loud 失礼しあすよ！ and some frantic bowing on their part.
I had a conversation with a Japanese girl in line for the bathroom. The entry for men's and women's were right next to each other.
Three of the people that I was there with were French, so before every trip to the bar
I made a big show of asking "Vous boire quelle-que chose? Et toi? Et toi?" (One eventually told me that "Tu boire?" is enough though.)
I took a trip this weekend! 이 주말에 여행으로 갔어요!
I took a trip this weekend!
이 주말에 여행 갔어요!
I went to San Antonio with my family!
가족이랑 같이 샌안토니오에 갔어요.
On the first day, we went to Six Flags: Fiesta Texas.
처음날에 우리는 식스 플랙스 갔어요.
It was fun! First, we watched my aunt and uncle ride a roller coaster. I wanted to ride it but I can't. They are too scary. Then we went to the water park and swam for about 5 hours.
너무 재미있었어요! 처음에 우리는 나의 이모과 삼촌이 럴러 코스터 타는거 봤어요. 나도 럴러 코스터 타고 싶었는데 못탔어요. 왜냐하면 너무 무서워요. 그 다음에 우리는 5시간동안 워터파크에 놀랐어요.
When we finished, we went to eat at Lone Star Steakhouse. I ate steak with onions and mushrooms. While we ate, we watched the olympics on TV. Aren't the olympics exciting? After eating, we walked next to the river for a little while.
우리는 끝냈을때, 우리 론스타 스테이크하우스에 먹으러 갔어요. 나는 스테이크과 양파과 버섯이랑 먹었어요. 먹었을때, 우리는 올림픽스 봤어요. 올림픽스를 너무 신나죠? 먹기후에, 우리는 강 옆에 걷었어요.
After that, we slept.
그 다음에, 우리 잤어요.
When we woke up this morning, we went to the Rivercenter Mall. While I was there, I bought a birthday present for my friend and a CD for myself.
다음 아침에 일어났을때, 우리 리버센터 몰에 갔어요. 거기에 있었을때, 나는 내 친구위해 생일선물 샀고 나위해 CD샀어요.
I also bought a South Korean flag to put in my room.
그리고, 태극기를 내 방에 보여주도록 샀어요.
This weekend was really fun!
이 주말은 너무 재미있었어요!
(Wow...I have a feeling there are a lot of mistakes in that. Please correct them! Hope you enjoy the pictures!)
이 주말에 여행 갔어요!
I went to San Antonio with my family!
가족이랑 같이 샌안토니오에 갔어요.
On the first day, we went to Six Flags: Fiesta Texas.
처음날에 우리는 식스 플랙스 갔어요.
It was fun! First, we watched my aunt and uncle ride a roller coaster. I wanted to ride it but I can't. They are too scary. Then we went to the water park and swam for about 5 hours.
너무 재미있었어요! 처음에 우리는 나의 이모과 삼촌이 럴러 코스터 타는거 봤어요. 나도 럴러 코스터 타고 싶었는데 못탔어요. 왜냐하면 너무 무서워요. 그 다음에 우리는 5시간동안 워터파크에 놀랐어요.
When we finished, we went to eat at Lone Star Steakhouse. I ate steak with onions and mushrooms. While we ate, we watched the olympics on TV. Aren't the olympics exciting? After eating, we walked next to the river for a little while.
우리는 끝냈을때, 우리 론스타 스테이크하우스에 먹으러 갔어요. 나는 스테이크과 양파과 버섯이랑 먹었어요. 먹었을때, 우리는 올림픽스 봤어요. 올림픽스를 너무 신나죠? 먹기후에, 우리는 강 옆에 걷었어요.
After that, we slept.
그 다음에, 우리 잤어요.
When we woke up this morning, we went to the Rivercenter Mall. While I was there, I bought a birthday present for my friend and a CD for myself.
다음 아침에 일어났을때, 우리 리버센터 몰에 갔어요. 거기에 있었을때, 나는 내 친구위해 생일선물 샀고 나위해 CD샀어요.
I also bought a South Korean flag to put in my room.
그리고, 태극기를 내 방에 보여주도록 샀어요.
This weekend was really fun!
이 주말은 너무 재미있었어요!
(Wow...I have a feeling there are a lot of mistakes in that. Please correct them! Hope you enjoy the pictures!)
Good thing I speak Spanish, eh?
This weekend, I went on vacation with my family and we went to Six Flags: Fiesta Texas. It is in the city of San Antonio, which has a very high hispanic population. After we had gone on some rides, I wanted to get a drink so while I was waiting in line at this drink stand, the people in front of me were speaking spanish with the clerk. After they finished their order and left, I went up to the counter.
Lady: *blank stare*
Me: Can I get a Sprite?
Lady: *continues staring blankly*
Me: Sprite?
Lady: *after getting the sprite* Tres y cuarenta y dos (or something like that)
So...I think "Do I look hispanic?" but since I understand what she is saying, I just go ahead and give her the money. She counts it out to me, in spanish, and I look at her and say "Thank you" in English (cause I was too lazy to try Spanish) and walked off.
I'm not upset about the situation, I just thought it was funny. Does anyone else have a similar situation?
Lady: *blank stare*
Me: Can I get a Sprite?
Lady: *continues staring blankly*
Me: Sprite?
Lady: *after getting the sprite* Tres y cuarenta y dos (or something like that)
So...I think "Do I look hispanic?" but since I understand what she is saying, I just go ahead and give her the money. She counts it out to me, in spanish, and I look at her and say "Thank you" in English (cause I was too lazy to try Spanish) and walked off.
I'm not upset about the situation, I just thought it was funny. Does anyone else have a similar situation?
What is the best way to teach children?
옛날에, 우리 이모가 나한테 "우리 딸한테 한국어를 가르처 주세요."라고 말했어요. 그래서, 나는 내 사촌여동생한테 한국어를 가르처 줘봤는데 여동생은 "오빠, 이거는 너무 어렵고 심심해"라고 말했어요. 재미있게 가르처 줄수 있도록, 어떻게 가르처 줄까요? 동생은 한국어를 별로 공부하고 싶지 않은데 이모가 부탁했어요. 그래서...나는 좋은 선생님 되고 싶어요 ㅋㅋㅋ 아이디어 주세요 ^^
A while ago, my aunt asked me if I would teach her daughter Korean. So, I tried to teach my cousin Korean but she said "Oppa, this is hard and boring." How should I teach her so that it is fun? My cousin does not really want to learn Korean but since her mom asked me, I want to be a good teacher. Send me some ideas please ^^
A while ago, my aunt asked me if I would teach her daughter Korean. So, I tried to teach my cousin Korean but she said "Oppa, this is hard and boring." How should I teach her so that it is fun? My cousin does not really want to learn Korean but since her mom asked me, I want to be a good teacher. Send me some ideas please ^^
Another Korean Question
Can someone explain the verb structure and ways to use -길 바랍니다?
Isn't it like saying "I hope -------"?
Include a few examples if it is not too much trouble please.
Thank you so much!
Isn't it like saying "I hope -------"?
Include a few examples if it is not too much trouble please.
Thank you so much!
Korea University Campus
This is the university I went to for almost 10 years - including the years that I had to take off because of work and the mandatory military service for 2 years :)
I love my university, but it's more than just a school for me now because i've lived around it for such a long time now - it's like a basecamp where most of my daily routines take place. :P
Thank you for watching!
http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=DBvLWO0bsIA
Aug 10, 2008
"Going Dutch" in Korean
How do you say "going dutch" or "dutch treat" in Korean? For the record, I've never heard native English speakers say "going dutch," we always say "we will pay separately." In fact, I didn't know such a phrase existed until last year when my Korean friend in China showed me in class....
"Going dutch" in other languages:
日本語： 別々にする （べつべつにする）
普通话： AA制 AA zhì or 分开付 fēnkāi fù
廣東話： AA制 AA zai3
Tagalog: Kanya-kanyang bayad
"Going dutch" in other languages:
日本語： 別々にする （べつべつにする）
普通话： AA制 AA zhì or 分开付 fēnkāi fù
廣東話： AA制 AA zai3
Tagalog: Kanya-kanyang bayad
Aug 7, 2008
Korean/English Pattern Comparison 2
[edit]** This video is also posted at http://kr.youtube.com/watch?v=KuawkmYmn6c
and http://blog.naver.com/ever4one/50033995457
Thanks for watching!!
Any request is welcome! ^^_
How do you say "you dialled the wrong number" in Korean？
I've been getting calls here at home, and it seems that our phone number used to be the phone number of an old Korean grocery store or something. So anyway, how do you say： "You dialled the wrong number" in Korean... and "What is the name of the store you are are trying to call?" I think I should contact the store itself and talk about this....
This is how you say "you dialled the wrong number" in other languages:
電話番号を間違えました（でんわばんごうをまちがえました）
你打错了 nǐ dǎ cuò le
Wrong number po (Yes we Filipinos have butchered our own language) po is an honorific suffix
This is how you say "you dialled the wrong number" in other languages:
電話番号を間違えました（でんわばんごうをまちがえました）
你打错了 nǐ dǎ cuò le
Wrong number po (Yes we Filipinos have butchered our own language) po is an honorific suffix
Balinese language instruction website - in Japanese
For those of you proficient in reading Japanese, here's a really cool website about learning my language specialty, Balinese.
http://www.aa.tufs.ac.jp/~asako/textbook/first.htm
It has several lessons with sound files and skits included (yes!).
「私の記憶が確かならば...」 Two people wanted to take on the challenge of doing a short skit - in Balinese. I won't name names ;), but are you two (and anyone else, for that matter) up for it?
http://www.aa.tufs.ac.jp/~asako/textbook/first.htm
It has several lessons with sound files and skits included (yes!).
「私の記憶が確かならば...」 Two people wanted to take on the challenge of doing a short skit - in Balinese. I won't name names ;), but are you two (and anyone else, for that matter) up for it?
Indonesian Practice in Japanese
The audio is in Japanese, and here's the text in Korean :)
ini 이것
itu 저것/그것
kantor 사무실
telepon 전화
buku 책
buku-buku 책들
kursi 의자
kursi-kursi 의자들
Waktu itu saya di Jakarta
그 당시 나는 자카르타에 있었습니다.
Sekarang ini banyak orang pergi ke Indonesia.
요즘 많은 사람들이 인도네시아로 갑니다
Apa ini?
이것은 무엇입니까?
Ini buku.
이것은 책입니다.
Apa itu?
저것은 무엇입니까?
Itu meja.
저것은 책상입니다.
Apakah ini kursi?
이것은 의자입니까?
Ya, itu kursi.
네 그것은 의자입니다.
Ini pensil?
이것이 연필입니까?
Itu jendela?
저것이 창문입니까?
Ini buku.
이것은 책입니다.
Ini kursi.
이것은 의자입니다.
Itu guru.
저 사람은 선생님입니다.
Saya mahasiswa.
나는 대학생입니다.
Saya adalah guru.
나는 선생님입니다.
Ini adalah Tuti.
이 사람은 뚜띠입니다.
Aug 6, 2008
Comedy Duo
A new comedy duo is born: Max and Cody. We're doing a tour of Korea as soon as we get an agent.
I have to warn everyone first: I say something wrong, and have typed something wrong in this video. I hope it doesn't detract from the comedy! Everyone speaks Korean here (right?) and one of us is a Korean teacher, so I didn't think I'd be able to get away with it. It wasn't until I uploaded this video that I realised.
This dialogue is based on this KoreanClass101.com lesson.
Here's Cody and my take on the dialogue:
A: 형, 이거 뭐야?
B: 이거? 이거 원숭이야.
A: 형...이거 뭐야?
B: 이거? 이거 돼지야.
A: 형, 이거 뭐야?
B: 이거? 강아지야.
아씨...지금부터 질문하지마!
A: 네...알겠습니다.
A & B: 잘 먹겠습니다!
Get it? Hope you enjoyed this collaboration (is it a first for talkwiththeworld?) and hope to participate in/hear about more collaborations soon!
I have to warn everyone first: I say something wrong, and have typed something wrong in this video. I hope it doesn't detract from the comedy! Everyone speaks Korean here (right?) and one of us is a Korean teacher, so I didn't think I'd be able to get away with it. It wasn't until I uploaded this video that I realised.
This dialogue is based on this KoreanClass101.com lesson.
Here's Cody and my take on the dialogue:
A: 형, 이거 뭐야?
B: 이거? 이거 원숭이야.
A: 형...이거 뭐야?
B: 이거? 이거 돼지야.
A: 형, 이거 뭐야?
B: 이거? 강아지야.
아씨...지금부터 질문하지마!
A: 네...알겠습니다.
A & B: 잘 먹겠습니다!
Get it? Hope you enjoyed this collaboration (is it a first for talkwiththeworld?) and hope to participate in/hear about more collaborations soon!
Aug 4, 2008
Simple Present, Present Continuous, Frequency
I'm trying to teach English online. For a little more about why, click here.
=====
Q1: What are you doing?
A1: I'm _____ing ____.
Q2: Do you _____ often?
A2: No I don't. (Yes, I do.)
Q3: How often do you ____?
A3: I _____ all the time.
I _____ (number) times a week.
I _____ (number) times a day.
=====
In every answer (except A1), you should add a verb in the dictionary form. For A1 you should use a verb with ~ing on the end.
For A3 I have included three possible answers.
If you're an English learner, click 'reply' and try to answer these questions. You can see my answers at the bottom of this post. Try to write longer answers if you're a high level learner.
If you're not an English learner, click 'reply', answer the questions and thanks for your help! The more material learners can get exposed to the better. And try to make answers truthful; really, what are you doing now?
Click "reply" to see my answer, and/or to write your own answer.
EDIT: I forgot to mention that in Q3, the object should be plural.
=====
Q1: What are you doing?
A1: I'm _____ing ____.
Q2: Do you _____ often?
A2: No I don't. (Yes, I do.)
Q3: How often do you ____?
A3: I _____ all the time.
I _____ (number) times a week.
I _____ (number) times a day.
=====
In every answer (except A1), you should add a verb in the dictionary form. For A1 you should use a verb with ~ing on the end.
For A3 I have included three possible answers.
If you're an English learner, click 'reply' and try to answer these questions. You can see my answers at the bottom of this post. Try to write longer answers if you're a high level learner.
If you're not an English learner, click 'reply', answer the questions and thanks for your help! The more material learners can get exposed to the better. And try to make answers truthful; really, what are you doing now?
Click "reply" to see my answer, and/or to write your own answer.
EDIT: I forgot to mention that in Q3, the object should be plural.
Recruiting: Learning English Online.
My girlfriend is thinking of leaving me.
Don't worry! Aika isn't thinking of "leaving me" figuratively ("to leave someone" is an English metaphor that we use when people break up") but literally leaving me, for a few hours a week, to learn English in a language school.
Although this isn't much a blow to my masculinity as figuratively "leaving me" would be, it's still weird for me, since I've been an English teacher for four years!
But there are quite compelling reasons for the girlfriend of a language nut like me to go to a language school. For one thing, at a language school, one meets other learners of similar levels. This is important for Aika since all the other English speakers that she knows either speak English much more badly than she does or much much better. Her English is better than our Chinese friends, since she speaks to me so often, but, as one might expect, is much worse than our foreign friends, since most come from English speaking countries. So she either picks up bad habits from bad English speakers or can't follow what is being spoken. At a language school she'd probably be somewhere where she would understand most of what is being said.
Also, in a language school, curriculum is the same for a group of people so they help and encourage each other. Language is after all a way to reach out to people, and the more people the more sense of community.
But there are also downsides to going to a language school. Firstly, they cost money. And although things in China are cheaper than many places in the world, a course at a language school still isn't free. Secondly is the convenience factor. Enrolling in a language school involves actually getting to the school, signing up, then attending lessons.
I'd been weighing the pluses and minuses of attending a language school, when I decided that it was too much bother. Although the sense of community in language schools is great, it's not worth paying money for. Particularly since online communities are so numerous. All one would need to do to teach English to someone would be to find said communities and harness their power. But where are these communities? That's where you come in!
I've been teaching using Side By Side's textbook number three for a few months now, and I've found them really good. I'm going to be taking Aika through this textbook. But I'll be needing your help.
Each "lesson" will just be a post, written by me. It will be a few instructions or questions, and contributors will be asked to write something as a reply to each post. I'll write the first lesson after this introduction!
If you're a native English speaker, or speak English well enough to qualify (and let's just say that if you've followed everything that I've written so far that you do qualify!) and you're willing to help, I'd appreciate it if you just clicked "reply" and wrote something.
If you're learning English, feel free to contribute as much as you want. We will correct you when you're wrong!
Ok? Understand? No matter, I'm sure everything will be clear after the first lesson. Here we go!!!
Don't worry! Aika isn't thinking of "leaving me" figuratively ("to leave someone" is an English metaphor that we use when people break up") but literally leaving me, for a few hours a week, to learn English in a language school.
Although this isn't much a blow to my masculinity as figuratively "leaving me" would be, it's still weird for me, since I've been an English teacher for four years!
But there are quite compelling reasons for the girlfriend of a language nut like me to go to a language school. For one thing, at a language school, one meets other learners of similar levels. This is important for Aika since all the other English speakers that she knows either speak English much more badly than she does or much much better. Her English is better than our Chinese friends, since she speaks to me so often, but, as one might expect, is much worse than our foreign friends, since most come from English speaking countries. So she either picks up bad habits from bad English speakers or can't follow what is being spoken. At a language school she'd probably be somewhere where she would understand most of what is being said.
Also, in a language school, curriculum is the same for a group of people so they help and encourage each other. Language is after all a way to reach out to people, and the more people the more sense of community.
But there are also downsides to going to a language school. Firstly, they cost money. And although things in China are cheaper than many places in the world, a course at a language school still isn't free. Secondly is the convenience factor. Enrolling in a language school involves actually getting to the school, signing up, then attending lessons.
I'd been weighing the pluses and minuses of attending a language school, when I decided that it was too much bother. Although the sense of community in language schools is great, it's not worth paying money for. Particularly since online communities are so numerous. All one would need to do to teach English to someone would be to find said communities and harness their power. But where are these communities? That's where you come in!
I've been teaching using Side By Side's textbook number three for a few months now, and I've found them really good. I'm going to be taking Aika through this textbook. But I'll be needing your help.
Each "lesson" will just be a post, written by me. It will be a few instructions or questions, and contributors will be asked to write something as a reply to each post. I'll write the first lesson after this introduction!
If you're a native English speaker, or speak English well enough to qualify (and let's just say that if you've followed everything that I've written so far that you do qualify!) and you're willing to help, I'd appreciate it if you just clicked "reply" and wrote something.
If you're learning English, feel free to contribute as much as you want. We will correct you when you're wrong!
Ok? Understand? No matter, I'm sure everything will be clear after the first lesson. Here we go!!!
Aug 3, 2008
I have a question about korean verb forms.
Alright. This question has been on my mind for a while so I figured it was time to ask it.
I'll use the verb 공부하다 for my examples.
공부하고 있다
공부하는거야
공부하는중 이다
What is the difference between these? My understanding is that they all mean "I am studying"...but in what situation do you use each form?
I'll use the verb 공부하다 for my examples.
공부하고 있다
공부하는거야
공부하는중 이다
What is the difference between these? My understanding is that they all mean "I am studying"...but in what situation do you use each form?
Hi~(Intro)
Hi~I'm Uri from South Korea.
I'm staying America for study.
I like to learn any foreign languages.
Especially I want to study Japanese and Spanish.
I'm going to take Spanish class coming semester.
Anyway nice to meet you~!
I'm staying America for study.
I like to learn any foreign languages.
Especially I want to study Japanese and Spanish.
I'm going to take Spanish class coming semester.
Anyway nice to meet you~!
Aug 2, 2008
Korean Vocabulary List
I just wanted to share this Korean vocabulary list with everyone:
http://articles.learn-korean-now.com/articles/5/1/Korean-Vocabulary-List-1/Page1.html
I think I need to build up my Korean vocabulary because I'm kinda stuck in lingo-limbo, not quite beginner, but not even close to intermediate...
http://articles.learn-korean-now.com/articles/5/1/Korean-Vocabulary-List-1/Page1.html
I think I need to build up my Korean vocabulary because I'm kinda stuck in lingo-limbo, not quite beginner, but not even close to intermediate...
Aug 1, 2008
Repeating yourself in Korean.
The title does not really make sense for what I am going to talk about, but I think you might still be able to understand. I have two different examples for you today with two different grammar points.
Point 1
If you want to tell someone else what a person said to you, there are two ways (that I know of) to do that.
Way 1: -라고 말했다 / 친구가 '아팠어요'라고 말했어요 My friend said he was sick.
Way 2: -다고 했다 / 친구가 아팠다고 했어요. My friend said he was sick.
Point 2
This example is coming from a scene I saw in the korean drama 궁(Palace). 신채경 (Shin Chae-Kyoung) spilled some paint water onto the prince's shoes and she was embarrassed so she tried to clean them. While she was cleaning...
Prince: 그만해 Stop it.
But she kept cleaning, so...
Prince: 그만하라니까! I said stop it!
So...what we are learning right now is -라니까.
More examples that I can think of are...
자라니까
가라니까
나가라니까
My confidence on this second point is not very high, but I think I have a good grasp of it. However, if there are mistakes please correct them! Thank you for reading~
Point 1
If you want to tell someone else what a person said to you, there are two ways (that I know of) to do that.
Way 1: -라고 말했다 / 친구가 '아팠어요'라고 말했어요 My friend said he was sick.
Way 2: -다고 했다 / 친구가 아팠다고 했어요. My friend said he was sick.
Point 2
This example is coming from a scene I saw in the korean drama 궁(Palace). 신채경 (Shin Chae-Kyoung) spilled some paint water onto the prince's shoes and she was embarrassed so she tried to clean them. While she was cleaning...
Prince: 그만해 Stop it.
But she kept cleaning, so...
Prince: 그만하라니까! I said stop it!
So...what we are learning right now is -라니까.
More examples that I can think of are...
자라니까
가라니까
나가라니까
My confidence on this second point is not very high, but I think I have a good grasp of it. However, if there are mistakes please correct them! Thank you for reading~
A Public Service Announcement - in Balinese and Indonesian
Here's an interesting video - it's a public service announcement regarding the question of food coloring additives. Funny enough, the commercial is called "Zat Perwarna: Bule ke Doktor" (Food Coloring: White Guy goes to the doctor). And the "bule" speaks Balinese and Indonesian pretty well...
Here's a transcript - Indonesian in bold, Balinese in regular typeface:
Bule: Ne, bagus sekali. Jaja ini, aji kuda asiki, Bu?
[These (look) very good. These rice cakes, how much for one, ma'am?]
Bu: Seribu nika.
[That is Rp 1000.]
Dokter: Punapi niki, Gus?
[How is this [patient's condition], Gus?]
NB: "Gus" is short for "bagus", which literally means "handsome" in Balinese. It also can be used to refer to a young man.
Gus: Kenten, Dok. Tuni semangan timpal tiange ngebus, menceret-menceret. Kena penyakit napi niki Dok?
[Gus: It's like this, Doc. Earlier this morning my friend (the bule) became "hot" inside (but not feverish), constantly having diarrhea. What sort of disease does he have, Doc?]
NB: Kena is the Indonesian word for coming upon something unexpectedly and having an adverse effect, so kena batu would mean to "be struck by/stub one's toe on a rock". Kena penyakit therefore means 'to be struck by a disease'.
Dokter: Tiang periksa dumun, inggih?
[Doctor: I'll examine (him) first, alright?]
O, niki wenten peradahan(?)
[Oh, here's some metallic-looking substance.]
(If my translation of "peradahan" is appropriate...)
Polih ajeng napi timpal ba singgih?
[What did your friend happen to eat (if I may ask)?]
Singgih is an extremely respectful way of saying 'sir', and it implies either the addressee's high caste or something else.
Gus: Dugas ibi tiang ajak beli jaja. Kena demen ajak jaja ada warnane ngencerengin, dok.
[Gus: Yesterday [he] was with me buying rice cakes. [He] liked (there's that kena verb again; 'struck by liking', literally) the cakes with the interesting colors, Doc.]
Dokter: Makane hati-hati milih makanan. Sampunang tertarik ring warnane sagede-gede kemanten. Minab timpal Guse niki keracunan zat pewarna.
[Doctor: You have to be careful about selecting food. Don't be attracted to the colors too much. Perhaps your friend (Gus' friend, literally) got food color poisoning.]
Sameton sareng sami, sampunang anggen zat pewarna, sane ten dados anggen makanan, minakadi sumba, wantek miwah muruh.
[All my fellow people, don't use food coloring substances, those that are not to be used in food, especially safflower dye, rhodamine dye, and indigo.]
Well, "now you know"...
Here's a transcript - Indonesian in bold, Balinese in regular typeface:
Bule: Ne, bagus sekali. Jaja ini, aji kuda asiki, Bu?
[These (look) very good. These rice cakes, how much for one, ma'am?]
Bu: Seribu nika.
[That is Rp 1000.]
Dokter: Punapi niki, Gus?
[How is this [patient's condition], Gus?]
NB: "Gus" is short for "bagus", which literally means "handsome" in Balinese. It also can be used to refer to a young man.
Gus: Kenten, Dok. Tuni semangan timpal tiange ngebus, menceret-menceret. Kena penyakit napi niki Dok?
[Gus: It's like this, Doc. Earlier this morning my friend (the bule) became "hot" inside (but not feverish), constantly having diarrhea. What sort of disease does he have, Doc?]
NB: Kena is the Indonesian word for coming upon something unexpectedly and having an adverse effect, so kena batu would mean to "be struck by/stub one's toe on a rock". Kena penyakit therefore means 'to be struck by a disease'.
Dokter: Tiang periksa dumun, inggih?
[Doctor: I'll examine (him) first, alright?]
O, niki wenten peradahan(?)
[Oh, here's some metallic-looking substance.]
(If my translation of "peradahan" is appropriate...)
Polih ajeng napi timpal ba singgih?
[What did your friend happen to eat (if I may ask)?]
Singgih is an extremely respectful way of saying 'sir', and it implies either the addressee's high caste or something else.
Gus: Dugas ibi tiang ajak beli jaja. Kena demen ajak jaja ada warnane ngencerengin, dok.
[Gus: Yesterday [he] was with me buying rice cakes. [He] liked (there's that kena verb again; 'struck by liking', literally) the cakes with the interesting colors, Doc.]
Dokter: Makane hati-hati milih makanan. Sampunang tertarik ring warnane sagede-gede kemanten. Minab timpal Guse niki keracunan zat pewarna.
[Doctor: You have to be careful about selecting food. Don't be attracted to the colors too much. Perhaps your friend (Gus' friend, literally) got food color poisoning.]
Sameton sareng sami, sampunang anggen zat pewarna, sane ten dados anggen makanan, minakadi sumba, wantek miwah muruh.
[All my fellow people, don't use food coloring substances, those that are not to be used in food, especially safflower dye, rhodamine dye, and indigo.]
Well, "now you know"...
2 tricky Korean words
물 means water and 고기 means meat. What do you think 물고기 means?
반 means half and 팔 means arm. What do you think 반팔 means?
:)
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