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Showing posts with label language. Show all posts
Showing posts with label language. Show all posts
2 November 2014
Title
| Essential Hindi |
Author
| Richard Delacy |
Publisher
| Tuttle Publishing |
Publication Date
|
2014
|
Pages
| 192 |
Genre
| non-fiction, languages |
Blurb:
Start speaking Hindi right away with this Hindi phrasebook, basic grammar and pronunciation guide to help you. Essential Hindi presents the practical Hindi language of everyday interactions in a way that's clear, concise, accessible and enjoyable. It includes fundamental sentences to use when meeting people, starting conversations, and asking and replying to questions. All Hindi words are presented in both romanised form and Hindi script. Terms and phrases cover all your conversations via mobile phones, internet, and social media in a way that will help you make the most of the language. In addition, sentences on the essentials of travel make it easier for visitors to navigate the basics of arranging accommodations, dining out, dealing with transportation and emergencies, and much more. Essential Hindi includes: Over 1,500 necessary sentences for everyday use. A glossary containing over 2,000 terms and expressions. A handy format for finding the information you need quickly and easily. Look up the latest Hindi vocabulary and phrases for smart phones, blogging, Facebook and Twitter. Let Essential Hindi guide you in making the right word choices when communicating with friends and business colleagues, and the world!
My review:
Thank you to Tuttle Publishing who gifted me this book.
I have been interested in South East Asian Languages and studied Urdu for a while. I have to say at the beginning that I did not study Hindi as it is very different from Urdu in the script, though in spoken word it is very very similar. Therefore, this review will look at the book from the view of someone who intends to buy it in a book shop or online and has not fully used it.
The short introduction tells us that the book is aimed as a basic guide for getting you started in communicating in Hindi. As such, I think it would be particularly useful for anyone who has connections to SE India (whether business, private or as a tourist) and would like to take their knowledge of the language further than just 'hello' and 'my name is'.
The book starts with a pronunciation guide and basic grammar. These are not too complex and even for a complete beginner easy to understand. In my opinion, you have to work through those in order to go on to the first lesson and actually learning words. But fear not, there are only 5 pages of pronunciation and 13 pages of grammar.
As with most language learning books, the chapter start with simple and basic information (Personal Details, time, numbers) etc and coach you on to more complex sentences. The chapters have example sentences and a list of words as well as useful information (i.e. holidays, info on religion ) The chapters do not cover exercises - I think that would require a much more extensive book and this one here is only intended to get you started.
Again...I did not learn the language yet, but I think this can not only an excellent starting point, but it may also help you decide whether this is the language for you.
The short introduction tells us that the book is aimed as a basic guide for getting you started in communicating in Hindi. As such, I think it would be particularly useful for anyone who has connections to SE India (whether business, private or as a tourist) and would like to take their knowledge of the language further than just 'hello' and 'my name is'.
The book starts with a pronunciation guide and basic grammar. These are not too complex and even for a complete beginner easy to understand. In my opinion, you have to work through those in order to go on to the first lesson and actually learning words. But fear not, there are only 5 pages of pronunciation and 13 pages of grammar.
As with most language learning books, the chapter start with simple and basic information (Personal Details, time, numbers) etc and coach you on to more complex sentences. The chapters have example sentences and a list of words as well as useful information (i.e. holidays, info on religion ) The chapters do not cover exercises - I think that would require a much more extensive book and this one here is only intended to get you started.
Again...I did not learn the language yet, but I think this can not only an excellent starting point, but it may also help you decide whether this is the language for you.
8 June 2014
Title
| German Complete Revision Guide |
Author
| Rachel Aukett |
Publisher
| BBC Educational Publishing |
Publication Date
|
2002
|
Pages
| 128 |
Genre
| language learning, revision guides |
Blurb:
GCSE Bitesize revision uses television, the Internet and books to help the reader improve on his or her GCSE grade. This is one in the series of booklets designed to help the reader revise in small sections and practise important examination skills. The resources can be used together or separately.
My review
Not so much a review , but more of a recommendation.
I have to say that I did not use this booklet for GCSE revision. However, I am trying to teach my children German (my mother tongue) and found this book ideal. It is easily divided into sections, and as always with language learning, starts of easy (greetings, family, alphabet) and gets more difficult. Every section has speaking and writing exercises, and grammar which, importantly, does not overwhelm. What made me go for this guide rather than others is the fact that the vocabulary learnt in every Section is repeated at the back of every chapter/section (rather than just having all the vocabulary at the back.) I found this best to refresh and learn all vocabulary.
This is not for beginners to learn the language, unless used, indeed, as a revision guide. It would also help if you have a speaker of the language at hand to help with pronunciations.
As the book is aimed at GCSE students, there is plenty of colour coding and very clear boxes etc and my teenage children liked working with it and learned their basic vocabulary and grammar.
2 June 2014
Title
| Beginner's Urdu Script |
Author
| Richard Delacy |
Publisher
| Teach Yourself Books - Hodder Headline |
Publication Date
|
2001
|
Pages
| 122 |
Genre
| Language Learning |
Blurb:
Do you want to learn the basics of reading and writing Urdu script? Would you like to be able to read Urdu signs, notices, advertisements and headlines? Are you planning to work in or visit an Urdu-speaking country?
Richard Delacy has written a step-by-step introduction to reading and writing simple Urdu. This book features:
- an introduction to the structure of Urdu words and expressions
- an easy and accessible approach to learning the alphabet
- hints of authentic handwriting skills
- practical examples from real-life situations
- useful and functional vocabulary
My review
This book does indeed keep what it promises on the title if you can put in a bit of work and time to literally 'Teach yourself'.
I started to learn Urdu as this is the mother tongue of my husband, and we visit Urdu-speaking countries . My personal experience is that if you would like to learn Urdu language, you ought to learn the script. It may look very complicated, but trust me, once you got the basics, it is actually quite straight forward. I don't read Urdu every day, in fact, I haven't read it for a year or so, but can still easily recognise the letters.
The book starts off, as expected, with an introduction of Urdu script which may well go over your head at the beginning. But again, don't be put off by this, it will get better.The next section is the alphabet, and you will reference back to this again and again, so this page will need bookmarking! After that, 11 units will explain all letters in detail, grouped into similar letters. The writing of the letters is explained - and that is the writing as a single letter and also as a joining letter. I can only say it again, it will became easier as you go along and once you understood the concept of single letter / joined letter at the beginning, middle, end it will become easy. Pronunciation is explained in English words, but it may be best to have it spoken to you by a native speaker. Every Unit also contains writing and reading practice. The appendix contains numbers, dates, days of the week, months.
The book does have some vocabulary, but this is more to give an example of the writing rather than to learn vocabulary, so for serious learning, you will need an additional book. This book deals with the script.
The print of the letters is large and easy to see. I had a bit of trouble keeping the paperback book open so used a bulldog clip.
7 April 2014
Title
|
Medical Dictionary English-German
|
Author
| Peter Reuter, Christine Reuter |
Publisher
| Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart, Germany |
Publication Date
|
1995
|
Pages
| |
Genre
| Dictionary, Languages, Medical |
This review is mainly aimed at my fellow medical translators (I'm Freelance).
This is the most comprehensive medical dictionary I have found and to be honest, I don't think I could do any medical translation without it. I have found even the most obscure medical conditions. It is published in Germany, but can be easily ordered on relevant book buying sides here in the UK. Contents and Guide to the Dictionary are both in English and German.
The downside is the prize…. £about 90 for 1 (and you will need both the German-English and the English-German. I bought both mine from Amazon as 2nd hand copies, and both were in excellent condition and had not a mark on them (for approx £35 each) - maybe I was just lucky.
Luckily, medical terminology hardly changes over time, in fact many of the words do, of course, still originate from Latin. New words are being added, but it does mean that even a dictionary from 1995 (as my copy is) serves me very well and I see no reason to get an updated one at this stage. As a medical translator, this dictionary is a must and an essential investment.
27 January 2014
If you are starting out as a freelance translator or would like a career as such and got no idea where to begin or would like advice on certain areas - this is the book to get. It is the best one I've found on the market for this purpose and I can't praise it enough.
Title
|
A Practical Guide for Translators
|
Author
| Geoffrey Samuelsson-Brown |
Publisher
| Multilingual Matters |
Publication Date
|
2010 (5th Edition)
|
Pages
| 201 |
Genre
| languages, business |
The book is all about the business side of setting up and being a freelance translator.The author covers the following:
- How to become a translator
- Bilingualism - the myths and the truth
- The client's viewpoint
- Running a translation business
- Your working environment and the tools of the trade
- Machine translation and computer-aided translation
- Sources of reference, date retrieval and file management
- Quality control and accountability
- Presentation and delivery of translations
- What to do if things go wrong
- Professional organisations for translators
- Planning your exit strategy
An appendix further gives Translators organisations, and links. The advice can obviously applied to any language combination. Samuelsson-Brown's writing is very clear, with plenty of relevant examples from real life settings whilst never being unnecessarily academic.
This book has given me the confidence to be able to tackle the business side of being a Freelance Translator right from the first step (where do I even start with this…) and to make sure that you don't forget anything with such a big undertaking (i.e. do I need insurance and what type, what equipment do I really need and what will be a luxury). I have referred it again and again and would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone wanting to break into Freelance Translations. All advice is UK-relevant.
18 January 2014
Title
|
Collins Spanish Phrasebook & Dictionary
|
Author
| n/a |
Publisher
| Harper Collins |
Publication Date
|
2008
|
Pages
| 205 |
Genre
| language learning |
Whenever I go on holiday, I always prefer to be able to speak at least a few phrases. Even if it is just in a restaurant, to the hotel chamber maid or the bartender. Not only for practical reasons but I also think it is politeness and showing your interest to the locals. Yes, it may be my very crude attempts to speak their language, but so far I only ever had positive experience.
This book is clearly designed with the holiday-maker in mind. It is light and small, ideal to fit in your bag or even jacket pocket.
At the beginning of the book, there is 1/2 page on pronunciation. I would like to have had a bit more on pronunciation, but admittedly, this is not the main focus of this book, of course.
Also at the beginning, a great 'everyday photo guide', divided into sections like 'getting around' 'shopping. Pictures of common signs are shown which you may encounter as a tourist (i.e. from motorways, restaurants, cashpoints), and also a lot of general information.
The following chapters in the book are as follows: key talk, money, getting around, car, shopping, day life, nightlife, accommodation, different travellers (refers to children/special needs), difficulties (refers to emergencies / complaints), health, business, practical info, eating out, grammar, dictionary.
Each chapter gives you key phrases (with pronunciation guide), and also information on the relevant topic in separate yellow boxes. I found these most useful. For example, in the topic of 'Getting Around', it talks about good bus services, reduced fares for trains etc. Or in the section about car hire, it gives some basic legal information on car hire in Spain. The information seems to be related only for tourists visiting Spain (Mainland or Balearics / Canaries) - there are obviously many other Spanish speaking countries.
Example (taken from page 34) Getting around / buses:
I want to go…. quiero ir….
kye-ro eer
If you are going on a holiday to Spain, and your Spanish language knowledge does not extend to more than 'Hola' and ''Gracias' , than this this is a must buy. I would also recommend to read the book prior to arriving in the country. Not so much to prepare yourself, but so you can have a good idea where you find what info with which topic quickly and to get used to how the book is organised. Maybe read it in the plane on the way. Just don't leave it on the plane! Yes, this has been done and I shall not mention any names.
13 January 2014
Title
|
In Other Words
|
Author
| Mona Baker |
Publisher
|
Routledge
|
Publication Date
|
f2nd Edtion 2011
|
Pages
| 322 |
Genre
| Language learning, non-fiction |
A course book on translation
First: the book reviewer in me very much liked the title and the play on words with it.
I bought this book as I intend to sit a translation exam, my intention was home study, but I believe the book may also be on the reading list for uni courses. It teaches translation theory which can be applied to all language combinations.
The author, Mona Baker, is a Professor of Translation Studies at the University of Manchester.
The book as 8 chapters which shows the topics covered:
1. Introduction
2. Equivalence at word level
3. Equivalence above word level
4. Grammatical equivalence
5. Textual equivalence : thematic and information structures
6. Textual equivalence: cohesion
7. Pragmatic equivalence
8. Beyond equivalence: ethics and morality
I have never studied translation at Uni and wanted to prepare myself to sit the Diploma in Translation. I found the structure very good as it starts off with basic theories and goes on to more complicated issues. I was easily able to get myself into the basics. I especially liked the way examples are shown to explain certain theories, and even though my language combination is English-German, the examples from other language combinations are easily understood.
I think it's best explained what I mean by an example:
Taken from page 31 (Translation via cultural substitution)
source text (English)
|
…. the cream tea expert
|
translated (into Italian)
|
…. dell'esperto di pasticceria
|
Italian translated back into English
|
…. …the expert in pastry
|
In short, the book helped me to understand the basics of translation theory. From about chapter 5, it started to get difficult for me to understand without the help of a tutor, but if you set your mind to it and got peace and quiet at home for it, it can certainly be done. I also found the exercises at the back of every chapter rather hard and would have definitely benefited from a tutor group. I attempted them but quickly gave up.
Again to emphasise that I bought the book as a home study and reviewed it as such. It helped with the basics, but in later chapters I had to admit defeat - it will be perfect for a Uni student or if you have previously studied translation theory in other settings. I would also have to say that I have a Uni degree in a different subject, I don't think I would attempt the book if you have no knowledge of reading academic texts.
12 January 2014
Title
|
Teach Yourself Urdu
|
Author
| David Matthews and Mohammed Kasim Dalvi |
Publisher
|
Teach Yourself
|
Publication Date
|
29.10.2010
|
Pages
| 381 |
Genre
| Language Learning |
If you are a beginner learning Urdu, this is the book to get. Though I am lucky that I have an Urdu-speaking husband and spend time in Pakistan and with Pakistani relatives, this book will give you 'the ground-work', the vocabulary, the grammar.
The book comes with a CD which I did not get as my husband is able to assist with pronunciation, so I have to exclude this in my review, but would obviously say - get the CD if you don't have CONSTANT access pronunciation / speaking help.
The book starts by giving a brief history on Urdu, and than the first unit deals with the alphabet. You have work through it - it is no use trying to learn or understand Urdu in 'English(Roman) writings'. It does look daunting, but is actually not that hard. After that, 15 chapters deal with learning Urdu in the usual language book learning manner i.e. starting off easy and getting more challenging. Grammar is included from the 1st chapter, and that is good so. My experience - pay good attention to the grammar right from the start. Within a few weeks I was comfortably able to recognise words I learned in Urdu TV channels and able to apply it to my Urdu speaking (much to husband's delight). As with other language learning, you do have to stay on the ball though, and if you have a longer break away from it, you may find you have forgotten the letters, which dots to go where.... But it is easy enough to pick up.
Negative:
The book is rather small, and while this is ideal for taking with you, it can also be a challenge to properly see the Urdu writing - and this is unfortunately somewhat essential with a non-Roman script. Also, my copy fell apart after a few weeks, and I stuck the pages together with sellotape. Again and again.
All and all, I found the book invaluable with my Urdu learning and for me, it is the best one on the market (and believe me, I have lots!)
The book comes with a CD which I did not get as my husband is able to assist with pronunciation, so I have to exclude this in my review, but would obviously say - get the CD if you don't have CONSTANT access pronunciation / speaking help.
The book starts by giving a brief history on Urdu, and than the first unit deals with the alphabet. You have work through it - it is no use trying to learn or understand Urdu in 'English(Roman) writings'. It does look daunting, but is actually not that hard. After that, 15 chapters deal with learning Urdu in the usual language book learning manner i.e. starting off easy and getting more challenging. Grammar is included from the 1st chapter, and that is good so. My experience - pay good attention to the grammar right from the start. Within a few weeks I was comfortably able to recognise words I learned in Urdu TV channels and able to apply it to my Urdu speaking (much to husband's delight). As with other language learning, you do have to stay on the ball though, and if you have a longer break away from it, you may find you have forgotten the letters, which dots to go where.... But it is easy enough to pick up.
Negative:
The book is rather small, and while this is ideal for taking with you, it can also be a challenge to properly see the Urdu writing - and this is unfortunately somewhat essential with a non-Roman script. Also, my copy fell apart after a few weeks, and I stuck the pages together with sellotape. Again and again.
All and all, I found the book invaluable with my Urdu learning and for me, it is the best one on the market (and believe me, I have lots!)
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