verdantvernacular

[verdantvernacular]

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[verdantvernacular]

I haven't slept and I'm filled with rage. I hate that stupid green owl. Heres some resources for beginner language learners

1. Install anki. It's a flash card program that uses spaced repetition. Essentially, it optimizes study by showing cards you struggle with more frequently while showing easy cards less frequently. It's amazing for learning vocab. It's web and computer versions are free, the iphone version costs 25$ but there are alternatives. There is also an android version made by a 3rd party thats free.

2. Find a deck. There are plenty of free shared decks on ankiweb. Ive also heard good things about Xefjord's Complete Language Series which features over 100 different languages. Refolds premium decks cost money, but they are high quality. It can take time to find a deck that works best for you and I highly reccomend switching to a deck that you made yourself eventually. I highly encourage picking a deck with native audio if you can.

3. Grammar. Here is a collection of resources for a variety of languages. Here is another one that has more on linguistics.

4. Misc resources.

this is a site that let's you listen to radio stations around the world

this let's you make anki cards from TV and movies in your target language

this is a list of easy to comprehend materials in various languages

There's tons of great language specific resources out there you just have to find them. Here's one specifically for Japanese learners.

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must i actually learn other languages. is it not enough to simply want to speak all of them

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I’ve been revising Irish and I had completely forgotten how much of an extra language it is.

For example, in English you say “I am really sorry.” The Irish translation is literally “the sadness of the world is upon me.” Tá brón an domhain orm. 💀🇮🇪

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Words that change meaning based on the stressed syllable

In English, there are a series of words whose meaning changes based on where you put the stress. Here are some examples:

CONstruct vs conSTRUCT

A CONstruct (noun) is “something constructed by the mind: such as [...]a theoretical entity [..]a working hypothesis or concept [... or] a product of ideology, history, or social circumstances”

BUT conSTRUCT is a verb which means “to make or form by combining or arranging parts or elements”

CONflict vs conFLICT

CONflict is a noun which can mean a “fight” or “competitive or opposing action of incompatibles”, in essence, disagreement. BUT conFLICT is a verb defined as “[being] different, opposed, or contradictory”.

IMport vs imPORT

An IMport (noun) is “something that is imported” WHEREAS to import is to “bring from a foreign or external source” i.e. the process of bringing an import to the recipient country. 

CONtest vs conTEST

CONtest refers to “a struggle for superiority or victory” or a “competition in which each contestant performs without direct contact with or interference from competitors”. Once again when stressing the latter syllable, this noun becomes a verb. The verb conTEST means “to make the subject of dispute, contention, or litigation”.

INsult vs inSULT

When the first syllable is stressed we get the noun INsult which is the opposite of a compliment or “a gross indignity”. However, when the second syllable is stressed, we get the verb inSULT which refers to the act of “treat[ing someone or something] with insolence, indignity, or contempt”.

Sources: As always all definitions sourced from Merriam Webster’s Online Dictionary https://www.merriam-webster.com/

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Counting Animals in Irish. More info here.

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Tacoma is on the Indigenous land of the Puyallup People. They–like many tribes around the Puget Sound–speak the Twulshootseed (or Lushootseed) language. Though once categorized as endangered, the language is thriving. It’s beautiful to hear, and when spoken, it reflects the sounds in the region: waves washing on a shore, the call of a stellar jay, or walking on fresh snow.

In 2009, type designer Juliet Shen worked with the Tulalip tribes, north of Seattle, to create a Lushootseed font. The font was also cut in wood at the Hamilton Wood Type & Printing Museum in both 10 and 12-line to be used for summer language programs. At Juliet’s suggestion, the Tulalip tribes generously lent the Lushootseed wood type for a visit to Tacoma this past month. While the primary focus of the Puyallup Tribal Language Program is revitalizing Twulshootseed and implementing day-to-day usage of the language, Program Director Amber Hayward was generous with her time and knowledge. (To learn more about Amber’s amazing work with her team watch Virtual Heritage Cafe.) In our discussions, it became clear that setting and printing the basic virtues of Lushootseed culture would be just right. With Amber’s help, you can learn how to pronounce these virtues.

Offered during Native American Heritage Month, and ready to display in your home, the limited edition print reads: ƛ̓ububƛ̓ub, kʷaxʷalikʷ, ʔabalikʷ BE KIND, BE HELPFUL, BE SHARING are basic virtues of Lushootseed culture, and the language spoken by tribes in the Puget Sound region. In Tacoma we acknowledge we live on the Indigenous lands of the Puyallup People, who cared for their ancestral lands before the Medicine Creek Treaty of 1854 removed native peoples to clear way for colonial settlement. We are grateful to the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, who continue to be leaders for justice in our community.

Printed in an edition of 115 copies, all proceeds support the Puyallup Tribal Language Program and their mission. They can be purchased for $30—apply code LOCAL for pickup in Tacoma and we’ll make arrangements. And here’s a free downloadable link to print your own grayscale version at home. To learn more about the lands, languages and treaties where you live, Native Land Digital is a good place to start.

[verdantvernacular]

Hi! I'm new to langblr and learning a few languages.

Native language: USAmerican English

Semi-fluent in: Spanish/Castilian

Intermediate-beginner in: Japanese

Beginner in: Chinese

Absolute beginner in: Irish (Gaelige), Welsh, Gaelic (Scottish Gaelic), Scots, and Lushootseed (Twulshootseed/txʷəlšucid)

I'm also learning British English!

Languages I'd like to one day study include: Hebrew, Russian, and German

I am focusing primarily on Japanese and Spanish

Some things about me:

I prefer he/him pronouns and masculine terms in English

Any gendering is fine in other languages! I still primarily use masculine (like masculine pronouns or terms), but anything is fine.

I'm intellectually disabled and have learning disabilities, which can greatly impact my ability to learn

I love to talk! Feel free to send asks or messages if you want to practice languages with me!

If I make a mistake and you notice, correct me! I won't take offense

I follow and interact from @verdantmeadows

I'm definitely a nerd and not super organized so I apologize for not having that super gorgeous aesthetic look to my blog and any notes I post

Other stuff under the cut

This is intended to primarily be a langblr, but it may also double as a studyblr. I'm studying:

HTML, CSS, and JavaScript

English for college placement test

Math for college placement test

Driving

Music theory

Penmanship/calligraphy

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Set up some new decks on Anki! Hopefully I'll manage to stick with them every day!