Guten Abend Leute!
This evening was the first performance of the Bach's St. Johannes Passion. It was an absolutely breath-taking experience! I felt so honored to be the soprano soloist and sing with actual professionals. The chorus was spectacular as were the two organs, chamber orchestra and other soloists. They made a professional recording of the evening as well as a professional video, so I will give out details about both as soon as I hear.
Overall this weekend marks the start of our last week of classes, and a week full of opera scene rehearsals, the two opera scene performances, auditions for the regional opera company, and auditions for next year's opera Cosi fan tutte. I am trying very, very hard to concentrate on classes; however, I am desperately excited for Germany and Turkey!
Tonight we're going to discuss language, particularly word order as I currently understand it in this juncture of my study. For this we will say that S=subject, V=verb, DO=direct object, and IO=indirect object. Here is a basic comparison of word order in English, German and Turkish:
English: S-V-O I read the book.
German: S-V-O Ich lese das Buch
Turkish: S-O-V Ben kitap okuyorum
German and English are similar. However, in a basic sentence in German (sans clauses), the verb will always be in second position. In Turkish, the verb is usually at the end of the sentence. Let's add a DO to the order:
English: S-V-O-DO I read the book to you
German: S-V-DO-O Ich lese dir dem Buch
Turkish: S-DO-O-V Ben sana kitap okuyorum
Because I am still learning Turkish, my Turkish may be flawed, but this is what I understand thus far about the word order. Now let's get fancy:
English: I want to read the book to you.
German: Ich moechte dir dem Buch lesen.
Turkish: Ben sana kitap okumak istiyorum.
Here we have abstract verbs, or in German, modal verbs. In English the two verbs are together in second position right after the subject and before the indirect and direct objects (S-V1-V2-O-DO). In German, when there are two verbs, the conjugated verb goes in the second position and the other verb at the end of the sentence (S-V1-DO-O-V2). Hence why we always hear if you want to find out what happens in a sentence in German, you have to wait till the end of the sentence to find out. In Turkish, both verbs are at the end of the sentence and it is the conjugated verb that is at the very end (S-DO-O-V2-V1).
The thought that I want to pose this evening now that we have a better understanding of word order is this: How does changing the word order affect how one interprets through singing the text in a song? Does it affect the text at all? This is one of the questions I hope to address throughout my studies this summer. Have a beautiful evening everyone!
Friday, April 29, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Achtzehn Tage bevor Deutschland/Türkiye'den önce otuz dokuz gün
Guten Tag und Merhaba!
Ich gab ein Presentazion heute am mein Deutsch Klass. Es war sehr gut aber die Computer aßt meinen Noten. Ich musste Improvizen machen. Das Wetter ist sehr schoen hier heute. Es ist etwas 65F! Hoffentlich, Potsdam wird schoen auch sein. Heute ich war zu viel aufgeregt ueber Deutschland und auch die Tuerkei. Es war sehr schwerig Konzentrazion haben. Mein Stimmestudentinnen sind nervoes von ihren stimmen Exammen bekommen. Es ist ein bisschen schwerig eine Lehrerin und Studentin sein. Ich muss Zeit fuer mein Studentinnen finden aber ich muss auch Zeit fur mich finden. Wenn ich bin am dieser Situation, ich ueber allein meinen Studentinnen denken und ich habe ein schwerig Zeit ueber selbts denken. Ich kann nicht Alles sein.
Translation: I gave a presentation today in my German class. It was very good but the computer ate my notes. I had to improvise. The weather is beautiful today. It is 65F! Hopefully, Potsdam will also be this beautiful. Today I was way too excited about Germany and Turkey. It was very hard to concentrate. My students are becoming nervous about their singing juries (exams). It is a little difficult to be a teacher and a student. I must find time for my students, but I must also find time for myself. When I am in these situations, I only think about my students and I have a hard time thinking about myself. I can't be everything.
It was a very beautiful day today which did not help my excitement about Germany. It is hard to believe there are only 18 days left. Since creating a packing list, my room is in utter chaos as I have sorted most my clothing into that which will be going with me overseas, and that which will not. I am keeping the packing to a minimum though, and am successful thusfar!
This weekend is the Bach's St. Johannes Passion, and I am the soprano soloist. It is a very busy week as well as weekends, not only because of the rehearsals for the Passion, but also because next week is the last week of school, the week of the opera, and the week of auditions for the next opera Cosi fan tutte and auditions for the local regional opera company for Ghianni Schicchi. Oh, and, of course, whatever is needed for classes, teaching my students, and preparing to play for my students for their juries. I am thankful for it all; however, and know that the time will fly by. And I will soon be on my way!
I want to make one quick comment about one of the most useful pieces of equipment I have ever possessed: my Nook. The E-Readers are absolutely incredible not only because you can have so many books in one place quickly at your fingertips, but, many of my librettos and music books have turned out to be completely FREE. What more could you ask for being a broke graduate student! It is a fabulous machine that I am very thankful for and would highly recommend to anyone especially those who will be going on to higher learning. More and more, Nook and Kindle have textbooks that can be purchased. And, both the Nook and Kindle have the option of making notes, highlighting, and uploading PDFs. Fabulous!
Ich gab ein Presentazion heute am mein Deutsch Klass. Es war sehr gut aber die Computer aßt meinen Noten. Ich musste Improvizen machen. Das Wetter ist sehr schoen hier heute. Es ist etwas 65F! Hoffentlich, Potsdam wird schoen auch sein. Heute ich war zu viel aufgeregt ueber Deutschland und auch die Tuerkei. Es war sehr schwerig Konzentrazion haben. Mein Stimmestudentinnen sind nervoes von ihren stimmen Exammen bekommen. Es ist ein bisschen schwerig eine Lehrerin und Studentin sein. Ich muss Zeit fuer mein Studentinnen finden aber ich muss auch Zeit fur mich finden. Wenn ich bin am dieser Situation, ich ueber allein meinen Studentinnen denken und ich habe ein schwerig Zeit ueber selbts denken. Ich kann nicht Alles sein.
Translation: I gave a presentation today in my German class. It was very good but the computer ate my notes. I had to improvise. The weather is beautiful today. It is 65F! Hopefully, Potsdam will also be this beautiful. Today I was way too excited about Germany and Turkey. It was very hard to concentrate. My students are becoming nervous about their singing juries (exams). It is a little difficult to be a teacher and a student. I must find time for my students, but I must also find time for myself. When I am in these situations, I only think about my students and I have a hard time thinking about myself. I can't be everything.
It was a very beautiful day today which did not help my excitement about Germany. It is hard to believe there are only 18 days left. Since creating a packing list, my room is in utter chaos as I have sorted most my clothing into that which will be going with me overseas, and that which will not. I am keeping the packing to a minimum though, and am successful thusfar!
This weekend is the Bach's St. Johannes Passion, and I am the soprano soloist. It is a very busy week as well as weekends, not only because of the rehearsals for the Passion, but also because next week is the last week of school, the week of the opera, and the week of auditions for the next opera Cosi fan tutte and auditions for the local regional opera company for Ghianni Schicchi. Oh, and, of course, whatever is needed for classes, teaching my students, and preparing to play for my students for their juries. I am thankful for it all; however, and know that the time will fly by. And I will soon be on my way!
I want to make one quick comment about one of the most useful pieces of equipment I have ever possessed: my Nook. The E-Readers are absolutely incredible not only because you can have so many books in one place quickly at your fingertips, but, many of my librettos and music books have turned out to be completely FREE. What more could you ask for being a broke graduate student! It is a fabulous machine that I am very thankful for and would highly recommend to anyone especially those who will be going on to higher learning. More and more, Nook and Kindle have textbooks that can be purchased. And, both the Nook and Kindle have the option of making notes, highlighting, and uploading PDFs. Fabulous!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Neunzehn Tage bevor Deutschland/Türkiye'den önce kırk gün
A joyous and peaceful Easter to everyone.
Around normal Easter festivities (decorating eggs and such), I have begun creating my packing list for both Germany and Turkey as well as organizing and collecting all flight and housing information. It is going to be challenging to not pack wisely and not excessively. Sadly, being both a soprano and woman, I feel I am slightly prone to over-pack. In my defense, I merely desire to be prepared. I am only pack travel size toiletries; however and am excited to go shopping in Germany and Turkey for things like shampoo and conditioner.
I do need help though! For those reading, please throw out advice and suggestions for things to pack-I would greatly appreciate having them.
The wonderful Turkeye Institute has awarded me a $750 scholarship towards my studies in Turkey! This money will help pay for the Turkish language courses and for transportation around Turkey, most specifically, to and from the language classes. The Institute has requested that I consider working for them next year since I will have formal training in the language and because of the interest I have shown in studies and travel in Turkey. This is actually wonderful news because I do need a job next year! Thank you Turkeye Institute, and thank you to everyone who is praying and keeping good thoughts coming. I am still searching for funding to help with other portions of the trip and expenses that I have thus far paid out of pocket.
In an attempt to stop speaking Turkish in German class, among the other languages that seem to be randomly coming out of my mouth (Italian, Spanish, and French), I have put a temporary halt on learning Turkish phrases and am concentrating solely on German. For those who pursue studying a foreign language, here are some hints I found helpful:
- Immerse yourself in the language!
- Listen to news broadcasts (http://www.dw-world.de/)
- Watch foreign movies (kids movies are great and use basic language, plus they are fun to watch)
- Be active when you read
- You can pick up a lot on the language if you are active while you are reading.
- Find a pen pal from the particular language you are studying
- Go to school websites first to attempt to find this. Please don't just type in foreign pen pal on Google. Contact study abroad programs and ask about pen pals too.
- Post-It Notes and Coloring Books are your Foreign Language Friend
- I have post it notes all over my house with the German words for different everyday household items. In the same, I have coloring pictures of clothing, place settings, and house plans in my room. These are fun and incredibly helpful.
- Don't be afraid to speak
- More often than not, natives of the language you are learning WANT to help you learn the language. And, let's be honest, you can't improve if you don't try.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Zweiundzwanzig Tage bevor Deutschland/Türkiye'den önce kırk iki gün
Guten Abend Leute!
Wir lernen ueber Nominativ, Accusativ, und Dativ. Dieses sind schwerigen Koncepten! Aber, wenn man studiert in ein andere Sprache, mann viele ueber sein Sprache zu lernen kann. Mann musst sein Sprache verstanden zu ein andere Sprache verstanden. Grammatik ist sehr wichtig wenn mann lieder singt. Grammatik erzaehlt die Bedeutung der die Lieder. Die librettistinnen und Gedichterinnen schrieb mit praeteritum Verben. Dieses Konceptennin sind auch wichtig- Praesens, Praeteritum, Perfekt, und Futur zu verstanden.
I should have mentioned, in previous blogs, when I write something in a foreign language, the following paragraph is the English translation of what I wrote. Therefore:
We are learning about nominative, accusative, and dative cases. These are difficult concepts! But, when one studies in another language, one can learn a lot about their own language. One must understand their language to understand another language. Grammar is very important when one is singing songs. Grammar tells the meaning of the song. The librettists and poets write with past progressive tense. These concepts are also important-Past progressive, past perfect, and future tenses to understand.
Tomorrow I will have a meeting with my Turkish liason to discuss other scholarship and grant options. I will not give up. Your opportunities are only as big or small as you make them! It is hard to believe that the time is dwindling as quickly as it is. The last meeting the group for my group going to Germany is this next Tuesday.
I just found out today that I will be taking lessons from an absolutely astounding soprano in Turkey. She has agreed to take me as her student merely on the request of one of the Turkish professors who heard me sing this past summer during Sieur du Luth. How exciting!! I am still waiting to hear with whom I will be meeting when it comes to learning more about Turkish theory and music history. However, I am ready to get going on the entire project!
Thank you again for all of your encouragement and support. Keep fingers crossed and good thoughts coming!
Wir lernen ueber Nominativ, Accusativ, und Dativ. Dieses sind schwerigen Koncepten! Aber, wenn man studiert in ein andere Sprache, mann viele ueber sein Sprache zu lernen kann. Mann musst sein Sprache verstanden zu ein andere Sprache verstanden. Grammatik ist sehr wichtig wenn mann lieder singt. Grammatik erzaehlt die Bedeutung der die Lieder. Die librettistinnen und Gedichterinnen schrieb mit praeteritum Verben. Dieses Konceptennin sind auch wichtig- Praesens, Praeteritum, Perfekt, und Futur zu verstanden.
I should have mentioned, in previous blogs, when I write something in a foreign language, the following paragraph is the English translation of what I wrote. Therefore:
We are learning about nominative, accusative, and dative cases. These are difficult concepts! But, when one studies in another language, one can learn a lot about their own language. One must understand their language to understand another language. Grammar is very important when one is singing songs. Grammar tells the meaning of the song. The librettists and poets write with past progressive tense. These concepts are also important-Past progressive, past perfect, and future tenses to understand.
Tomorrow I will have a meeting with my Turkish liason to discuss other scholarship and grant options. I will not give up. Your opportunities are only as big or small as you make them! It is hard to believe that the time is dwindling as quickly as it is. The last meeting the group for my group going to Germany is this next Tuesday.
I just found out today that I will be taking lessons from an absolutely astounding soprano in Turkey. She has agreed to take me as her student merely on the request of one of the Turkish professors who heard me sing this past summer during Sieur du Luth. How exciting!! I am still waiting to hear with whom I will be meeting when it comes to learning more about Turkish theory and music history. However, I am ready to get going on the entire project!
Thank you again for all of your encouragement and support. Keep fingers crossed and good thoughts coming!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
fuenftundzwanzig Tage bevor Deutschland/Türkiye'den önce kırk bes gün
Hello all!
As my Turkish liason reminded me, Winston Churchill once said, "never, never, never, never give up."
He also said, "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."
The Cecilian Society announced grants today, and I was offered $200 on the simple bases that the society only funds projects that are related to "advanced music study." I am grateful for what they were able to offer considering they found my project not to meet those "advanced music study" standards. It is my opinion that this project is far too valuable to simply give up on. Things may have to be changed and altered, but will not be canceled. There has already been too much work that has gone into the project for it to merely be canceled. Also, there are still a few tricks left, so keep good thoughts coming please and fingers crossed!
My sinus infection is still going strong sadly, and I am doing what I can to get healthy and stay positive. The group with which I will be going to German is having their final meeting within the next week to go over last minute details. It is hard to believe that there are only 25 days left until we fly out.
Lesson for today: The times God chooses to teach us about patience and relying on Him are the hardest to have the courage to "sit down and listen."
As my Turkish liason reminded me, Winston Churchill once said, "never, never, never, never give up."
He also said, "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."
The Cecilian Society announced grants today, and I was offered $200 on the simple bases that the society only funds projects that are related to "advanced music study." I am grateful for what they were able to offer considering they found my project not to meet those "advanced music study" standards. It is my opinion that this project is far too valuable to simply give up on. Things may have to be changed and altered, but will not be canceled. There has already been too much work that has gone into the project for it to merely be canceled. Also, there are still a few tricks left, so keep good thoughts coming please and fingers crossed!
My sinus infection is still going strong sadly, and I am doing what I can to get healthy and stay positive. The group with which I will be going to German is having their final meeting within the next week to go over last minute details. It is hard to believe that there are only 25 days left until we fly out.
Lesson for today: The times God chooses to teach us about patience and relying on Him are the hardest to have the courage to "sit down and listen."
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Achtundzwanzig Tage bevor Deutschland/Türkiye'den önce kırk sekiz gün
Hello!
They announced results for the travel grant through the school system, and unfortunately I did not
receive one of them. You win some and lose some.
The audition for the Cecilian grant seemed to go very well. They stopped my aria right before I
sang my extremely high note, and my pianist commented that it was most likely because all the rest
of the song was incredibly loud especially the other high notes. The pianist did say that it sounded
absolutely wonderful. A portion of the audition included an interview where the panel asked me about
my project. They began the interview by saying that I had an incredibly unique and exciting program
and ended by saying that "it will be interesting to talk to you when you get back and hear how your
musical ear has changed" after learning Turkish music. I am hoping that is a good sign!
With the sinus infection still raging and now turning into a head cold, I am going to take this weekend
off from singing and get as much done with research in the German portion of the summer project and
making sure I have my five opera arias, resume, and audition info compiled and ready for trip. Have a
beautiful weekend everyone and keep thinking good thoughts! When God closes a door, He opens a
window-we just have to stop staring at the closed door and turn around to see the open window! :)
They announced results for the travel grant through the school system, and unfortunately I did not
receive one of them. You win some and lose some.
The audition for the Cecilian grant seemed to go very well. They stopped my aria right before I
sang my extremely high note, and my pianist commented that it was most likely because all the rest
of the song was incredibly loud especially the other high notes. The pianist did say that it sounded
absolutely wonderful. A portion of the audition included an interview where the panel asked me about
my project. They began the interview by saying that I had an incredibly unique and exciting program
and ended by saying that "it will be interesting to talk to you when you get back and hear how your
musical ear has changed" after learning Turkish music. I am hoping that is a good sign!
With the sinus infection still raging and now turning into a head cold, I am going to take this weekend
off from singing and get as much done with research in the German portion of the summer project and
making sure I have my five opera arias, resume, and audition info compiled and ready for trip. Have a
beautiful weekend everyone and keep thinking good thoughts! When God closes a door, He opens a
window-we just have to stop staring at the closed door and turn around to see the open window! :)
Friday, April 15, 2011
neunundzwansig Tage bevor Deutschland/Türkiye'den önce kırk dokuz gün
April 15th has finally made it, and I have successfully managed to get a cold/sinus infection. Nevertheless, "the show must go on." The audition is later on in the day; and until after the audition, I am avoiding emails to find out about word from the travel grants. Time to buckle down and plow forward!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
dreizig Tage bevor Deutschland/Türkiye'den önce elli bir gün
Officially one month until I fly out for Germany. And there remains an incredible amount of work to be done! Today I had a meeting with the my school's Turkish liason. We solidified a few details about voice lessons, and he has helped put me in touch with the director of the Istanbul Conservatory to schedule meetings with a Turkish music theory professor and Turkish music history professor. The research I have done so far on both subjects, theory and history, has led me to the discovery that I will have to speak with experts in the subject to better understand it. Like the language, the culture of the music is incredibly detailed and complex. Nevertheless, it remains absolutely stunning and fascinating!
Two days left until the Cecilian grant audition, news of the Graduate grant, and until the New Music Recital. Just as a side note, I will be singing the beautiful "Good Night, Moon" by Glen Roven based on the children's book, Good Night, Moon. It is a very beautiful setting of the book. Back to funding, the Turkish advisor has informed me that he is working hard to find me a scholarship to at least cover to academic costs for the studies in Turkey should the grants fall through. This was a welcomed surprise and a slight weight off my shoulders!!
Today, my German partner and I will be working further to solidify our project for Germany. More news, hopefully very good news, to come!
Two days left until the Cecilian grant audition, news of the Graduate grant, and until the New Music Recital. Just as a side note, I will be singing the beautiful "Good Night, Moon" by Glen Roven based on the children's book, Good Night, Moon. It is a very beautiful setting of the book. Back to funding, the Turkish advisor has informed me that he is working hard to find me a scholarship to at least cover to academic costs for the studies in Turkey should the grants fall through. This was a welcomed surprise and a slight weight off my shoulders!!
Today, my German partner and I will be working further to solidify our project for Germany. More news, hopefully very good news, to come!
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
einunddreizig Tage bevor Deutschland/Türkiye'den önce elli iki gün
April 15th is fast approaching. As to be expected, rehearsals are picking up for the various pieces of music in which I will be singing for the music recital. So days are long and intense. As Friday approaches, I get more and more anxious to hear from the different sources for grant funding. The only thing to do is to keep my eye on the prize and heart on the tasks at hand.
After talking with our Turkish representative here at school, I am going to be able to set up interviews with a Turkish music historian and a Turkish music theorist, both from the conservatory in Istanbul. This will be a great help as both subjects are so specific that it is hard to find good materials in English in the United States. Very exciting!
Back to the tasks at hand-and today features a German test, teaching my own students and rehearsals. Have a beautiful day everyone!
After talking with our Turkish representative here at school, I am going to be able to set up interviews with a Turkish music historian and a Turkish music theorist, both from the conservatory in Istanbul. This will be a great help as both subjects are so specific that it is hard to find good materials in English in the United States. Very exciting!
Back to the tasks at hand-and today features a German test, teaching my own students and rehearsals. Have a beautiful day everyone!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Dreiunddreizig Tage bevor Deutschland/Türkiye'den önce ellidört gün
Hello everyone!
Since it was sunny and beautiful in our little town whose weather usually resembles that of a town on the side of Mount Doom, I decided to take a few days off from the blog and enjoy the beautiful weather.
This week is the big week. Not only will I find out about the travel grant for which I applied through the graduate office, but also I will audition for the Cecilian grant and sing in the New Music Recital. Did I mention these events are scheduled to take place all on the same day, April 15th? It is all incredibly exciting; however, and I am ready not be wondering about financial aid. I have prepared other letters to be sent out to previous donors asking them to follow along with my blog, and, if they are able, to donate towards this exciting project. Those will be mailed this week as well.
Yesterday I had a successful shopping day at the used clothing stores buying summer dresses. I attempted to peruse my summer clothing collection the day before last only to find, it did not exist. I have no summer clothing whatsoever. And I do not think it will be beneficial to wear the sweaters and heavy winter clothing I have currently. So, in my attempt to conserve packing space, I decided to buy dresses that can be paired with jackets and cardigans and if needed, leggings.
It has been interesting researching what one should wear in Germany and Turkey throughout the summer. When I went to Rome to sing with a summer opera company, I was told by my Italian instructor not to wear open toed shoes because that is considered rude. This was not at all the case as the tourists ended up being some of the only people wearing closed toed shoes and consequently having very hot feet while the Italians enjoyed the luxury of sandles and appropriate 90-110 weather shoe attire. My Italian teacher did not mention; however, that there was no public toilet paper....
Things are slowly starting to fall into place. While the end of the semester fast approaches, I am trying very hard to stay focused on studies, on my own private voice students and playing their pieces for them, and on all the current tasks at hand. It is most definitely becoming increasingly challenging; though, as I find my heart and mind are more and more in Turkey and Germany.
Since it was sunny and beautiful in our little town whose weather usually resembles that of a town on the side of Mount Doom, I decided to take a few days off from the blog and enjoy the beautiful weather.
This week is the big week. Not only will I find out about the travel grant for which I applied through the graduate office, but also I will audition for the Cecilian grant and sing in the New Music Recital. Did I mention these events are scheduled to take place all on the same day, April 15th? It is all incredibly exciting; however, and I am ready not be wondering about financial aid. I have prepared other letters to be sent out to previous donors asking them to follow along with my blog, and, if they are able, to donate towards this exciting project. Those will be mailed this week as well.
Yesterday I had a successful shopping day at the used clothing stores buying summer dresses. I attempted to peruse my summer clothing collection the day before last only to find, it did not exist. I have no summer clothing whatsoever. And I do not think it will be beneficial to wear the sweaters and heavy winter clothing I have currently. So, in my attempt to conserve packing space, I decided to buy dresses that can be paired with jackets and cardigans and if needed, leggings.
It has been interesting researching what one should wear in Germany and Turkey throughout the summer. When I went to Rome to sing with a summer opera company, I was told by my Italian instructor not to wear open toed shoes because that is considered rude. This was not at all the case as the tourists ended up being some of the only people wearing closed toed shoes and consequently having very hot feet while the Italians enjoyed the luxury of sandles and appropriate 90-110 weather shoe attire. My Italian teacher did not mention; however, that there was no public toilet paper....
Things are slowly starting to fall into place. While the end of the semester fast approaches, I am trying very hard to stay focused on studies, on my own private voice students and playing their pieces for them, and on all the current tasks at hand. It is most definitely becoming increasingly challenging; though, as I find my heart and mind are more and more in Turkey and Germany.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Siebenunddreizig Tage bevor Deutschland/Türkiye'den önce elliyedi gün
Merhaba!
Bugün üniversite gittim. Gün çok uzun oldum. Bugün Yemiş soğukluk yedim. :) çok iyi oldu! Yemiş soğukluk çok seviyorum! And that is why I can only have one a week! :)
Today I went to the University. The day was very long. I ate dessert today. It was very good. I love dessert. And for that reason can only have one a week! :)
It is really intriguing, having studying French, German, Italian, and Spanish, learning Turkish for the simple fact that I can not learn Turkish the same way I have learned any of the other languages. In an attempt to be somewhat prepared for the intensive language courses, I am trying to study what little Turkish I can comprehend on my own and speak it with the Turkish people with whom I correspond. To give an idea of how intense this language is-for my German course currently, in order to learn the verbs with their conjugations, I write out notes cards that are something like this:
(front of card) (back of card)
Beginnen to begin
3rd Praesen Praeteritum Prefekt
beginnt begann hat...begonnen
Here is an example of my Turkish cards:
(front of card) (back of card)
olmak to be
Pres Continuous Pres Simple Past Def
oluyorum olurum oldum
oluyorsun olursun oldun
oluyor olur oldu
oluyoruz oluruz olduk
oluyorsunuz olursunuz oldunuz
oluyorlar olurlar oldular
Those are the basic tenses, and even though there are patterns, they just will not stick unless I use them in spoken phrases. That has been the key with Turkish, to use it in phrases. Therefore, I will be able to learn Turkish as an aural language and then written and what not whereas with other languages I have learned, the writing comes first. Regardless, it is an absolutely beautiful language, and I am immensely enjoying discovering it.
Today I realized that I have 37 days left before this summer. It was quite a shock truly realizing for the first time that the semester is dwindling down. I am beginning to compile arias, update my resume, decide on which research materials to take and which not to, and especially begin thinking about packing. Oh, and that is on top of all my other responsibilities at UMD and otherwise. I love a challenge!
Bugün üniversite gittim. Gün çok uzun oldum. Bugün Yemiş soğukluk yedim. :) çok iyi oldu! Yemiş soğukluk çok seviyorum! And that is why I can only have one a week! :)
Today I went to the University. The day was very long. I ate dessert today. It was very good. I love dessert. And for that reason can only have one a week! :)
It is really intriguing, having studying French, German, Italian, and Spanish, learning Turkish for the simple fact that I can not learn Turkish the same way I have learned any of the other languages. In an attempt to be somewhat prepared for the intensive language courses, I am trying to study what little Turkish I can comprehend on my own and speak it with the Turkish people with whom I correspond. To give an idea of how intense this language is-for my German course currently, in order to learn the verbs with their conjugations, I write out notes cards that are something like this:
(front of card) (back of card)
Beginnen to begin
3rd Praesen Praeteritum Prefekt
beginnt begann hat...begonnen
Here is an example of my Turkish cards:
(front of card) (back of card)
olmak to be
Pres Continuous Pres Simple Past Def
oluyorum olurum oldum
oluyorsun olursun oldun
oluyor olur oldu
oluyoruz oluruz olduk
oluyorsunuz olursunuz oldunuz
oluyorlar olurlar oldular
Those are the basic tenses, and even though there are patterns, they just will not stick unless I use them in spoken phrases. That has been the key with Turkish, to use it in phrases. Therefore, I will be able to learn Turkish as an aural language and then written and what not whereas with other languages I have learned, the writing comes first. Regardless, it is an absolutely beautiful language, and I am immensely enjoying discovering it.
Today I realized that I have 37 days left before this summer. It was quite a shock truly realizing for the first time that the semester is dwindling down. I am beginning to compile arias, update my resume, decide on which research materials to take and which not to, and especially begin thinking about packing. Oh, and that is on top of all my other responsibilities at UMD and otherwise. I love a challenge!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Neununddreizig Tage bevor Deutschland/Türkiye'den önce ellidokuz gün
Guten Abend Jedermann! Mein deutsch Partnerin und ich hatten heute ein Treffen mit die Byzantine Expert. Unser Treffen war sehr gut! Er hatte nur ein bisschen Informazionen von euch ueber die Turkei. Aber wir hatten vielen Fragen ueber unser Projekt obweil seinen Informazionen. Er gab ein Presentazion: "Byzantium the New Israel." Es war sehr interessant!
The meeting and presentation by the Byzantine expert was wonderful. Although he only had a little information to offer us, we were able to develop many questions for our own project. All around, it was a really interesting experience. What a beautiful yet detailed history had the Byzantine Empire. The expert resides in Turkey and teaches at the Koc University in Istanbul. So, we had wonderful conversations about Istanbul, and it was exciting to be able to know what areas in Istanbul to which he would refer. I'm so very excited to return to both Germany and especially Turkey.
On a side note, I am the official soprano soloist for the St. John's Passion coming up on April 29, 2011! Very exciting :) Please keep your fingers crossed and think good thoughts for the next couple of weeks as the grant results come closer. Have a beautiful day!
The meeting and presentation by the Byzantine expert was wonderful. Although he only had a little information to offer us, we were able to develop many questions for our own project. All around, it was a really interesting experience. What a beautiful yet detailed history had the Byzantine Empire. The expert resides in Turkey and teaches at the Koc University in Istanbul. So, we had wonderful conversations about Istanbul, and it was exciting to be able to know what areas in Istanbul to which he would refer. I'm so very excited to return to both Germany and especially Turkey.
On a side note, I am the official soprano soloist for the St. John's Passion coming up on April 29, 2011! Very exciting :) Please keep your fingers crossed and think good thoughts for the next couple of weeks as the grant results come closer. Have a beautiful day!
Monday, April 4, 2011
Vierzig Tage bevor Deutschland/Türkiye'den önce altmışbir gün
Merhaba!
Neue und sehr aufgerent Dinge! Ich werde die Soprano soloist von die Saint Matteo Passion von Johann Sebastian Bach am den 29 April 2011 sein! Mein Audition am Samstag war sehr gut. Morgen werde ich mit ein Byzantine Professorin treffen. Morgen wird er ein Presentazion geben und, bevor die Presentation, ich, mein Deutsch partnerin, und er werden Mittagesessen essen.
New and very exciting things! I am going to be the Soprano soloist for the Saint Matthew's Passion by Johann Sebastian Bach on the 29th of April 2011! My audition on Saturday was very good. Tomorrow I will meet with a Byzantine professor. He will give a presentation tomorrow and before the presentation, I, my German partner and he will go each lunch. I am greatly looking forward to speaking with this expert.
My German partner and I are in the process of creating a more concise outline for the project in Germany. Our hopes are to prepare a project about the change in cultural exchange between Germany and Turkey from Mozart's era through present day. That project will be significant in providing background information to complete the project in Turkey.
On a side note, Chloe, the lovely Ferret, has decided that she only likes popular Turkish music to dance to and will not dance to other kinds of Turkish music. Also, she has developed a fine taste for Wagner particular the "Ride of the Valkyries"
Links to enjoy:
Tarkan singing "Kiss, Kiss (op, op)" and Chloe's favorite song
Neue und sehr aufgerent Dinge! Ich werde die Soprano soloist von die Saint Matteo Passion von Johann Sebastian Bach am den 29 April 2011 sein! Mein Audition am Samstag war sehr gut. Morgen werde ich mit ein Byzantine Professorin treffen. Morgen wird er ein Presentazion geben und, bevor die Presentation, ich, mein Deutsch partnerin, und er werden Mittagesessen essen.
New and very exciting things! I am going to be the Soprano soloist for the Saint Matthew's Passion by Johann Sebastian Bach on the 29th of April 2011! My audition on Saturday was very good. Tomorrow I will meet with a Byzantine professor. He will give a presentation tomorrow and before the presentation, I, my German partner and he will go each lunch. I am greatly looking forward to speaking with this expert.
Paul Magdalino Presents “Byzantium as the New Israel”
More information can be found here: http://www.d.umn.edu/unirel/homepage/11/jankofsky.htmlMy German partner and I are in the process of creating a more concise outline for the project in Germany. Our hopes are to prepare a project about the change in cultural exchange between Germany and Turkey from Mozart's era through present day. That project will be significant in providing background information to complete the project in Turkey.
On a side note, Chloe, the lovely Ferret, has decided that she only likes popular Turkish music to dance to and will not dance to other kinds of Turkish music. Also, she has developed a fine taste for Wagner particular the "Ride of the Valkyries"
Links to enjoy:
Tarkan singing "Kiss, Kiss (op, op)" and Chloe's favorite song
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRsyyBFcHYQ
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLrSGccyMgI
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Vierundvierzig Tage bevor Deutschland/Türkiye'den önce altmışbeş gün
Gestern Abend ging ich aus Sir Ben's mit die deutschen Kultur Klub. Das Klub geht aus Sir Ben's am die ersten Fritag der jeden Monat. Wir sprachen viele Deutsch :) Ich hat viele Deutsch verstanden. Ich verstand mehr Deutsch als ich sprach. Ich glaube, sprechen Deutsch mehr schwerieg also hoeren und verstanden ist.
Yesterday evening I went o Sir Ben's pub with the German Kultur Klub. The Klub goes to Sir Ben's on the first Friday of every month. We spoke a lot of German, and I understood a lot of German. I understand more German than I speak right now. I think that speaking German is more difficult than understanding. However, I have noticed that when I respond to people with simple answers such as "yes, no, maybe, etc.," I try to respond in either German or Turkish and it takes me a moment to respond in English. What an exciting development! My grandpa Rankin, who was fabulous about languages, once said that in order to really learn the language, one has to think in the language. For the most part, I make a conscious effort to try and speak German at home to myself as much as possible. When I speak German to Chloe, she gets very excited and runs around the house. Although, she does the same with everything but Turkish music.
Yesterday evening I went o Sir Ben's pub with the German Kultur Klub. The Klub goes to Sir Ben's on the first Friday of every month. We spoke a lot of German, and I understood a lot of German. I understand more German than I speak right now. I think that speaking German is more difficult than understanding. However, I have noticed that when I respond to people with simple answers such as "yes, no, maybe, etc.," I try to respond in either German or Turkish and it takes me a moment to respond in English. What an exciting development! My grandpa Rankin, who was fabulous about languages, once said that in order to really learn the language, one has to think in the language. For the most part, I make a conscious effort to try and speak German at home to myself as much as possible. When I speak German to Chloe, she gets very excited and runs around the house. Although, she does the same with everything but Turkish music.
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