Monday Monday

[linda22003]

I'm apparently the designated substitute for day threads. In that crucial but underappreciated role I'll pose this Topic of the Day:

Are you fluent in any other languages? Meaning, into which countries could you be dropped in a rural, non-English speaking area, and be able to get around easily?

For me, France and Germany. I could probably negotiate my way in Italy due to the similarities to French.

[Shannon]

I am fluent in Pig Latin. The beauty of that language is extremely underappreciated.

In all seriousness, absolutely not. I'm not even sure how I got by in Mexico. There was a lot of pointing and nodding going on. I did take three semesters of Spanish in college and got an A every time. I only remember the basics now and refuse to learn more on general principle. If I had the patience to learn a foreign language I would choose German.

[linda22003]

I only remember the basics now and refuse to learn more on general principle.

What is the general principle?

[Shannon]

What is the general principle?

You don't live in Florida. You wouldn't understand.:p

[linda22003]

Oh, okay. I was thinking in terms of foreign travel.

[Cold Warrior]

Hot, muggy morning in New England as I wend my way into the City. Staying at the Waldorf this week as I was able to get a fairly decent rate and haven't stayed there in years.

TOTD: My French has survived the last few years surprisingly well, as I learned on this last trip. However, despite the fact I took three years of college German, I doubt I would do well in der Rhineland.

I don't see how you can, based on your French, understand Italian. To me, it's totally incomprehensible. When we were last in Venice, even when people were speaking English, I couldn't understand them! :D

[linda22003]

I don't claim conversational ability in Italian. Just that I would be able to read it pretty well and get around fairly reliably.

[Gingersnap]

It will be in the low 90s today with clear skies. The monsoon has yet to strike. I used that stone finish spray on an ugly half cask that someone had painted brown. I used the "Granite" finish and gave it a clear coat. It turned out amazingly nice. I am in awe of technology since it wasn't artistic talent at work. :)

TOTD: I'd be fine in Sweden or most of the Scandinavian countries (not Finland). Between the Latin and the French I could avoid starvation in a few other places. This isn't a pressing question for me, luckily.

[linda22003]

Who took languages in high school? I had to have two of them in school, but I think the requirement has unfortunately died out. I had four years of Latin, one of Greek, and four of French.

[Shannon]

Who took languages in high school? I had to have two of them in school, but I think the requirement has unfortunately died out. I had four years of Latin, one of Greek, and four of French.

Latin and Greek?! They weren't even offered at my high school. I took French during my junior year. I remember how to count to ten.:p