Learn the Lingo - Travellers Language Guides

Learn Turkish with our Turkish language guide

podcasts@worldnomads.com — Tue, 6 Nov 2007 00:33:00 GMT

Our short lesson in Turkish won't teach you the language in full, but contains enough of the most common travel phrases to help you get by.

Download here

» Turkish Language Lesson (MP3 | Size: 27.4MB)

Turkish Language Guide Script

For those of you keen to have a written version on the podcast, here is the script below

Ahmet: Merhaba. You are a tourist?
Scott: Ah, yes Im just enjoying the peace and the light.
Ahmet: Yes, the mosque is very quiet at this time of day, we dont often see tourists this early, it is a lovely time to be here.
Scott: Its incredible. Merhaba is hello right?
Ahmet: Yes, thats right, or you might also say Nasilsimiz, which means How are you and a local would respond Iyiyim tesekkur ederim which means Fine, thank you
Scott: So, Nasilsimiz and Iyiyim tesekkur ederim
Ahmet: Not bad. How do you like the Blue Mosque?
Scott: It is truly awesome, totally unlike anything Ive ever seen.
Ahmet: Would you like me to take you to the prayer area?
Scott: Of course, that would be terrific! Can we keep talking there - do you think you could teach me a few Turkish phrases?
Ahmet: I would enjoy that, come with me what would you like to know?
Scott: My name is Scott how do I say that in Turkish?
Ahmet: You say ah-duhm Scott. Ah-duhm Ahmet. To ask a persons name is ah-duh-nuhz neh
Scott: So, ah-duhm Scott. Ah-duh-nuhz neh?
Ahmet: Very good.
Scott: Ok, lets see, how would you say Good Morning or Good Evening?
Ahmet: Good Morning is gew-nahy-duhn
Scott: Gew-nahy-DUHN
Ahmet: Good Evening is ee-ahk-shahm-lahr and Good Night is ee-geh-jeh-lehr
Scott: ee-ahk-shahm-lahr, ee-geh-jeh-lehr
Ahmet: And Goodbye is ah-lahs-mahr-lah-duhk
Scott: Ah-lahs-mahr-lah-duhk. Ive noticed that people seem to shake hands every time they meet is this customary?
Ahmet: Yes, Turkish people are very polite and quite formal. You should offer to shake hands when-ever you meet someone. If you know a person very well you might also kiss both their cheeks. You should also offer your hand when you farewell someone.
Scott: Right, Ive noticed also that locals say something like allah-sa-mallah when they leave what is this?
Ahmet: (smiling) you mean Allahaismerladik which is a blessing from Allah and the response is gule gule which means be on your way with a smile
Scott: Gule gule what a nice farewell! Should I refer to people by their first name or should I use Mr or Miss?
Ahmet: This is a good question, we refer to one another as brother or sister so for young people you would use Hanim, as in Leyla Hanim or Bey for a man so you should call me Ahmet Bey.
Scott: Ok Ahmet Bey what about for older people
Ahmet: This is Abla for women and Agabey for men.
Scott: Abla, Agabey. What is that over there?
Ahmet: That niche? That is the mihrab, it shows us the direction of kaaba which Muslims face when praying.
Scott: It looks a bit like the opening to a huge passageway.
Ahmet: Yes thats right, for Muslims it represents a passage to Mecca.
Scott: Its pretty stunning! Now, how do I say Yes and No?
Ahmet: This is eh-veht and hah-yuhr for no
Scott: Eh-veht / hah-yuhr
Ahmet: You will also see that Turkish people use body language quite a lot for no you will see a person lift their head and eyebrows and make a sound like tsk
And for yes they will nod their head slightly forward remember this when you go to the Grand Bazaar have you been there yet?
Scott: Not yet, its on my list to do this week! Goog tip - so head lifted and tsk is no and slight nod is yes! How do I say please, thank you and excuse me?
Ahmet: Please is lewt-fehn, thank you is the-sheh-kewr-lehr and excuse me is Affedersiniz
Scott: luwt-fehn, sheh-kewr-lehr and affedersiniz
Ahmet: You will do well in Istanbul if you use a bit of Turkish and are polite. Also, dont forget to be respectful of elder people and people of high status this is very important in Turkish culture.
Scott: Right, thanks for that. Is there anything that is really rude that I should really avoid doing?
Ahmet: Generally, tourists are given a bit of lee-way but a few things to try and remember it is considered very offensive to point the sole of your foot at someone so remember that in Mosques particularly also, it is considered insulting to pass something to someone with your left hand make sure you use both hands or just your right hand.
Scott: Great tips thank you sorry I mean the-sheh-kewr-lehr! How do I say I dont understand?
Ahmet: This is the-sheh-kewr-lehr
Scott: the-sheh-kewr-lehr Ok, what about How much? And Too Expensive?
Ahmet: How much is kahch-tah
Scott: Kach-para
Ahmet: Very good, too expensive is chok pahali
Scott: chok pahali. I know, what about numbers- what is 1-10 in Turkish?
Ahmet: This is beer
Scott: Beer
Ahmet: ee-kee
Scott: ee-kee
Ahmet: ewch
Scott: ewch
Ahmet: durrt
Scott: durrt
Ahmet: behsh
Scott: behsh
Ahmet: ahl-tuh
Scott: ahl-tuh
Ahmet: veh-dee
Scott: veh-dee
Ahmet: she-keez
Scott: she-keez
Ahmet: doh-kooz
Scott: doh-kooz
Ahmet: ohn
Scott: ohn. What about some directions, how do I say Where is?
Ahmet: This is neh-re-de
Scott: neh-re-de. And Which way to?
Ahmet: … ne tah-raf-ta
Scott: … ne tah-raf-ta. Ahmet Bey, I hope Im not disturbing your prayers?
Ahmet: No, not at all I missed the first morning prayers so came in to catch up. We pray five times a day and I am now waiting for the next call to prayer, besides, I am enjoying our lesson!
Scott: Thank you, its very kind of you. I know, how do I say I like this Im enjoying our lesson too!
Ahmet: This is hosh – hu – ma geet - the
Scott: hosh – hu – ma geet - the What about I dont like this?
Ahmet: You say hosh – hu – ma geet – me – the
Scott: hosh – hu – ma geet – me – the. What about when a local is speaking too quickly how do I say Please speak slowly or I dont understand?
Ahmet: Please speak slowly is lut – fen ya – vash ko – nush - hun
Scott: lut – fen ya – vash ko – nush - hun. I know, what about bus, train, taxi and boat
Ahmet: My friend, the best way to get around Istanbul is by yellow taxi but make sure the driver puts the meter on! Taxi is thak - see,
Scott: thak - see
Ahmet: Train is tee - ren
Scott: tee - ren
Ahmet: Bus is ot – ho – bus
Scott: ot – ho – bus
Ahmet: boat is bot and ticket is bee - let have you visited The Islands the Princes Islands yet? It is a great way to spend the day.
Scott: I am going to go over with a group of friends later in the week so boat is and ticket is bee - let what about ferry? And, just a few more Ahmet Bey, this is very helpful, how do I say have you a room? And May I see it?
Ahmet: Ferry is va - pour and Have you a room is odha – niz var - mi
Scott: odha – niz var - mi
Ahmet: May I see it is goh – re – bee – leer – mee - yeem
Scott: goh – re – bee – leer – mee - yeem. Ok, last ones are police, hospital and doctor.
Ahmet: Scott Bey you should not need these if you are careful, but just in case police is po - lis
Scott: po - li
Ahmet: Hospital is khas – taha - ne
Scott: khas – taha - ne
Ahmet: And doctor is dhok - tor
Scott: dhok - tor. Ahmet Bey you have been a real help, I would really love it if you could show me the rest of the mosque.
Ahmet: It would be my pleasure.

Photo credit: col_n_sue

Learn Russian with our Russian iPod language guide

podcasts@worldnomads.com — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 04:36:00 GMT

You won't learn Russian in full, but this language guide contains enough of the most common travel phrases to help you get by.

Download here

» Russian Language Lesson (MP3 | Size: 22.3 MB)

Russian Language Guide Script

For those of you keen to have a written version on the podcast, here is the script below:

Scott: Excuse me, I’m Scott – I booked for the tour of the Winter Palace.

Dmitriy: Pri-vyet. You are the first one here. Come, we will wait over here.

Scott: Sure, no worries. Pri-vyet is hello right?

Dmitriy: Da – yes, that’s right. Nyet is no. Come, I have your ticket here with the others, you will have to get a permit to take photos - wait until the others arrive and we can get them all at once.

Scott: Ok, no worries. This Square is unbelievable and the Palace – I can’t even get my head around the scale of it – I can’t wait to get inside!

Dmitriy: (Smiling) Da, the Winter Palace is the pride of Russia, you have booked for the Russian Ark tour. Sit, we will wait for the others here.

Scott: The film was incredible, it is the whole reason I’ve come to St Petersburg – one single shot, no edits, 300 years of Russian history – amazing!

Dmitriy: Da, I will take you through the rooms that the film was shot in and tell you some of the history of the Palace.

Scott: Fantastic! Hey, I don’t suppose you’d teach me a few Russian phrases while we wait – I’ve found that a bit of local language helps and I know that I’m going to come back to the Museum a few times while I’m here.

Dmitriy: Sure. I’m Dmitriy, call me Dima.

Scott: I’ve heard people say K’ahk dyeh-lah (mis-pronounce badly) – a lot – what does this mean?

Dmitriy: (laughing) you mean k’ahk dyeh-lah – this means ‘how are you?’

Scott: oh… so I could say Pri-vyet, k’ahk dyeh-lah for Hello, how are you?

Dmitriy: Da, very good. To say Goodbye in Russian is dah svee-dah-nyah

Scott: Dah svee-dah-nyah – that sounds so great – Dah svee-dah-nyah! What about “My Name is Scott” and “What’s your Name”

Dmitriy: Meh-nyah za-voot Scott and “What’s Your Name” is K’ahk tye-byah za-voot?

Scott: Please and thank you?

Dmitriy: Russians will respond to a foreigner being polite – please is pah-zhah-loo-stah and thank you is spa-see-bah.

Scott: So pah-zhah-loo-stah and spa-see-bah. Hey, is Babushka woman?

Dmitriy: Sort of – more like Grandmother or old lady – you wouldn’t get very far if you referred to a girl at a club as a Babushka!

Scott: (laughing) ahh… that explains why I struck out so badly in Moscow!
You said you’ve got my ticket – how do I say ticket in Russian?

Dmitriy: This is bee-let.

Scott: What about counting – how do I count to 10 in Russian?

Dmitriy: ah-deen, dvah, tree

Scott: ah-deen, dvah, tree

Dmitriy: che-ty-ree, pyat’, shest’

Scott: che-ty-ree, pyat’, shest’

Dmitriy: sem’, vo-sem, de-vyat’, de-syat’

Scott: sem’, vo-sem, de-vyat’, de-syat’

Dmitriy: Da, very good.

Scott: Well, I’m now set if I need to buy a round of up to 10 vodka’s! Hey – I’ve noticed that locals always eat when they drink vodka – what are they eating?

Dmitriy: This is zakuski – snacks, locals will take some after each shot – it is usually pickled vegetables and black bread. Also, when you are drinking vodka make sure you keep your glass on the table when re-filling it, don’t lift the glass to the bottle – many foreigners make this mistake.

Scott: Ok, so lack of zakusi also explains a few things! How do I say ‘excuse me’ and ‘please may I have the bill’

Dmitriy: This is eez-vee-nee-tyeh and shchyot, pah-zhah-loo-stah

Scott: ok so eez-vee-nee-tyeh and shchyot pah-zhah-loo-stah – so bill is shchyot?

Dmitriy: Da.

Scott: Speaking of the bill – how do I say ‘how much’ and ‘too expensive’

Dmitriy: How much is skol’-kah stoh-it and too expensive is eh-ta o-chen’ doh-rah-gah

Scott: Skol’-kah stoh-it and eh-ta o-chen’ doh-rah-gah. Are locals usually pretty rude to foreigners – I’ve sometimes found it hard to get small talk going in shops or hostels.

Dmitriy: Nyet, this is not rude, Russians are very direct and straightforward and we tend to skip the pleasantries – it is not considered rude.

Scott: Ah, ok – that makes sense. If I’m to be direct back – how do I say “I like this” and “I don’t like this”

Dmitriy: You say mnye eh-ta nra-vee-tsa and mnye eh-ta nye nra-vee-tsa

Scott: So, mnye eh-ta nra-vee-tsa and mnye eh-ta nye nra-vee-tsa. Oh, what about “Where is” and “Which way to” – I will probably need these when I try to navigate the Hermitage on my own!

Dmitriy: This is gdyeh na-kho-dee-tsa and k’ahk pray-tee k

Scott: gdyeh na-kho-dee-tsa and k’ahk pray-tee k. I know, what about “Have you a room” and “May I see it”

Dmitriy: This is oo vas yest’ svah-bod-ny no-mer and mozh-nah pa-smah-trets’

Scott: Wow, slow down – in fact how do I say “please say that slowly”

Dmitriy: This is - gah-vah-ry-tye med-len-ney-yeh

Scott: So, gah-vah-ry-tye med-len-ney-yeh. Dima, you’ve been very patient – I can only think of a few more things – what about today, tomorrow, yesterday and now?

Dmitriy: Se-vod-nya, zav-trah, vcheh-rah, se-chas

Scott: So, Se-vod-nya, zav-trah, vcheh-rah, se-chas. Bus, train, taxi and boat?

Dmitriy: Av-toh-boos, po-yezd, tah-xi, kah-ter

Scott: Av-toh-boos, po-yezd, tah-xi, kah-ter. Finally, what about police, hospital and doctor.

Dmitriy: Ah, very useful – but I hope you won’t actually need them. Police is mee-lee-tsee-ya, hospital is bal-nee-tsa and doctor is vrach.

Scott: so, mee-lee-tsee-ya, bal-nee-tsa and vrach. Now, no more lesson, lets talk about Russian Ark!

Photo credit: George

Learn Portuguese with our Portuguese iPod Language Guide

podcasts@worldnomads.com — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 03:35:00 GMT

You won't learn Portuguese in full, but this language guide contains enough of the most common travel phrases to help you get by.

Download here

» Portuguese Language Lesson (MP3 | Size: 22.4 MB)

Portuguese Language Guide Script

For those of you keen to have a written version on the podcast, here is the script below:

Scott: Um, com liceca (mispronounced badly) what is the parade for?

Ana: You mean com licenca – for excuse me - It is the Festa de Santo Antonio

Scott: Festival of….?

Ana: St Anthony – he is the Patron Saint of Padua and Portugal

Scott: Wow! It seems like a pretty big deal

Ana: Yes, each June all the local clubs and groups march through the Aveenida da Liberdade with their banners and flags to celebrate - it is a great party!

Scott: I’m Scott, looks like we might be wedged here together for a while – I don’t suppose you could help me with a few Portuguese phrases?

Ana: Sure, I’m Ana – what would you like to know?

Scott: Well, how about we start with the basics – hello – that is ola – right?

Ana: That’s right – ola – and good morning is bom dia

Scott: Bom dia

Ana: Good Afternoon is boa tarde and Good Night is boa noite

Scott: Boa tarde, boa noite. Goodbye is adeus – right

Ana: Yes, that’s right – and you might here ‘ate logo’ – which is ‘see you later’

Scott: Ate logo!

Ana: You know, your accent is pretty good.

Scott: (Smiling) Ah, obrigado… that is thank you isn’t it?

Ana: Very good – you hardly need me at all!

Scott: (laughing) let’s not get too excited! Now back to basics – what is yes & no?

Ana: This is sim and nao

Scott: Sim, nao. Please is per favor?

Ana: Sim! Portuguese people are very formal and polite, so make sure you use ‘per favor’ whenever you can.

Scott: ok, that is good to know. What about “I don’t understand”

Ana: This is nao compreendo

Scott: Nao compreendo. Now, I know we’ve already introduced ourselves, but how do I ask a persons name?

Ana: You say Como se chama?

Scott: Como se chama? What about my name is?

Ana: You say “Chamo me Scott”. You should also know that Portuguese people are quite formal and will generally use Senhor or Sehora until a person invites them to be informal, for instance my name is Ana Almeida so you should call me Senhora Almeida until I invite you to call me Ana – which of course you can use!

Scott: Ok, that is good to know. Chamo me Scott. Those flags and costumes are incredible – look at that one!

Ana: They are amazing, yes – but Scott, you should not point with your finger – it is considered rude. Also, if you want to beckon someone do it this way – with your palm facing down and your hand and fingers waving.

Scott: (laughing) Ok –but it’s kinda hard not to point at a parade though!

Ana: (Smiling) Try using your thumb!

Scott: (smiling) Ah, of course! How do I say ‘how much is it?’

Ana: Quanto custa?

Scott: Quanto custa? What about ‘too expensive’

Ana: E caro

Scott: E caro. What about ‘where is’ and ‘which way to’

Ana: You say ‘Onde é’ or ‘onde está’ and ‘Qual é o caminho para’

Scott: ‘Onde é’ or ‘onde está’ and ‘qual é o caminho para’. I know a little French and Spanish and I’m finding that the written form of Portuguese is similar.

Ana: Yes, the written forms are not dissimilar but the spoken are quite different.

Scott: Ok, well I know how to say this in Spanish and French – so how do I say ‘have you a room’ and ‘may I see it’ in Portuguese?

Ana: you say ‘tem algum quarto’ and ‘posso ver?’

Scott: ‘tem algum quarto’ and ‘posso ver?’ What about some transport – how do I say bus, train, boat and taxi?

Ana: Bus is autocarro, train is comboio

Scott: autocarro and comboio

Ana Boat is barco and taxi is taxi also ticket is bilhete

Scott: barco, taxi and bilhete

Ana: Very good!

Scott: Obrigado Senhora Almeida! Hey, what is that girl selling – they smell amazing!

Ana: ah, they are pasteis da nata which are very small, rich custard tarts – a Portuguese delicacy!

Scott: Portuguese Tarts… the real deal…fantastic… I’ll get a few for us!! How do I say four?

Ana: Quatro!

Scott: Quatro per favor! Obrigado. Here you go, two for you…

Ana: You mean dois

Scott: Dois, ok.. how do I count to ten?

Ana: um dois tres quatro cinco seis sete oito nove dez

Scott: oh, hang on… slow down… how do I say ‘please say that slowly’

Scott: You say ‘por favor diga isso devagar’. Now, numbers are - um dois tres quatro

Scott: Um dois tres quatro

Ana: cinco seis sete

Scott: cinco seis sete

Ana: oito nove dez

Scott: oito nove dez

Ana: Very good!

Scott: Ana, you have been very patient with me – can I trouble you for just a few more phrases?

Ana: I’m enjoying the parade, the pasteis and the company so you may indeed trouble me for a few more!

Scott: Ok, how do I say police, hospital and doctor

Ana: Hopefully you will not need to use these but police is polícia

Scott: polícia

Ana: Hospital is hospital and doctor is médico

Scott: hospital and médico. Now, finally can you tell me how to say ‘I like this’ as in “I like this pasteis!”

Ana: You say ‘eu gosto disto’

Scott eu gosto disto and what about ‘I don’t like this’

Ana: this is ‘eu não gosto disto’.

Scott: Ana, you have been very kind, thank you so much for your help – how about I get us a few more of those pasteis!

Ana: Obrigado Scott!

Photo Credit: Fred_Davignon

Learn Malaysian with our Malay iPod language guide

podcasts@worldnomads.com — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 03:16:00 GMT

You won't learn Malaysian in full, but this language guide contains enough of the most common travel phrases to help you get by.

Download here

» Malaysian Language Lesson (MP3 | Size: 21.7 MB)

Malay Language Guide Script

For those of you keen to have a written version on the podcast, here is the script below:

Karthi: Halo, you want Satay Sir? Best in Petalang Street

Scott: Yeah, sure – why not! Load me up – what have you got?

Karthi: ayam or daging lembu

Scott: Umm… in English?

Karthi: chicken or beef?

Scott: Ahh say 3 ayam and 3 daging lembu. Hey, what is that guy over there selling?

Karthi: Nasi Lemak - a favourite Malay dish, rice with ikan bilis – dried fish - and you have it with cucumber, egg and peanuts. Malays usually have this for breakfast.

Scott: Nasi Lemak, looks good, I’ll have to try it for breaky tomorrow. Seems like you Malays love your food!

Karthi: Ah yes, we love to eat – or Makan!

Scott: Makan. What is ikan and ayam?

Karthi: Ikan is fish, ayam is chicken. Your Malay isn’t bad!

Scott: My Malay is non-existant! Can you help me with a few phrases? I’d be happy to recommend your stall to all my mates at the back-packers! I’m Scott by the way and this satay is bloody great.

Karthi: Sure man, no problem – I’m Karthi. Hey, you shouldn’t use your left hand to eat – that’s considered unclean.

Scott: Right, like in India – this is a Muslim belief right?

Karthi: Yes, most Malays are Muslims, our Holy Day is Friday so if you came to the market on at lunch Friday it would be pretty empty, our prayers are from around 11:30 to 2:30.

Scott: Ok – so very early or very late lunch on Fridays! I’ve got a few phrases I try to learn in each country I go to – the first few are pretty obvious – Hello, Good Morning, Good Afternoon and Goodbye. Wait, first – how do I say “My name is Scott”

Karthi: Nama Saya Scott – and to ask a person’s name you say – Siapa nama awak?

Scott: Nama Saya Scott. Siapa nama awak?

Karthi: Hey, not bad. Hello is Halo. Good Morning is selamat pagi, Good Afternoon is selamat petang and Goodbye is Selamat tinggal. Goodnight is selamat malam. You will probably also hear selamat datang a lot – this means welcome.

Scott: Selamat pagi. Selamat Petang. Selamat malam and selamat tinggal. Kinda sounds Indonesian! What about please, thank you and excuse me.

Karthi: Indonesian and Malaysian are pretty similar, we can understand one another pretty easily. Malays are generally very courteous to one another and we show respect to elders, so please is sila, thank you is terima kasih, excuse me is maafkan saya. You’ll do well if you use these.

Scott: So, please sila, terima kasih and excuse me maafkan saya. Yes?

Karthi: Ya. No is tidak. Also, don’t point with your fingers, this is very rude, use your thumb to point.

Scott: Ok, point with my thumb, got it. How do I say ‘How much is it?’

Karthi: This is ‘berapa harga ini?’

Scott: Berapa harga ini? What about ‘too expensive’

Karthi: This is ‘ini sangat mahal’. But I don’t think you’ll need to say that around here – food at markets is very cheap and very tasty! Have you tried Malay chilli – sambal belachan?

Scott: Is that the pasty type chilli that is on the side of dishes? It’s pretty hot man – I’ve had it once and it made my eyes water!

Karthi: (laughing) yeah, it’s hot and Malays love it! You should mix it into food not eat it on its own man!

Scott: (smiling) That kinda makes sense really! Malaysians seem to speak really quickly, how do I say “Please say that more slowly”

Karthi: This is sila bercakap perlahan-lahan.

Scott: So sila bercakap perlahan-lahan. What about “I don’t understand”

Karthi: This is saya tak faham. Most Malays speak some English, so with your few Malay phrases and a few smiles you will easily get by.

Scott: This satay is bloody great – load me up again! How do I say “I like this”

Karthi: Saya suka ini and “I don’t like this” is saya tidak suka ini.

Scott: I’m heading up to Penang tomorrow – I hear there is a great night market in Kota Bharu.

Karthi: Yeah, you should try the nasi kerabu – the blue rice!

Scott: Truly?! Gotta give that a go. How do I ask for directions, like “Where is” and “Which way to?”

Karthi: Di manakah and Arah ke mana?. Also, bagaimana arah jalan ke? This is “how do I get to”

Scott: So, di manakah, arah ke mana and bagaimana arah jalan ke.

Karthi: Not bad man, not bad.

Scott: Ok, what about some travel stuff – I’m getting the train up to Penang so what about train, taxi, bus and boat!

Karthi: Train is keretapi, bus is bas, taxi is teksi, boat is perahu.

Scott: Keretapi, bas, teksi and perahu. What about ticket?

Karthi: This is tiket.

Scott: Of course! Ok – now some accommodation – what about “Ada bilik untuk saya?” and “Boleh saya lihat” – always important to look first, man have I stayed in some dives!

Karthi: (laughing) Have you a room is Ada bilik untuk saya. May I see it is Boleh saya lihat. Remember – always take your shoes off before you go inside, leave them at the door.

Scott: So, Ada bilik untuk saya and Boleh saya lihat. And shoes off! What about some numbers – what is 1-10.

Karthi: Satu, dua, tiga, empat, lima, enam, tujuh, lapan, sembilan, sepuluh.

Scott: Ok – slowly now – how do I say that?

Karthi: Please speak slowly is Sila bercakap perlahan-lahan.

Scott: Sila bercakap perlahan-lahan. Ok so, Satu, dua, tiga….

Karthi: empat, lima, enam

Scott: empat, lima enam

Karthi tujuh, lapan, sembilan, sepuluh

Scott: tujuh, lapan, sembilan, sepuluh.

Karthi: (laughing) You almost sound local!

Scott: (laughing) thanks man, you’re too kind! We’re nearly finished, I promise – a few last ones… like today, tomorrow and now.

Karthi: today is hari ini, tomorrow is esok, now is sekarang and yesterday is kemarin.

Scott: Hari ini, esok, sekarang and kemarin. Oh, now.. if I get sick (smiling) not that I’m suggesting your satay is dodgy… what about hospital and doctor.

Karthi: (smiling) My satay is number one man, you won’t get sick from me – maybe that guy over there though… hospital is rumah sakit and doctor is doktor.

Scott: so rumah sakit and doktor. Hey what about ‘stop thief’ – I’ve heard a few stories about the mean streets of KL!

Karthi: (laughing) Man, you don’t look like you’ve got much to steal! You say stop pencuri oh and police is … polis

Scott: So..stop pencuri and police is polis

Karthi: Spoken like a true Malay bandit!!

Photo credit: Gilbi

Learn Arabic with our Arabic iPod Language Guide

podcasts@worldnomads.com — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 02:23:00 GMT

You won't learn Arabic in full, but this language guide contains enough of the most common travel phrases to help you get by.

Download here
» Arabic language lesson (MP3 | Size: 23.9MB)

Arabic Language Guide Script
For those of you keen to have a written version on the podcast, here is the script below
Scott: Ah, excuse me, I've got a booking for a Felluca - I was told to ask for Allad
Allad: Ahlan wa sahlan, I am Allad. You must be Scott from Australia - where you from, Sydney or Melbourne?
Scott: That's me - I'm from Sydney. Looks like I'm in the right place at the right time and as awlays, the first one here. My mates will turn up - eventually.
Allad: Ahlan wa sahlan - welcome, come on board and we will talk while we wait, my brother is in Melbourne, very nice place !

Scott: Man, I'm so looking forward to this, three days just crusing the Nile - eating, sleeping - no crowds, no hassling, no noise, no chaos !
Allad: Foreigners love to swim in the Nile - there is too much pollution for me though. How long have you been in Cairo?

Scott: Just a week, but what a week ! i've never been so hassled anywhere !
Allad: You need to learn some Arabic so you will be left alone.

Scott: I've learnt two very useful ones so far - yes and no, aywa - laa. I don't suppose you'd like to teach me some more?
Allad: Aywa, my pleasure. And perhaps over the next few days you can help me with some English reading?

Scott: Sounds fair to me. I've nearly been driven crazy by 'What's yourname. Where you from" how do I answer in Arabic?
Allad: You say Ana ismi Scott. Ana min Australia.

Scott: Ok, so ana ismi Scott, Ana min Australia.
Allad: If you answer in Arabic you will be less likely to get jhassled. To ask a persons name - you say Ismak Eh?

Scott: Ismak Eh. Is Ahlan wa sahlan hello or welcome?

Allad: That means hello and welcome. Good Morning is sahah il-kheer - to which you must respond sahah ih-nur.

Scott: Sahah il-kheer - sahah ih-nur.
Allad: Good evening is masa il-kheer and the reply is masa in-nur.

Scott: Masa il-kheer, masa in-nur
Allad: Goodbye is ma'a salaema

Scott: Ma'a salaema. I've noticed that Arab men always shake hands when they see one another - is it ok for a foreigner to do this?
Allad: Yes, but wait for the local first. When you know someone well you shake hands and kiss each cheek. Wait for a woman to shake your hand, if she does not you must bow your head to her instead. Come, sit and share sheesha with me.

Scott: Ok, this is going to sound so dumb...but what exactly is in the pipe?

Allad: It is flavoured tobacco, this is my favourite - apple !

Scott: Actually I've been dying to try one, thanks Man!
Allad: In Arabic you mean shakran

Scott: Shakran. Does that mean ' no thank you ' is laa shakran
Allad: Very good, you are a fast learner.

Scott: How do I say please and excuse me?
Allad: Please is Min Fadlak and excuse me is an iznak. You will get far with this kind of Egyptian !

Scott: I've noticed that everyone seems to expect a tip - no matter what they've done - is this just for foreigners?
Allad: Ah, this is baksheesh - tipping yes but no more than that, it is also part of Islam - ti give alms to the needy, it is also for services or if someone helps you. You are not expected to give large amounts, but often foreigners will give more than locals - so it may seem you are hassled more.

Scott: So a few piastres can be enough for someone to show you something?
Allad: Yes, exactly - this is also why it is often hard to get change in Egypt!

Scott: Yeah, right - I've noticed that too! Ok, so if I ask someone directions I should give a little baksheesh?
Allad: You may find they will show you the way for some baksheesh

Scott: So how do I say "where is" and "which way to"?
Allad: This is Fain and Ezay arooh

Scott: So Fain, Ezay arooh. What about "I don't understand"
Allad: This is anan mish faehem

Scott: Anan mish faehem. What about "Please say that slowly"
Allad: This is Min fadlak itkalem bebotq
Scott: Ok, so Min fadlak itkalem bebotq. Ok, so if tipping is baksheesh, what is bargaining?

Allad: A way of life my friend ! Price is always flexible in Cairo!

Scott: How do I say "How much is it" and "it's too expensive"
Allad: This is bi-kaem and da ghaali awi

Scott: So, bi-kaem and da ghalli awi
Allad: Very good. You should also know some numbers, I will teach you 1-10.
wahid, itnayu, talaeta, arba'a
Scott: wahid, itnayu, talaeta, arba'a
Allad: khamsa, setta, sab'a

Scott: khamsa, setta, sab'a
Allad: tamanya, tesa, ashra

Scott: tamanya, tesa, ashra
Allad: wahid, itnayu, taleata, arba'a, khamsa, setta, sab'a,tamanya, tesa, ashra

Scott: wahid, itnayu, taleata, arba'a, khamsa, setta, sab'a,tamanya, tesa, ashra
Allad: Very good - you almost count like a local !

Scott: Ha Ha ! Hey, speaking of numbers, how do i ask for the bill?
Allad: This is el-hisaab

Scott: El-hisaab, right. What about ' I like this' and 'I don't like this' - seems to go with bargaining and bills !
Allad: Yes, you will find that stor-holders will offer you tea and want to talk - it isgood to spend time with them and use some of your Arabic - you will get a good price then! I like this is Baheb de and I don't like this is mish baheb de

Scott: So Baheb de, mish baheb de. Can you tell me how to ask for a room - how do i say 'have a room' and may i see it'
Allad: You say Andak oda and Momken ashoof ha

Scott: Andak oda , Momken ashoof ha. Ok Allad, just a few more phrases then I think we'll take a break from our lesson today and kick back with some more of your apple smoke ! How do I say today, tomorrow, yesterday and now.
Allad: This is Elnahharda Bokra Imbareh Dolwakte

Scott: Elnahharda Bokra Imbareh Dolwakte, Oh - what about bus, train, taxi and boat - well not a felluca but boat
Allad: Yes, this is otobis, qatr, taxi and markeba and ticket is taskara.

Scott: Some safety stuff - police, hospital and doctor
Allad: My friend, Egypt is very safe, I hope you will not need these, You say Police, Mostashfa and Doctor

Scott: Yeah, me to - but if i do need them at least I'm insured ! So Police, Mostashfa and Doctor. Now just one more thing I'd like you to translate and you'll think I'm totally mad, but some of the backpackers I've hooked up with in the past have been pretty dodgy...'Don't shoot, these drugs aren't mine !'.
Allad: You will need a lot more Arabic if you are caught with drugs my friend! but say Ma tedrabshe, Elmokhadarat de mish betati

Scott: Allad, i think we're going to get along just fine, now how about some more of that sheesha !
Download here
» Arabic language lesson (MP3 | Size: 23.9MB)
Terms & conditions
World Nomads Language Guide Podcasts are free to download and may be used as free content on other websites so long as no part of the podcast is changed, altered or added to in any way. World Nomads Language Guide Podcasts may not be sold by any website or individual. © World Nomads Pty Ltd, 2006.

Photo credit: Amera

Learn Lao with our Lao iPod Language Guide

podcasts@worldnomads.com — Sat, 7 Oct 2006 00:39:00 GMT

Our short lesson in Lao won't teach you the language but contains enough of the most common travel phrases to help you get by.

We also provide an iPod phrasebook with 100 useful travel phrases that you can drop into your iPod's notes application giving you an instant electronic phrasebook to carry with you.

Download here
» Lao language lesson (MP3 | Size: 16.2MB)
» Lao iPod phrasebook (Text only)
» Lao iPod phrasebook with audio (Text + MP3s | Size 2MB)

Lao Language Guide Script
For those of you keen to have a written version on the podcast, here is the script below
Noi: Sabaai-dii
Scott: Umm, I’m afraid I don’t speak any Lao
Noi: Sabaai-dii is a greeting word in Lao which means ‘Hello’, ‘Hi’, ‘How do you do?’ and you should reply by also saying ‘Sabaai dii’. Are you coming into the Wat?
Scott: Ah, Sabaai-dii. Does Wat mean temple?
Noi: Yes, that’s right, would you like me to show you around?
Scott: That would be great – have you been a monk for long?
Noi: Yes, for about 15 years now, since I was 18. Come, lets go inside, please take off your shoes.
Scott: This is so peaceful, is this a small wat?
Noi: This is part of the Wat, it is called is the place of worship/devotions (Bot), which is where we meditate or reflect – see the monks chanting over there? Do you think I practise my English and teach you some Lao as we walk around?
Scott: I would really appreciate that – thank you. I’ve noticed that local people bow to one another, what is this called?
Noi: This is Nop, you place your palms together in front of your chest – but not touching it and bow your head. You will see that sometimes people hold their hands quite high, this is to show respect, the higher the hands are the greater the respect. ‘My name is Noi, in Lao we say khoy seu Noi.
Scott: Very nice to meet you Noi, Khoy seu Scott. How do I ask what a persons name is?
Noi: You say Chao seu nyang? Is this your first time to Laos?
Scott: Chao sy nyang. Yes, I arrived in Vientiane a few days ago, I’ve come from Bangkok and it is so different here, so quiet and untouched.
Noi: Yes, Laos is not as developed as Thailand or Vietnam, we lead a more traditional life. But we are seeing more tourists coming here. Are you staying for long?
Scott: I’m here for a few weeks, I’m going to go up the river to Luang Prabang next week. How do I say boat in Lao?
Noi: Boat is ‘heua’ it is a very nice journey that takes about two days, you will see lots of the countryside and might get to know some locals along the way.
Scott: ‘Heua’. I can practise some of my new Lao on them! What about if I want to take a bus, train or taxi?
Noi: I’m afraid there are no trains in Laos, if you want to get somewhere quickly you take the bus which is ‘lod mei’ otherwise you take boats. There are some taxis in the cities, taxis are ‘lot thaek si’, otherwise you can get pedicabs – but you will need to negotiate the price for this before you get in.
Scott: Ok so bus is lod mei, taxi is lot thaek si otherwise pedicab. If I’m getting a boat or bus somewhere how do I say ticket?
Noi: This is pi lod. Come I will take you into the Vihaan to see the Buddha images.
Scott: I didn’t realise there were so many parts to a Wat.
Noi: Yes, there is the Bot where we just were, the Vihaan which houses images of the Buddha, the Haw Trai where the scriptures are kept, the Kuti which is the monks quarters and the Haw Glawng, the drum tower.
Scott: This morning I saw a group of monks walking through the town and receiving offerings from people. Is there a festival or special day on today?
Noi: No, this happens every day. As monks we have no possessions, we rely on the generosity of the community for our food and clothing. So each morning we collect alms – which are the offerings you saw the people giving the monks.
Scott: It must be very strange and kind of liberating not to have any possessions – backpacking has been hard enough for me. In the absence of alms I’ll be buying all my food - so can you teach me how to say ‘how much’
Noi: yes, it is hard to let go of things. To say ‘how much’ is ni thao dai. Please remove your shoes again, this is the Vihaan where we keep our sacred Buddha images.
Scott: These statues are amazing, the Buddha looks so noble and at peace.
Noi: He achieved enlightenment when he was quite young then he spent the rest of his life travelling and teaching.
Scott: Not a bad life to emulate really. Can you teach me how to count the statues… well maybe a few of them – what is 1-10 in Lao?
Noi: This is one (neung), two (song), three (saam), four (sii), five (haa), six (hok), seven (jet), eight (paet), nine(kao), ten (sip)
Scott: neung song three saam sii haa six hok jet paet kao sip
Scott: What about things like please, thank you and excuse me?
Noi: Yes, these are good to use. Ka rou na is please, khop chay is thank you and khaw thoht is excuse me.
Scott: So, ka rou na khop jai khaw thoht

Noi: Yes, in Lao maen leo is yes and very good is dii lai. Lao is a difficult language, it is similar to Thai and we have many different ways of saying the same thing.
Scott: Ok, so I have to watch the way I say things. Can you teach me some basic directions like ‘Where is’ and ‘Which way to’, oh and how do I say ‘no’
Noi: For ‘where is’ you say ‘you sai’ and for ‘which way to’ you say thaang dai and ‘baw maen’ is no.
Scott: So, ‘you sai’ and thaang dai and ‘baw maen’ is no. I haven’t booked anywhere to stay in Luang Prabang, I thought I’d find a bed when I got there. How do I ask ‘-have you a room?
Noi: This is chao mi hong neung bo
Scott: chao mi hong neung bo
Noi: Luang Prabang is popular with tourists since it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so you will not have trouble finding somewhere to stay.
Scott: Ok, great and what about if I want to see a room before I book it, how do I say ‘can I see it?
Noi: This is khoy kho berng hong naan dai bo.
Scott: khoy kho berng hong naan dai bo. What if I think it’s too expensive – how do I say this ‘too expensive’
Noi: We say aan ni peng maak
Scott: So, aan ni peng maak. Do you get to travel around much?
Noi: Yes, a little. The aim of Buddhist practise is to end all kinds of suffering in life. So as well as our own learning and meditiation we try to help our communities.
Scott: Are most Laotians Buddhists?
Noi: Laotians are mostly Buddhists or Animists – which is a very ancient practise. Come, lets move outside into the courtyard.
Scott: I’m loving the pace of life here – how do I say ‘I like this
Noi: We say khoy maak baep ni
Scott: khoy maak baep ni and I suppose I’ll need to know ‘I don’t like this'
Noi: Yes, you may need this as well – you say khoy baw maak baep ni
Scott: So, khoy baw maak baep ni . So far I have liked all that Vientiane has to offer. Can you tell me how to say today, tomorrow, yesterday and now? These will be useful when I’m booking tickets or a night in a guest house.
Noi: Of course, today is meuh nii, tomorrow is meuh eun, yesterday is meuh waan nii and now is diaw nii
Scott: So, meuh nii, meuh eun, meuh waan mii and diaw nii
Noi: Yes, that is very good, you are learning quickly.
Scott: I feel like I’ve nearly got enough basics to get by – there are just a few more things I’d like your help with if that’s ok?
Noi: Yes, of course.
Scott: I know that Laos is generally very safe, but just in case can you teach me police, stop thief, hospital and doctor.
Noi: I’m sure you will not need to use any of these phrases – (Police) is dtum louat,
Scott: dtum louat
Noi: Stop thief is chaap khon khi laak
Scott: chaap khon khi laak
Noi: hospital is hong moor and doctor is thaan moor
Scott: hong moor, thaan moor. Well, if you thought that was amusing, you will think I’m totally mad now – but – you just never know when you might need this, so can you give me the translation for ‘Don’t shoot, those drugs aren’t mine!
Noi: Scott, this is very funny, truly Laos is not like other Asian countries you may have been to. But, you should say ya nying, ya sep tit lao naan bo maen khong khoy
Scott: ya nying, ya sep tit lao naan bo maen khong khoy. Thank you, Noi, you have been a great help to me – I’m not sure I’ve been as helpful to you.
Noi: Any chance to practise my English is good, so you have been very helpful. Shall we keep walking?
Scott: I’d like that, lead the way.
Download here
» Lao language lesson (MP3 | Size: 16.2MB)
» Lao iPod phrasebook (Text only)
» Lao iPod phrasebook with audio (Text + MP3s | Size 2MB)
Further online Lao Language Resources
Lao Langiage Instroductory Lessons
Introduction to the Lao Alphabet
Itroductory Lao Sentences
Download Lao Fonts
Lao Alphabet and Numbers
Lao Learning Resources
Terms & conditions
World Nomads Language Guide Podcasts are free to download and may be used as free content on other websites so long as no part of the podcast is changed, altered or added to in any way. World Nomads Language Guide Podcasts may not be sold by any website or individual. © World Nomads Pty Ltd, 2006.

Learn Hindi with our Hindi iPod Language Guide

podcasts@worldnomads.com — Wed, 4 Oct 2006 00:40:00 GMT

Our short lesson in Hindi (the official language of India) won't teach you the language but contains enough of the most common travel phrases to help you get by.

We also provide an iPod phrasebook with 100 useful travel phrases that you can drop into your iPod's notes application giving you an instant electronic phrasebook to carry with you.

Download here
» Hindi language lesson (MP3 | Size: 16MB)
» Hindi iPod phrasebook (Text only)
» Hindi iPod phrasebook with audio (Text + MP3s | Size 2MB)

Hindi Language Guide Script
For those of you keen to have a written version on the podcast, here is the script below
Scott: Ahh excuse me – would you mind taking a photo of me in front of the Gateway?
Mrs Sharma: Sure, if you would like it behind you we may have to move a bit closer.
Scott: I’d love to but I was over there a minute ago and was totally hassled by beggars and hawkers, so I retreated back here!
Mrs Sharma: Come, I will go with you and protect you! To avoid being hassled it is a good idea to wear some local clothes so you don’t look like too much of a tourist.
Scott: Thanks for the tip – I’m not taking you away from anything?
Mrs Sharma: No, I’m meeting some friends for lunch at the Taj Mahal – but I’m early and am just enjoying the view for awhile. Come, move quickly with me.
Scott: My name is Scott – how do I say this in Hindi?

Mrs Sharma: You say mera naam scott hai . I’m Mrs Sharma – in Hindi you say mera naam Mrs Sharma hai. This is a good spot for a photo – stand just there... say cheese!
Scott: Cheese!

Mrs Sharma: Here – what do you think – good yes?
Scott: How do I say ‘good’ in Hindi?
Mrs Sharma: You say achchhaa. My friends won’t be here for half an hour or so – would you like me to teach you some more Hindi while I wait for them?
Scott: If it is not inconvenient for you I’d really appreciate it!
Mrs Sharma: Not at all. Come, lets sit here where we can watch the hawkers and tourists – can you see the snake charmer over there… he has been there for as long as I can remember!
Scott: People actually do that?!?! Wow – I never thought I’d see a snake charmer – I didn’t think they really existed!
Mrs Sharma: Foreigners find it takes a few days to get used to Mumbai! Now, what would you like me to teach you?
Scott: Ok, well I’ve been trying to learn a few phrases whenever I visit a new country, I’ve got a little set of them that I find useful. First, greetings – how do I say Hello, Good Morning and Goodbye?
Mrs Sharma: Well, you say Namaste for hello – you can also use this for good afternoon and good evening, good morning is shuba prahbaat and goodbye is achacha phir milenygey
Scott: Namaste, shuba prahbaat and achacha phir milenygey . You told me how to say my name but how do I ask “What is your name?”
Mrs Sharma: Ahh, this is aap kaa naam kya hai ?. You have probably heard that in India status is very important. We always refer to peoples by their title – even if it is only Mr, Mrs or Miss. So, out of respect, an Indian would refer to me as Mrs Sharma rather than by my first name, which is Leela. Try to remember to do this as Indians will appreciate you making the effort.
Scott: Ok, I’ll do that. I’m travelling around for a few months so I was hoping to meet some locals along the way! What about things like excuse me, sorry, please and thank you?
Mrs Sharma: Ahh, you are a nice polite boy – you will do well in India! You say shamma kare, maanf karain, kripyaa and dhanyavaad
Scott: So, shamma kare, maanf karain, kripyaa and dhanyavaad
Mrs Sharma: If you are travelling all over India you shouldn’t have any problem being understood, most people speak English plus Hindi and Urdu are very similar so you should have no trouble communicating no matter where you are.
Scott: That is comforting! How do I say yes and no and ok?
Mrs Sharma: yes is easy, this is hanh, ok is theek hai and no is nahin – but you will not often hear an Indian say no as it is considered very harsh and we do not like to disappoint – rather you may hear things like “I’ll try” or “we’ll see” or “possibly” – just watch for these phrases and you will figure out what the person is trying not to say.
Scott: Kinda like saving face?
Mrs Sharma: Yes, sort of, it is about being helpful and polite.
Scott: Ok, that is good to know. What about directions? Can you tell me how to say “Where is” and “Which way to”
Mrs Sharma: Where is kahaan hai and which way to … kaa raasta kya hai?
Scott: So, kahaan hain and … kaa raasta kya hai? I know, I’ll need to know a few things to help find accommodation, can you tell me how to say “Have you a room”
Mrs Sharma: Sure, this is kya aapke paas kamra khaalee hai?
Scott: kya aapke paas kamra khaalee hai? and what about “How much is it” and “can I see it”
Mrs Sharma: yes, this is kitna kiraaya hogaa? and kya main dekh sakta hoon?
Scott: So, kitna kiraaya hogaa? and kya main dekh sakta hoon?
Mrs Sharma: Exactly! Don’t forget Hindi is a very expressive language, I’m sure you’ve seen how Indians like to talk with their hands – don’t be afraid to be expressive when you are bargaining!
Scott: Ok and speaking of bargaining how do I say ‘too expensive’
Mrs Sharma: I don’t think you will need to use a lot in India – but you say bahut mehngaa hain
Scott: bahut mehngaa hain – I know India is cheap but I’m still on a budget you know! Hey, what about “I like this” and “I don’t like this”
Mrs Sharma: You should say mujhe yeh pasand hain or mujhe yeh pasand nahin aayaa
Scott: So, mujhe yeh pasand hain xxxxx or mujhe yeh pasand nahin aayaa I’ve noticed that Indians speak really quickly – whether in English or Hindi – can you tell me how to say “Please say that more slowly”
Mrs Sharma: yes, we do talk very quickly and with our hands – it can be a bit confusing. Just say kripya zaraa dheere-dheere boliye
Scott: kripya zaraa dheere-dheere boliye I’m really trying to use my hands while I’m talking – it’s hard as I don’t normally do this! Now, what about numbers – how do I count to ten?
Mrs Sharma: this is ek, do, teen, chaar, paanch, chey, saat, aath, naw, dus
Scott: ek, do, teen, chaar, paanch, chhey, saat, aath, naw, dus
Mrs Sharma: Very good – you are picking this up quickly!
Scott: It doesn’t feel that way! Do you have time to teach me a few more phrases?
Mrs Sharma: Sure, Indians are not normally very punctual – you will hear of something called IST – Indian Stretched Time – you must not let this frustrate you – particularly if you are dealing with Government Bodies, just go with the flow. My lunch booking is soon, but I have time to help you some more.
Scott: I really appreciate it. I’ve seen lots of people eating with their hands – is this common?
Mrs Sharma: Yes, unless you are in a top Western Restaurant you will find most people will eat with their hands – remember to only ever use your right hand though!
Scott: Why?
Mrs Sharma: Because they use their left hand to wipe their…
Scott: Ahhhhh…..Ok – glad you told me that! Can you teach me how to say bus, train, taxi and boat.
Mrs Sharma: Of course, these are bus, railgaadi, taxi, naav
Scott: bus, railgaadi, taxi, naav - oh, what about ticket
Mrs Sharma: This is tikit – try to travel outside peak times particularly on the trains, just about all Indians commute to work so peak times are very very crowded. Taxi’s are very cheap – just make sure you get the driver to use the meter.
Scott: Ok – more good tips – I’m so glad you’re helping me. Now when I’m booking tickets or accommodation I might need to know today, tomorrow and now
Mrs Sharma: these are aaj, kal & abhi
Scott: aaj, kal & abhi – oh and what about yesterday?
Mrs Sharma: this is kal
Scott: kal – now I’ve heard lots of stories about Bombay Belly – I’m hoping to avoid this, but just in case I don’t, how do I say doctor and hospital
Mrs Sharma: Yes, even locals regularly get sick. Try to eat some lassi and yoghurt and only ever drink water from sealed bottles – but you will probably get sick at some point no matter how careful you are. Doctor is daktar and hospital is haspataal . Also, bananas and papayas are good to eat if you are not well.
Scott: so, daktar and haspataal . Ok, so I should prepare for Bombay Belly at some point – I had heard that! What about if I get in trouble or something happens – how do I say Police or Stop thief!
Mrs Sharma: Actually, you will probably not need these as India has a pretty low crime rate – but just in case police is police and stop thief is chor ko pakro
Scott: police and chor ko pakro . Now Mrs Sharma you are really going to think I’ve lost my marbles – but I’ve been learning this phrase in all the countries I visit, can you tell me how to say “Don’t Shoot, those drugs aren’t mine!”

Mrs Sharma: Scott, you are very funny – considering that most Indians do not even drink alcohol I’m not sure why you think you are going to need these! I will have to tell the girls about this over lunch! You say bandook naa chalaye, yeh nasheeli davaayen meri nahin hain
Scott: bandook naa chalaye, yeh nasheeli davaayen meri nahin hain – it might be funny now Mrs Sharma, but what if I actually need to use this phrase!?!?! That was my last phrase – thank you so much for your help, can I walk you to the restaurant?
Mrs Sharma: That is very kind of you – thank you.

Download here
» Hindi language lesson (MP3 | Size: 16MB)
» Hindi iPod phrasebook (Text only)
» Hindi iPod phrasebook with audio (Text + MP3s | Size 2MB)

Further online Hindi Language Resources
Introductory Hindi Lesson
Hindi Alphabet and Writing
Hindi Reading Resources
Hindi Audio Lessons
Hindi Morphological Tagger
Hindi Language Site

Terms & conditions
World Nomads Language Guide Podcasts are free to download and may be used as free content on other websites so long as no part of the podcast is changed, altered or added to in any way. World Nomads Language Guide Podcasts may not be sold by any website or individual. © World Nomads Pty Ltd, 2006.
Main image courtesy of Eva L

Learn Thai with our Thai iPod Language Guide

podcasts@worldnomads.com — Mon, 2 Oct 2006 00:31:00 GMT

Our short lesson in Thai certainly won't teach you the language but contains enough of the most common travel phrases to help you get by.

We also provide an iPod phrasebook with 100 useful travel phrases that you can drop into your iPod's notes application giving you an instant electronic phrasebook to carry with you.

Download here
» Thai language lesson (MP3 | Size: 13.9MB)
» Thai iPod phrasebook (Text only)
» Thai iPod phrasebook with audio (Text + MP3s | Size: 2mb)

Thai Language Guide Script

Scott: Sawatdee! Nee tao rain a krap?
Khun Aran: Sawatdee! poot chai geng farang, krap!
Scott: Yes exactly… umm…..do you speak any English?
Khun Aran: I said, hello you speak good Thai for a farang
Scott: A Farang?
Khun Aran: This is Thai for Caucasian…. and guava!
Scott: Farang huh – pretty funny if I was buying guavas! If I give you a good price for these t-shirts, will you teach me some Thai – as you can see I’ve only learnt one phrase and I’m not even sure what it means!
Khun Aran: You said, “Hello how much for this” and for you my friend I give you a very good price for very good lesson!
Khun Aran: My name is Khun Aran, in Thai we say Khun then the first name, this is for everyone, boys, girls, important people. I have many very good shirts – how many you want?
Scott: Ah ok, so I’m Khun Scott how about five shirts?
Khun Aran: Hah! Only hah shirts – you buy sip – ten shirts for lesson – ok sip, ten shirts. Do you like Bangkok - where are you staying?
Scott: Actually, I’m staying in a bit of a dive in the Riverside area, and I want to look at some other hotels, how do I ask to see a room and the price?
Khun Aran: First you be polite – say krap at the end of sentences – krap not ka, only women say ka! Thai’s don’t really say ‘please’ or ‘thank you’ but we do use krap and ka just about all the time. But I can get a very good price at a very good hotel for you!
Scott: Khun Aran I’m sure you can – but I need to learn how to do it myself… and how about seven shirts?
Khun Aran: Jet shirts - ah!!! Gao – nine yes gao shirts?? Ok ok hotel….you smile and say, Sawatdee kor du hong tiang ku noi dai mai and then like you said before “Ni tau rai ru krap” which is “Hello, can I see a double room? How much?
Scott: Ok… so “ki tau rai ru krap” and I think maybe eight shirts.
Khun Aran: You mean bpairt ! Ah! mai chai – no – how about nine - gao shirts - ok deal?! Be careful with how you say this, most Thai words have many meanings depending on how you say them, you could have said gao which means ancient or used but don’t worry about this too much, Thai is a very hard language and Thai’s are happy – sabai - when farang have tried
Scott: That’s a bit scary – what if I’m buying a ticket to somewhere and I get the place or the day wrong?
Khun Aran: Yes, that wouldn’t be good. Don’t talk slowly that is when the words sound wrong. Ticket is tua Today is wan nee tomorrow is prung nee now is diao nee and yesterday is mua wan
Scott: Can you say that more slowly?
Khun Aran: slowly is cha cha noi
Scott: No… mai chai - I meant can you say ticket, today, tomorrow, now and yesterday more slowly!
Khun Aran: I like this is sanook ma, teaching you is sanook!
Scott: Sanook ma is ‘I like this’…. Does Sanook mean fun? I’ve seen many bars with Sanook in their names!
Khun Aran: Yes Sanook is fun - Thai’s love having fun and eating, which is gin or gin kao!
Scott: Speaking of eating – where is the food market?
Khun Aran: You mean yoo trong nai – “where is” – you must get the bus to this market, bus is rot do san pra cham thang
Scott: rot do san pra cham thang is bus - what about train, taxi and boat?
Khun Aran: rot doi san pra cham tang rot fai, taxi and rua
Don’t forget to take a Tuk Tuk and always bargain good price first.
Scott: I’ve heard that Tuk Tuk’s can be pretty dangerous – are you sure I won’t end up in hospital or in serious need of a doctor?!?!
Khun Aran: Maybe you will so I will teach you how to ask for both!
Hospital is rong payabarn Doctor is Mor
Scott: Khun Aran you are a wicked man – I think I’ll get eight shirts from you – nine is too expensive!
Khun Aran: bpairt?!?!? Only bpairt?!?! Khun Scott – my lesson is very good no?
I think gao shirts – nine shirts! And ‘too expensive’ is paeng mar
Scott: Laughing – ok ok - you’ve got a deal gao shirts it is! Some may say you are a daylight robber Khun Aran – hey what if I am robbed or I need the police?
Khun Aran: Laughing - Ba! You are mad Khun Scott!! Police is tam ruad wat or you can yell ‘Stop thief” which is kamoui. Khun Scott, you are a nice man – you dress well, you smile and you are very polite. I don’t think you will need the police and I think you got a very good price for your lesson and shirts!
Scott: I didn’t really need gao t-shirts – one or two would have been fine – but I did need the lesson. How do you say one, two three and four?
Khun Aran: neung, sorng, sahm, see
Scott: Neung, sorng, sahm, see. Khun Aran, one last thing…. I’m heading to Chang Mai in a few days and I’ve heard that it can get a bit wild around the Golden Triangle - how do I say “Don’t shoot – those drugs aren’t mine!”
Khun Aran: Laughing loudly – Khun Scott – you watch too much tv – but I will tell you – ya ying yapuak nee mai chai kong pom krap
Scott: Ok so ya ying yapuak nee mai chai kong pom krap. Khun Aran, the market is closing, how about I buy you a beer – which way to the bar?
Khun Aran: You are too kind – “Which way” is pai yang rai and a beer would be very good – we can practise your Thai!

Download here
» Thai language lesson (MP3 | Size: 13.9MB)
» Thai iPod phrasebook (Text only)

» Thai iPod phrasebook with audio (Text + MP3s | Size: 2mb)

Further online Thai Language Resources
Thai - English Dictionary
Spoken Thai Lessons
Thai Writing
Basic Thai Writing
Thai Reading and Listening
Online Audio Dictionary

Terms & ConditionsWorld Nomads Language Guide Podcasts are free to download and may be used as free content on other websites so long as no part of the podcast is changed, altered or added to in any way. World Nomads Language Guide Podcasts may not be sold by any website or individual. © World Nomads Pty Ltd, 2006.

Learn Indonesian with our Indonesian iPod Language Guide

podcasts@worldnomads.com — Sat, 30 Sep 2006 00:32:00 GMT

Our short lesson on Bahasa Indonesian won't teach you the language but contains enough of the most common travel phrases to help you get by.

We also provide an iPod phrasebook with 100 useful travel phrases that you can drop into your iPod's notes application giving you an instant electronic phrasebook to carry with you.

Download here
» Indonesian language lesson (MP3 | Size: 13.9MB)
» Indonesian iPod phrasebook (Text only)
» Indonesian iPod phrasebook with audio (Text + MP3s | Size: 2mb)

Indonesian (Bahasa) Language Guide Script
For those of you keen to have a written version on the podcast, here is the script below
Scott: Ahh Selamat Pagi! Where do I buy a ticket to Gili Islands
Nyoman: Selamat Pagi! Over there from the ticket officer ask for a Karcis, which is ticket.
Scott: Ok, so karcis, Cheers
Scott: Ok, I’ve got my karcis, do you know when the boat leaves?
Nyoman: When the boat is full we go.
Scott: Ah, might be awhile then – do you mind if I sit and wait with you.
Nyoman: Sure, no problem. I’m Nyoman.
Scott: I’m Scott – how do I say this in Bahasa?
Nyoman: You mean Bahasa Indonesia, Bahasa just means language. You say Nama Saya Scott
Scott: So, nama saya Scott
Nyoman: Smoke?
Scott: No thanks. Does it take long to fill the boat?
Nyoman: Sometimes, this your first time to Gili Islands?
Scott: Yes, I’ve come from Bali, I was up in Ubud for a few weeks.
Nyoman: Lombok is different to Bali, it is much slower and there are not as many tourists.
Scott: That can only be a good thing. I learnt a little bit of Bahasa Indonesia when I was there, can I practise on you while we wait and maybe get a few more words?
Nyoman: Sure.
Scott: Well, I know that Selamat Pagi is good morning and Selamat Tinggal is goodbye.
Nyoman: Very good, did you also learn good night – selamat malam? What about hello which is salam.
Scott: Just did – Salam and Selamat malam. What else.. oh yeah – I learnt ya or tentu is yes and tidak is no I learnt these pretty quickly in Kuta with all the hawkers.
Nyoman: You pronounce them ya / tentu and tidak
Scott: Ya, tentu, tidak – check. I also know is harganya terlalu mahal – too expensive, terima kasih for thank you and tolong for please.
Nyoman: You can also say silakan for please. That’s not bad, what else do you know?
Scott: Well, that’s pretty much all of it – I was kinda hoping you could teach me some more, like ‘what’s your name’ – I didn’t ask you this earlier.
Nyoman: You say…Siapa nama anda, what else would you like to know?
Scott: Siapa nama anda. Ok, so you’ve taught me ticket – what about train, taxi and bus?
Nyoman: Over on the islands there aren’t any cars or buses – you walk everywhere or get a boat around. But if you are coming back to Lombok you may need taxi and bus these are taksi and bis – you will not really need train unless you are going to the bigger cities, this is kereta api.
Scott: So, taxi is taksi, bus is bis and train is kereta api.
Nyoman: On the islands you will probably get perahu boats which are the local fishing boats, these will take you between the islands or out to swimming spots. To get over to the Gili’s we will use a Jukung, which is a bigger boat.
Scott: It sounds like it’s a pretty chilled out sort of a place.
Nyoman: Yes, there’s not much to do but eat, swim and sleep!
Scott: I haven’t booked anywhere to stay yet, can you teach me how to say ‘Do you have a room’ and ‘may I see it’

Nyoman: okay – have you a room is masih ada kamar kosong disini? and may I see it is boleh saya lihat?
Scott: So, masih ada kamar kosong disini? and boleh saya lihat?
Nyoman: Very good, there are mainly bungalows on the beach, but lots to choose from.
Scott: Ok, so when I find something I like how do I say ‘I like this’ and ‘how much is it’
Nyoman: For how much you say berapa harganya and I like this is saya suka ini
Scott: So, berapa harganya and saya suka ini, also ‘I don’t like this’ is saya tidak suka ini. What about some directions like where is and which way to?
Nyoman: For where is you say di mana and which way to is ke mana
Scott: So, berapa harganya and saya suka ini, also ‘I don’t like this’ is saya tidak suka ini. What about Di mana and ke mana
Nyoman: Yes, that’s good, you are picking this up quite quickly.
Scott: It doesn’t feel like it! I feel like I’m speaking too slowly to be understood – how can I ask someone to speak slowly?
Nyoman: You say silakan bicara pelan-pelan which is please speak slowly.
Scott: Silakan bicara pelan-pelan I think I may need this more than anything!
Nyoman: I’m sure you will be fine, locals will be impressed that you have taken the trouble to learn some of our language.
Scott: Thank you. Can you teach me 1-10?
Nyoman: I’m sure you will be fine, locals will be impressed that you have taken the trouble to learn some nol satu dua tiga empat lima enam tujuh delapan sembilan sepuluh
Scott: nol satu dua tiga empat lima enam tujuh delapan sembilan sepuluh
Scott: Ok, so I feel like I have enough to get by for bargaining, finding somewhere to sleep and asking a few questions. How about the time – how do I say today, tomorrow, yesterday and now?
Nyoman: Time goes pretty slowly on the Gili’s – you say hari ini, besok, kemarin and sekarang.
Scott: So, hari ini, besok, kemarin, sekarang. Looks like a few more passengers are arriving.
Nyoman: We need a few more to fill the boat yet.
Scott: Ahh good, time for me to ask a few more questions them!
Nyoman: Shoot
Scott: Now I may not need these on the Islands but in the bigger cities I probably will, how do I say doctor and hospital?
Nyoman: These are dokter and rumah sakit.
Scott: ok, so dokter and rumah sakit. What about police and stop thief!
Nyoman: You won’t need these on the island, but you say polisi and stop pencuri.
Scott: Polisi and Stop pencuri. Nyoman, I’ve got one last phrase I need translated – in fact I probably should have had this BEFORE I got to Bali – but anyway… can you tell me how to say “Don’t shoot, those drugs aren’t mine”
Nyoman: Scott, I’m not sure what you are planning but I hope you don’t need this, “Jangan tembak, narkoba itu bukan milik saya”. Come, you can help me load the boat and practise your new words.
Scott: Sounds fair to me.

Download here
» Thai language lesson (MP3 | Size: 13.9MB)
» Indonesian iPod phrasebook (Text only)
» Indonesian iPod phrasebook with audio (Text + MP3s | Size: 2mb)

Further Indonesian Online Resources
Basic Explanation of Indonesian grammar
English to Indonesian Directory
English to Indonesian and Indonesian to English Dictionaries:
Bahasa Indonesia Ecourse
Grammar, Vocab and Reading Resource
Indonesian Pronunciation Guide
Learn Bahasa Yahoo! Group

Terms & conditions
World Nomads Language Guide Podcasts are free to download and may be used as free content on other websites so long as no part of the podcast is changed, altered or added to in any way. World Nomads Language Guide Podcasts may not be sold by any website or individual. © World Nomads Pty Ltd, 2006.