Merhaba again!
I forgot to mention in my last blog that tomorrow morning at 5 a.m. marks the beginning of Ramadan. A holy month of fasting, Muslims neither eat nor drink during the day time. For many, fasting is a reminder to be thankful for what God has given, especially those basics needs of human life-water and food. Muslims eat and drink, known as Iftar, twice during the evening and early morning, 8 a.m. after evening Ezan and 5 a.m. after morning Ezan. At the end of the month of fasting, Muslims celebrate Bairam where they join together with their families to eat, and be charitable with their neighbors through the sharing of food especially a special meat that is prepared during that time.
I have decided to participate in the fasting of Ramadan and to use this time to draw closer to God myself-although I may partake in the "child's version" of Ramadan, where I can drink water at a specific time during the day.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
July 31, 2011
Merhaba from Adana, Turkey!
What a beautiful city and an exciting time I was blessed to have in Antalya. Although it was sad to leave the city, and the beach (which I admit, I quite enjoyed), it was an exciting trip to Adana, and I know more exciting events will come! We took a bus from Antalya to Adana. Twelve hours most of which were driving through the mountains. There is no straight road from Antalya to Adana, but rather the bus lines follow the coast. The roads were slightly nerve-wrecking as they were made of packed dirt and many times there was nothing between the bus and the drop off into the sea. The sights were absolutely stunning, however watching the sun rise above the mountains and merely looking over to one side to see the beautiful sea. The further we traveled into Adana, the more we traveled into a more "classical" Turkish mentality. Adana, though the city seems metropolitan, has an Eastern Turkish mentality. There are many more women wearing head coverings although not as many radical muslims.
The city itself is something of a wonder in terms of landscape. On one side, the sea and on the other, mountains. Therefore, the weather is incredibly humid because the humidity, or nem in Turkish, rises from the sea and travels to the mountain only to be stopped by a "wall" that is much cooler. This makes the soil and landscape very valuable as it is exceptional for farming.
I have noticed, especially within the last week, that my Turkish has taken an interesting turn. In Germany, I went through a period where I could neither speak nor hear German as well as I could before I I came to the country. It was incredibly frustrating. About three days ago, I realized that I was understanding conversations and television programming even when I was not actively trying. Although my vocabulary is still limited and I may not be able to answer, I can understand about 80% of what is going on. This is a significant amount considering I have not studied the language except upon arrival to the country. I must admit, knowing how the verbs work, conjugation and otherwise, has made the situation much easier and the entire educational process much easier. Although there is still far to go, good progress is always an exciting!
More exciting information to come!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
July 12, 2011
Hello all!
One of the most beautiful and exciting activities in my life will forever remain swimming in the sea.
We have been having
an exquisite time swimming at all different times of the day, during the week and during the weekend with a variety of crowds and activities to match each time. For instance, the weekdays bring in the touristic crowds and the beach DJs play familiar American music (especially that of Lady Gaga and other chart topping artists), and street vendors walk around frequently selling bread, muscles with rice and cay (tea). The weekends, however, bring in all the locals with their families and extended families. This crowd will bring grills and plan for an entire day at the beach complete with three cooked meals. The DJs play Turkish music, especially that of classical Turkish music. Street vendors are not frequently seen as the families cook their own food and even bring provisions to make their own cay.
Another contrast between the touristic crowd and the local crowd is the amount of Radical Muslims that frequent the beach on the weekend. The Radical Muslims do swim in the sea and actually have special outfits,
According to my host family, Muslims but not radicals, this is a ridiculous concept as the reason for covering is to avoid nudity and it is a sin for these Radical Muslims to see nudity of any kind.
Being blond'ish, blue-eyed, and fair skinned has made me somewhat of a minority even during the tourism season. The only other people matching my description are the occasional Russian girls. Russian girls are associated in Turkey with prostitutes; however, as many of them practice those sorts of activities during the summer in places such as Antalya. I have never had the feeling of thousands of eyes on me that has made me feel like an outsider. Perhaps next time I come across foreigners in my own country, I will have a much better understanding of their situation. God has a wonderful way teaching lessons doesn't He? :)
One of the most beautiful and exciting activities in my life will forever remain swimming in the sea.
We have been having
an exquisite time swimming at all different times of the day, during the week and during the weekend with a variety of crowds and activities to match each time. For instance, the weekdays bring in the touristic crowds and the beach DJs play familiar American music (especially that of Lady Gaga and other chart topping artists), and street vendors walk around frequently selling bread, muscles with rice and cay (tea). The weekends, however, bring in all the locals with their families and extended families. This crowd will bring grills and plan for an entire day at the beach complete with three cooked meals. The DJs play Turkish music, especially that of classical Turkish music. Street vendors are not frequently seen as the families cook their own food and even bring provisions to make their own cay.Another contrast between the touristic crowd and the local crowd is the amount of Radical Muslims that frequent the beach on the weekend. The Radical Muslims do swim in the sea and actually have special outfits,
According to my host family, Muslims but not radicals, this is a ridiculous concept as the reason for covering is to avoid nudity and it is a sin for these Radical Muslims to see nudity of any kind.
Being blond'ish, blue-eyed, and fair skinned has made me somewhat of a minority even during the tourism season. The only other people matching my description are the occasional Russian girls. Russian girls are associated in Turkey with prostitutes; however, as many of them practice those sorts of activities during the summer in places such as Antalya. I have never had the feeling of thousands of eyes on me that has made me feel like an outsider. Perhaps next time I come across foreigners in my own country, I will have a much better understanding of their situation. God has a wonderful way teaching lessons doesn't He? :)
Friday, July 8, 2011
July 8, 2011
Hello to all!
Carsamba aksam (Wednesday evening) through Persemba sabah (Thursday morning) we took an Autobus from Istanbul to Antalya. Driving instead of flying was an excellent choice as the scenery was absolutely beautiful and gave me a chance to experience Turkey's country side and villages-which look much like Kansas but with mountains in the background.
The highways in Turkey are mostly one lane, and much to my surprise had very little traffic. Autos, or Abra in Turkish, are very expensive and many do not have them but rather prefer to take the Autobus for long trips. The stops are giant bus terminals with gas stations, not the usual American pit-stops like in America.
The two villages we stopped at were around Izmit and Isparta. The first is famous for a delicious Turkish sweet called pismanye
The other is famous for a spiced meat called socuk.
Carsamba aksam (Wednesday evening) through Persemba sabah (Thursday morning) we took an Autobus from Istanbul to Antalya. Driving instead of flying was an excellent choice as the scenery was absolutely beautiful and gave me a chance to experience Turkey's country side and villages-which look much like Kansas but with mountains in the background.
The highways in Turkey are mostly one lane, and much to my surprise had very little traffic. Autos, or Abra in Turkish, are very expensive and many do not have them but rather prefer to take the Autobus for long trips. The stops are giant bus terminals with gas stations, not the usual American pit-stops like in America.
The two villages we stopped at were around Izmit and Isparta. The first is famous for a delicious Turkish sweet called pismanye
The other is famous for a spiced meat called socuk.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
July 5, 2011
Selam!
As you no doubt are already aware, they do not celebrate independence day in Istanbul, Turkey. It was a little unusual not hearing and seeing fireworks all night long! However a very happy Independence Day to all and please, go buy half priced fireworks for me today as I will be unable to do so!
I acquired a new book yesterday: Modern Turkish: A Complete Self-Study Course for Beginners. I like the book quite a bit and after making up my own lessons, it is quite nice to be able to have a book. Excited to use my new book, I spent a great deal of time on Lesson 1, pronunciation. To be specific fine tuning pronunciation and trying to get it closer to Turkish and less American Turkish-my speciality. The Turkish alphabet is similar to that of the English alphabet with a few extra vowels and consonants:
a a (as u in run)
b be (as in English)
c ce (as g in giant)
ç çe (as ch in change)
d de (as in English)
e e (as in get)
f fe (as in English)
g ge (as in get)
ğ yumuşak g (soft g similar to a glide that lengthens the vowel proceeding it)
h he (as in hotel)
ı ı (as in fun)
i i (as in fit)
j je (as s in measure)
k ke (as in kitchen)
l le (as in English)
m me (as in English)
n ne (as in English)
o o (as in novel)
ö ö (like the German ö where your mouth forms an "oh" but you say "ee")
p pe (as in Engish)
r re ( as in rabbit)
s se (as in sad)
ş ş (as sh in shade)
t te (as in English)
u u (as in pull)
ü ü (like the German ü where your mouth forms an "uh" but you say "ee")
v ve (as in English)
y ye (as in yes)
z ze or zet (as in English)
(Doğan, Orhan B. Modern Turkish: A Complete Self-Study Course for Beginners. Beşir Kitabevi Publishing, Istanbul: 2010)
I am constantly having to check my vowels and l's as the pronunciation should be in the middle of the mouth and mine tends to reside towards the front of my mouth. Most of the sound seems to sit in the middle of the mouth or further back towards the throat. Similarly, some of the consonants are controlled using the throat more so than Germanic and Romantic languages. The closest comparison is the German "R" being very guttural and in the back of the throat. It could be hypothesized that the throat singing of Turkish music is a direct result of the pronunciation of the language and vise versa. The melismatic control of the komas could have very well stemmed from the throat control needed for the spoken language. All in all, it is very challenging learning to use my voice in the right way. As a classically trained singer, the use of the throat and larynx is absolutely minimal if used at all.
Another aspect of the language worthy of note is the need for consistent supported breath. To make the throat movements necessary and to get the sound quality as well as placement just right, the breath has to be connected to the low body. In my opinion, this explains how Turkish singers can produce the consistency in sound that they do while using the larynx to control movement of the notes.
We will be heading to Antalya soon and from there, Adana until returning to Istanbul in August. I am looking forward to the trip which will be on a bus that makes frequent stops at larger cities allowing time for some sight seeing and, the best part, time to be able to taste the local cuisine!
Antalya, Turkey
As you no doubt are already aware, they do not celebrate independence day in Istanbul, Turkey. It was a little unusual not hearing and seeing fireworks all night long! However a very happy Independence Day to all and please, go buy half priced fireworks for me today as I will be unable to do so!
I acquired a new book yesterday: Modern Turkish: A Complete Self-Study Course for Beginners. I like the book quite a bit and after making up my own lessons, it is quite nice to be able to have a book. Excited to use my new book, I spent a great deal of time on Lesson 1, pronunciation. To be specific fine tuning pronunciation and trying to get it closer to Turkish and less American Turkish-my speciality. The Turkish alphabet is similar to that of the English alphabet with a few extra vowels and consonants:
a a (as u in run)
b be (as in English)
c ce (as g in giant)
ç çe (as ch in change)
d de (as in English)
e e (as in get)
f fe (as in English)
g ge (as in get)
ğ yumuşak g (soft g similar to a glide that lengthens the vowel proceeding it)
h he (as in hotel)
ı ı (as in fun)
i i (as in fit)
j je (as s in measure)
k ke (as in kitchen)
l le (as in English)
m me (as in English)
n ne (as in English)
o o (as in novel)
ö ö (like the German ö where your mouth forms an "oh" but you say "ee")
p pe (as in Engish)
r re ( as in rabbit)
s se (as in sad)
ş ş (as sh in shade)
t te (as in English)
u u (as in pull)
ü ü (like the German ü where your mouth forms an "uh" but you say "ee")
v ve (as in English)
y ye (as in yes)
z ze or zet (as in English)
(Doğan, Orhan B. Modern Turkish: A Complete Self-Study Course for Beginners. Beşir Kitabevi Publishing, Istanbul: 2010)
I am constantly having to check my vowels and l's as the pronunciation should be in the middle of the mouth and mine tends to reside towards the front of my mouth. Most of the sound seems to sit in the middle of the mouth or further back towards the throat. Similarly, some of the consonants are controlled using the throat more so than Germanic and Romantic languages. The closest comparison is the German "R" being very guttural and in the back of the throat. It could be hypothesized that the throat singing of Turkish music is a direct result of the pronunciation of the language and vise versa. The melismatic control of the komas could have very well stemmed from the throat control needed for the spoken language. All in all, it is very challenging learning to use my voice in the right way. As a classically trained singer, the use of the throat and larynx is absolutely minimal if used at all.
Another aspect of the language worthy of note is the need for consistent supported breath. To make the throat movements necessary and to get the sound quality as well as placement just right, the breath has to be connected to the low body. In my opinion, this explains how Turkish singers can produce the consistency in sound that they do while using the larynx to control movement of the notes.
We will be heading to Antalya soon and from there, Adana until returning to Istanbul in August. I am looking forward to the trip which will be on a bus that makes frequent stops at larger cities allowing time for some sight seeing and, the best part, time to be able to taste the local cuisine!
Antalya, Turkey
Saturday, July 2, 2011
3 July 2011
Merhaba!
To all my fellow Americans, a very happy July 4th. Please shoot off some fireworks for me as I do not think I shall be doing so here! I have been receiving so many pictures and news of the floods in Missouri and Kansas area not only from friends and family on the internet but also on Turkish television. For those involved, you are in my prayers, and the prayers of many Turkish people as well.
Today let's take a look at Turkish sentence structure. First of all, Turkish does not use nearly the amount of small words that English and Germanic languages do. For example: "the," "a," "to," etc. The main action always goes at the very end of the sentence with the subject at the beginning. There are no exceptions to this rule except for slang sentences.
I am going home.
Ben eve gidiyorum.
or Turkish would leave out the "ben" and the sentence would simply be
Eve gidiyorum
I gave a cookie to Caitlyn.
Caitlyn'e kurabiye verdim.
We are watching TV
Televizyon seyrediyoruz.
To all my fellow Americans, a very happy July 4th. Please shoot off some fireworks for me as I do not think I shall be doing so here! I have been receiving so many pictures and news of the floods in Missouri and Kansas area not only from friends and family on the internet but also on Turkish television. For those involved, you are in my prayers, and the prayers of many Turkish people as well.
Today let's take a look at Turkish sentence structure. First of all, Turkish does not use nearly the amount of small words that English and Germanic languages do. For example: "the," "a," "to," etc. The main action always goes at the very end of the sentence with the subject at the beginning. There are no exceptions to this rule except for slang sentences.
I am going home.
Ben eve gidiyorum.
or Turkish would leave out the "ben" and the sentence would simply be
Eve gidiyorum
I gave a cookie to Caitlyn.
Caitlyn'e kurabiye verdim.
We are watching TV
Televizyon seyrediyoruz.
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