December 8, 2010
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turkish!
I've just finished my first semester of Turkish. I don't know my grade yet, but I feel good about. I don't really care about my grade anyway, I'm taking the language to learn it, not to get college credit. I have the luxury of saying this only because I am employed by a university and therefore can enroll as a non-degree seeking student and take a class for free. ah, the perks!
Only having one class at a time and not studying "for a grade" has revolutionized the way I learn. Instead of cramming a lot before the quizzes and tests, I study a little bit every day and not so much more before an exam. Also, instead of focusing on vocab that will be on that quiz/test, I make tons of flashcards of random words from class, online study, etc etc. Not trying to get an 'A' has given me a whole new mindset and approach to this class. I'm learning SO much more this way.
If only I knew what I know now when I was starting Japanese. I might be so much better. Heyhat! [alas!]
Also, I'm trying to find Turkish people's blog to pick up on. If anyone knows anyone out there, let me know!
Comments (4)
Seriously, let me know when you're going to Turkey (Turkiye)! I have been itching to visit this country for at least 5 years... Oh Blue Mosque, underground cities, Cappadocia, etc... How I long to visit thee.
There was an article from CNN Turkey in February that I wanted translated (general idea). If I can find it, I'll send you the link.
Extra credit for next semester?
@Saferia - You are ON! No joke. It probably won't be anytime soon. I don't really even know that much about what there is to see in Turkey either (beyond the Blue Mosque) so that is where you will come in. Yeah, if you find the article, send it on over.... someday... someday... I will be super good at Turkish
@justgotspaid - I'm not too in to full-on guided tours, but this site has a lot of good general information:
http://www.pachatours.com/
this one too: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/destinations/turkey
And I want to visit at least one of these (as there are many): http://www.cappadociaturkey.net/undergroundcities.htm
Basically, underground cities came about whenever Turkey was conquered (the Ottomans, the Byzantinians, etc.) rather than continue with the architecture already established (or destroy what ws there), the conquerors built on top of the old cities/land creating "underground" cities. Quick history tidbit in a teeny-tiny nutshell. More complex than what I've explained, but maybe it'll pique your interest. =)
@Saferia - whoh! that looks awesome. We could come up with our own tour like Intrepid's Active Turkey... something like that.
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