I'd like to learn Norwegian. Caveat: I'd like to learn specifically the Bergen dialect/accent. Is that possible?
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posted by Busoni
on Aug 21, 2011 -
3 answers
What are some good English-language TV shows for toddlers where the characters aren't speaking in overly affected voices?
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posted by holterbarbour
on Aug 18, 2011 -
25 answers
Does anyone know anything about the origin of the phrase "they're coming in a little yellow van with square wheels" (and variations on this) to refer to being taken away to a mental asylum?
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posted by Coobeastie
on Aug 13, 2011 -
7 answers
OK language mavens, help me understand this one. In
this book review in today's NYT, we find the line "Mr. Kennedy is, deep down, an admirer of the president’s." Is the final 'apostrophe ess' a 'correct' construction?
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posted by woodblock100
on Aug 13, 2011 -
46 answers
I'm working on a comic that's a parody of detective noir comics. I want the most obscure, antiquated, and obfuscating slang from early 20th century America.
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posted by cmoj
on Aug 8, 2011 -
10 answers
What are some words whose definitions have changed significantly in the last few centuries?
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posted by Shelf
on Aug 7, 2011 -
58 answers
I'm looking for recommendations for books related to the philosophy of education, especially those related to multicultural approaches to education or foreign language instruction.
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posted by one little who
on Aug 4, 2011 -
12 answers
I want to travel to Europe (France, Germany, Austria, and maybe Poland) this fall. I have never left the United States. I have absolutely no idea how to plan this. Many details inside.
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posted by Hey Dean Yeager!
on Jul 28, 2011 -
28 answers
How should I denote transitions between languages in a story I'm working on?
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posted by mordax
on Jul 28, 2011 -
18 answers
Is there any data out there relating to the relative speeds that different spoken languages can express human thought?
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posted by merocet
on Jul 20, 2011 -
18 answers
Can you give me strategy and tactics for maximizing my spoken Japanese interactions, towards the goal of language ability, while in Japan? Those of you who have reached exceptional/native-level fluency
speaking, can you give me some tips, and share your experiences of the things that helped the most along the way, in terms of
speaking ability?
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posted by dubitable
on Jul 15, 2011 -
12 answers
A longing for something you already have, or a mourning for the transience of a moment when you are still in that moment. Lend me a word for this feeling.
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posted by smithsmith
on Jul 14, 2011 -
20 answers
I'm looking for resources (preferably online and free) that will allow me to practice reading and writing Chinese characters at the level of a beginner.
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posted by vogon_poet
on Jul 10, 2011 -
5 answers
What is the most reasonable way to try and autodidact your way into reading French well and speaking it passably?
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posted by jsturgill
on Jul 9, 2011 -
5 answers
What are some foreign-language terms for things that involve the name of another country or culture?
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posted by theodolite
on Jul 5, 2011 -
78 answers
A textbook that I once read contained a passage from some famous author (possibly Mark Twain?) that attempted to illustrate the usefulness of jargon by describing how to saddle a horse, or hitch a horse to a wagon (something like that) without using any specialized terminology. It was marvelously long-winded and impossible to follow. Textbook long since discarded, Google-Fu fails; any idea what this might have been?
posted by lordcorvid
on Jul 2, 2011 -
3 answers
I'd like to try making a "life goal" out of mastering stereotypical/fake accents... the impeccably snooty Frenchman, the stuck up Brit, redneck American, serious Japanese businessman, and so on. How does one intentionally learn (fake/funny/stereotypical) accents?
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posted by luciphercolors
on Jun 30, 2011 -
34 answers
I'm trying to find a word that conveys both strength (foundation, well built framework, difficult to break, potential for growth) and efficiency (basic, best use of resources, no embellishments).
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posted by rebent
on Jun 29, 2011 -
30 answers
Can someone tell me what this Italian term of endearment means? It phonetically is pronounced "coo-ka-looch"
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posted by jModug
on Jun 24, 2011 -
6 answers
Do you honestly enjoy reading free verse? Can you explain to me why I should enjoy it, too?
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posted by anonymous
on Jun 24, 2011 -
27 answers
I'm sorta multilingual, in Spanish and Mandarin. I don't have many other skills. How good would I need to get before I can make a living from this ability? What jobs could I get if I were to improve in one or both languages?
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posted by skewed
on Jun 24, 2011 -
11 answers
I have need for a large and strange batch of audio translations. As a newbie to this game, please help me zero in on market specifics.
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posted by mykescipark
on Jun 20, 2011 -
3 answers
What could have happened in 1663 specifically to change the meaning of "decimate?"
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posted by Naberius
on Jun 16, 2011 -
9 answers
I have a Japanese friend whom I occasionaly write e-mails in japanese. I used to study Japanese at the University but as I didn't practice for a long time I almost forgot it. Sometimes I don't know how to write something in Japanese and internet Dictionaries doesn't help. So the question is if anyone know good internet communities or forums where I can get help with translating some bits into Japanese? Thanks!
posted by Svulya
on Jun 16, 2011 -
7 answers
Hi everyone!
I am visiting Vilnius, Lithuania the last week of this month for a concert. I'm planning my trip but I would like some advice about public transport and language.
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posted by TrinsicWS
on Jun 13, 2011 -
8 answers
My DVD player automatically plays all DVDs in French. I like French and all, but James Bond is so much more fun in English!
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posted by chatongriffes
on Jun 9, 2011 -
9 answers
Two questions about vocabulary in the American South and elsewhere: did your parents call you sugar and did they, when you were in trouble, use both your first and middle names to summon you for the reckoning?
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posted by mygothlaundry
on Jun 2, 2011 -
81 answers
I would like to know how often one letter is followed by all the other letters. For example: A is followed by R 20% of the time, while A is followed by Q only .1% of the time.
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posted by 47triple2
on May 21, 2011 -
15 answers
What are some resources that are inexpensive or free for improving my French from Canadian public school level to functional?
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posted by Phalene
on May 19, 2011 -
8 answers
Conventional wisdom says that watching a lot of TV/Movies in another language helps with comprehension. What are some good movies/shows to help me with Mandarin? My current level is quite basic (2 semesters of college classes).
posted by joshwa
on May 18, 2011 -
9 answers
I work from 9 to 5, but I want to immerse myself in German for the rest of the time. I have an iPod touch and a short attention span. What can I use to ram this language into my brain?
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posted by Acheman
on May 16, 2011 -
9 answers
