Thorn Tree travel forum

Khurma

The astringent persimmon (Diospyros lotus) isn't often seen in the West. I've seen it lots in Russia, and its widely grown in the Caucasus. russians call it khurma, which russian friends tell me is a Georgian word. Georgian's also call it khurma, but they deny its a Georgian word while admitting its not Russian either. On a recent trip to Damascus, I found these fruits also called khurma in arabic.

Any idea of the origin of this word?

Russian - best course for self study

I might start learning Russian in a few months (self study) and would like to hear your experiences about the best/most adequate course package, such as Assimil, Teach Yourself Russian, Rosetta Stone, any online course ...

Any feedback is more than welcome !

Best regards,

Johan

Favourite Russian Words

At the Institute of Russian Studies in Budapest, we are collecting lists of people's favourite Russian words. Visit one of these links to tell us your favourites:

English page
Russian page
Hungarian page

There are prizes for people who take part!

Camboadian Language clips

A while ago, well maybe a couple of years ago I followed a link from here and viewed some great short videos in Khmer language that were produced by a western guy. I think he was probably American but could have been Canadian, had longish black hair and I think might have been connected to a university. I foolishly did not book mark them and have been searching ever since. Not much to go on but does anyone have any clues?

What's a lorry?

I have exchanged a few e.mails with an American woman who has been looking at my e.book of Spanish jokes for people learning Spanish. (Let me know if you'd like to see it). In the book I give some vocabulary to help the learners. She suggests that I should use American English as I am more likely to have American customers. I would rather keep my British English. She then said "only Americans who have traveled to England would even know what a lorry is".
I am sure the smart Americans on SiT know what a lorry is, but I would be very surprised if Mr and Ms Average American didn't know what a lorry was. Is she right?

Welsh.

I have received a little gift from a friend who has just returned from Wales. I would be grateful if someone could translate the words in the Welsh gift card. It really does look an impossible language! What are its origins?

Mae'r arferiad o roi llwy garu fel arwydd o gariad a hoffter yn gyffredin yng Nghymru ers yr 17eg ganrif. Mae crefft y naddwr yn cael ei harddangos yn yn y ffaith bod hyd yn oed y llwy fwyaf cywrain a chymhleth yn cael ei naddu o un darn o bren. Mae'r nifer o wahanol addurniadau posib yn fodd i'r naddwar fynegi ei hun yn artistig a rhoi ystyr personol i'r dyluniad.

The spellcheck went mad over this!

Michael Swan's golden rules

Michael Swan is a well respected grammar expert and many English teachers have a copy of his Practical English Usage on their shelves. I was reading his golden rules today and he has highlighted many common errors made by foreigners. However, here is golden rule number 2:

2. Use 'or rather' to correct yourself.

She’s German – or rather, Austrian. (NOT She’s German – or better, Austrian.)

I’ll see you on Friday – or rather, Saturday.

Personally, I would say "She's German. No, sorry, she's Austrian.

I have heard Mr Swan's version but I think my version is a lot more common. Any thoughts?

Looking for a good language school in Granada, Spain

Hi all,

My boyfriend and I want to go to a language school this summer (June-August) for 8 weeks. We would prefer a place that offered apartments (private or shared) or a residence at the school itself. We're looking for a good school with great teachers, a good reputation and social activities....also something affordable. If anyone can give any recommendations that would be great!

Thanks,

Jackie