Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Day 7: Elementary Uzbek Chapter 2: Yaxshimisiz? Greetings & Farewells

Assalomu alaykum!

Awesome awesome day today moving forward with my Uzbek class and continuing learning a lot of great vocab and conversational info. Been super busy writing away with Uzbek homework as well as blog posts and word practice.

Today's post is sort of miscellaneous with a run through of chapter 2 stuff, some photos, and some links to music videos in class. Again this is from Nigora Azimova's Uzbek: An Elementary Textbook. Skipping chapter 1 since it's basically alphabet stuff, and there's so much more to post/do!

Let's start off with the Uzbek review stuff. I have placed all this info in a printable PDF here if you like.



Yangi Darsni Boshlaymiz (Let's Get Started)
Salomlashuv (Uzbek)
A: Assalomu alaykum!
B: Vaalaykum assalom!
A: Yaxshimisiz?
B: Yaxshi, rahmat.
A: Salom! 
B: Salom! Yaxshimisiz?
Greetings (English)
A: Hello (greeting)!
B: Hello (response)!
A: How are you (lit. Are you well)?
B: Good, thank you.
A: Hi!
B: Hi! How are you?
Xayrlashuv (Uzbek)
A: Xayr!
B: Mayli, xayr!
A: Salomot bo'ling!
B: Xo'p, xayr!
A: Xayr!
B: Ko'rishguncha xayr!
Farewells (English)
A: Goodbye!
B: Okay, goodbye!
A: Be well!
B: Okay, goodbye!
A: Goodbye!
B: Until next time!
Cultural Notes
Uzbek men greet with shaking right hands.
Women kiss each other on the cheek lightly.
Conversational distance closer than American.
Younger people to older people: Assalomu alaykum.
To which is responded: Vaalaykum assalom.
Salom! Qandaysiz? are more informal greetings.
Always correct to say: Assalomu alaykum.
Diqqat, Qoida (Language Points)
Pronouns
Men = I/me (1st person singular)
Sen = you (2nd person singular informal)
Siz = you (2nd person singular formal)
U = he/him, she/her, it (3rd person singular)
Biz = we/us (1st person plural)
Siz = you (also 2nd person plural informal)
Sizlar = you (2nd person plural formal)
Ular = they/them (3rd person plural)
Uzbek word order is Subject Object Verb.
English word order is Subject Verb Object.
Uzbek: Men o'zbek tilini o'rganaman.
Literal: I Uzbek language study.
English: I study the Uzbek language.
Personal Predicate Endings
Men = +man
Sen = +san
Siz = +siz
U = (none)
Biz = +miz
Siz = +siz
Sizlar = +sizlar
Ular = +lar
Example with Xursand, "Happy"
Men xursandman. = I am happy.
Sen xursandsan. = You (si) are happy.
Siz xursandsiz. = You (sf) are happy. 
U xursand. = He/she/it is happy.
Biz xursandmiz. = We are happy.
Siz xursandsiz. = You (pi) are happy.
Sizlar xursandsizlar. = You (pf) are happy.
Ular xursandlar. = They are happy.
+dir can be added to a predicate noun or adjective poetically.
Example: Talabasan >> Talabasandir. (You are a student.)
Interrogative Suffixes
+mi indicates yes or no question when added as suffix.
Uzbek: Men xursandman. Siz xursandsizmi?
Literal: I happy-I. You happy-you-question?
English: I am happy. Are you happy?
(For Chinese speakers, it is like "吗, ma" in "你好吗？, nǐ hǎo ma?")
-chi indicates an abbreviated question when added as a suffix.
It can be translated as "how about...?" or "as for...?" in English.
Uzbek: Men talabaman. Siz-chi? 
Literal: I student-I. You-as.for?
English: I am a student. How about you?
(For Chinese speakers, it is like "呢, ne" in "你呢？, nǐ ne?")
Negation with "Emas"
Negatives are formed with the functional adjective “emas” for "not".
Personal endings are attached to this word after its modifying word.
Example with Kasal, "Ill"
Men kasal emasman. = I am not ill.
Sen kasal emassan. = You (si) are not ill.
Siz kasal emassiz. = You (sf) are not ill. 
U kasal emas. = He/she/it is not ill.
Biz kasal emasmiz. = We are not ill.
Siz kasal emassiz. = You (pi) are not ill.
Sizlar kasal emassizlar. = You (pf) are not ill.
Ular kasal emaslar. = They are not ill.
It can sometimes be incorporated at the end of a word with a dropped "e" for abbreviation or colloquial convenience.
Example: Kasal emasmiz >> Kasalmasmiz (We are not ill.)
Muomola Odobi (Social Interaction)
Salomlashuv (Greetings)
Yaxshi yuribsizmi? = How is it going?
Ahvollaringiz yaxshimi? = How is your health?
Tuzukmisiz? = Are you feeling well?
Sog’-salomatmisiz? = Are you healthy?
O’qishlaringiz yaxshimi? = How are your studies?
Uyichilar yaxshimi? = How is your family?
Onangiz, otangiz yaxshi yurishibdimi? = How are your parents?
Javob (Response)
Rahmat, yaxshi. = Fine, thanks.
Yomon emas, rahmat. = Not bad, thanks.
Juda yaxshi! = Very well.
O’zingiz yaxshi yuribsizmi? = Are you doing well yourself?
Tashakkur, o’zingizchi? = Thank you, how about you?

Xarlashuv (Farewells)
Mayli, yaxshi boring! = Okay, go well.
Salomat bo’ling! = Goodbye (lit. be healthy)!
Kelib turing! = Keep in touch!
Salom ayting! = Say hello!
Oq yo’l! = Good luck!
Telefon qilib turing! = Keep in touch (telephone)!
Javob (Response)
Mayli, yaxshi qoling. = Okay, stay well.
Xo’p, xayr. = Okay, goodbye.
Sog’ bo’ling. = Goodbye, be well. 
So there we have it for main points for Lesson 2.

Again here are the vocab flashcards for this chapter: 



Next, fun photos from today of the class:

My Uzbek class this morning! Great shot 
Walking through Tempe on the way to the market
Found this cute little market, great local products and fruit (thanks Skaidra for the recommendation)
Fun items for lunch. Korean melons (new variety for me), beautiful pineapple, lettuce, and delicious grape and mango kombucha.
Studying in the great big open nice quiet library at ASU with friends
Funny little sentences practicing questions and possessives in class
On the way up from the library. Really beautiful views
Hanging out this evening with Tajik/Persian-studying friends Eddie and Pascal
And last but not least, here are some music videos we've been enjoying in class:
(I will fix these up tomorrow, getting late lol)

Xayr,
Brian

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Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Day 6: Uzbek Class Continues! New Vocab, Resources & Ideas

Assalomu alaykum!

Continuing on with a second great day of classes and getting to know people/places around here. Been enjoying talking to new friends who are also into languages and many other cool things and are excited about being here and moving forward with a new way of thinking. Had some nice chats and saw a presentation on language learning in addition to regular Uzbek class activities and new learnings.

Lots of multimedia to share today, so I'll let that speak for itself:

Notes on the board this morning: adjectives and personal ending constructions for inherent Turkic "to be" verbs
Snapshot of a classroom phrase sheet (super helpful) and my textbook this morning
Going over small stories/paragraphs of sentences using out vocab words with our teacher
Some of the students from our Elementary Uzbek class, looking over the sentences

More shots of our work today in groups on the big presentation paper
Reviewing personal endings to hang up along the wall for easy reference
Exploring the campus with a nice walk and music in the afternoon :)
On the way back from work at the library (see below) and taking in the beautiful nighttime views of my current location
Vocab words are a huge goal for me to work on mastering during this program. Without vocab, you can know all the grammar you want, but making sentences is choppy, unnatural, and disappointing. To make use of the tools of the day and have an easy place to document my learning and review to retain, I have set up an account for UzbekBrian at Quizlet, which is a free flashcard application online. Here is my profile: https://quizlet.com/UzbekBrian

Here are the sections I created tonight while working in the library:









Last but not least, here is a quick talky blog I recorded on the way back to my dorm tonight. Just sharing my gratefulness & inspired/inspiring-ations and thoughts on being here thus far.

Some things to look out for in future posts: * Run throughs of Uzbek textbook lessons * More vocab review pieces and class resources * More photos of everyday life here in AZ * Reviews of local supermarkets and markets * How I found and joined this program * Fun and random story-based posts Until next time! Thank you for reading, please like/share/comment/subscribe at your right. :) Xayr, Brian

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Monday, June 4, 2012

Day 5: CLI Program Orientation & First Day of Uzbek Classes

Assalomu alaykum!

Today was my first day with Uzbek classes here at the Critical Languages Institute at ASU. This entire Arizona experience thus far has been overwhelmingly pleasant and positive and today's events were no exception.

Got up early to be ready for our morning orientation with all CLI students down at the Languages and Literature building. Had a nice presentation with the program directors and introduction of the teachers and what we can expect as far as coursework and homework.

I'm really looking forward to learning Uzbek in general. Beyond even what else I might experience here in Arizona, purely learning the language is something I get extremely excited about and I'm so happy everything could work out with getting here and participating in the course.

I remember looking at the CLI website in passing a couple summers ago and early last year as well and thinking: I would love to do that, I wonder if I could. And here I am! So it's really great to be beginning classes.

My class: There are I think 8 or 9 other people in my Elementary Uzbek 1 group if I'm not mistaken. Really nice people and lots of different reasons for coming to study the language, ranging from military service, to job or studies, to language class credits, to just personal interest like myself.

My textbook: The course is designed around Georgetown University's Uzbek: An Elementary Textbook and it looks like a very nice layout with thematic lessons and lots of cultural and exercise information. A bit graphics-heavy and grammar-light for my intense tastes, but I'll be fine. :) We have a nice syllabus set up and I'll be learning a lot of vocab for various situations.

Here are some photos from around the campus today. I'm hoping to get a class photo, photo with my teacher, and photos with some of the cool people I've met today in coming posts. You know me with the photos, I love to document things!

Ready for my first day of class! On the walk to the Languages building
Morning orientation presentation with pictures and information
Cool shot of a lovely sunny day and view around the area
The ASU sign out for a walk to explore campus
The sign outside my classroom. Too cool!
Ready to review Uzbek vocab by the student union with a classmate

We had the chance to watch some catchy and interesting Uzbek music videos in class from various artists either as we were moving through vocabulary or during partner work as background. Here are the links we used (for easy reference for anyone in my class or just for fun for anyone stopping by the blog back at home):

Cool, hey? I love having some good songs to be the soundtrack to my language camps and learning experiences. Many good memories from Chinese camp etc. Listening to music is a lighthearted, authentic, and fun way to familiarize oneself with the sounds and cadence of a language.

Super looking forward to what's to come. Only the first day! Had some great chats and met some really nice people today (shout out to all of you!). Excited for class tomorrow and will keep you posted.

Xayr,
Brian

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Sunday, June 3, 2012

Day 4: Officially Set to Go! Fruit Shopping for Dorm & On My Own for the Duration Now

Assalomu alaykum!

Officially set to go for my program this summer. Today was the last day my parents were here with me and we finalized everything this morning and moved the last items in and set out this morning for food.

I was worried at first if I would have access to a decent market and how I would either bring or find deliveries for produce here in Tempe, but my worries were relieved when I found the awesome Sunflower Market here in town. I thought it would just be a little produce market, but it totally blew me away!

It basically combines all the good things of a standalone produce market, a Whole Foods, a Trader Joes, and a regular supermarket. With INSANELY CHEAP prices on great fruit as well as speciality products, natural health and beauty aids, and packaged goods for any taste, Sunflower Market was a godsend.

Also what's great is that it is on the route for the free buses around Tempe called Orbits. Orbit Jupiter has that shopping center on its route so I'll be able to go there easily a few times a week as need be. I couldn't get over how great the prices particularly on peaches, nectarines, mangos, lettuce, berries, grapes, oranges, etc. were.

Half the price of Whole Foods, more selection than Trader Joes, more organics and interesting items than regular supermarkets, and cleaner and nicer than a produce market. Why aren't these everywhere?! Any family or any person with any diet could shop here. Sorry, I just get so excited...

After that today was just basically about further getting acclimated around the campus and seeing who was here in terms of the CLI program. Pretty quiet around ASU so easy to maneuver and explore safely. Went to the library today to look around and also explored the student union to get some work and emails done (euro paper in the bag!).

Here are some photos from today:

$2.99 for ORGANIC grapes! Half the price of regular sometimes!
Do my eyes deceive me?! $1.88/lb for all stonefruit, and ripe
Extensive natural product section exceeding even Whole Foods
Out by the student union finishing my paper, nice day
In the ASU library. Probably the only one to enter the Turkic language section in years ;)
My desk: Sun card, Uzbek textbook, computer, key, map 
ASU Hayden library at sunset
Snack of fresh tamarind. So addicted to this stuff now!
The good ol' fruit stash :) Yes, I'm crazy
Last but not least, here is a goofy little tour of my dorm. Sorry for the weird camera angle, made it on my iPhone. Check it out if you like :) 


Overall today was another great day and I am really excited for this independent, fun, education, social, and unique opportunity. Thank you again to mom and dad for all your support! I'll let you know how the first day of classes and orientation goes!

Xayr,
Brian

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Saturday, June 2, 2012

Day 3: Move Into Dorm & Awesome Trip to Sedona Arizona!

Assalomu alaykum!

Today was another fun day on the road towards getting settled in in Arizona and seeing more around the area and throughout the state. Each check off the list for preparing for my stay helps me feel more excited and comfortable about participating in this great opportunity.

Started the morning with some more delicious peaches and nectarines and headed over to Target for some last minute items. Then drove over to Hayden Hall to move in the majority of my stuff and set up my bed and clothes and other items in the dorm. Liking where I'm staying, really nice and starting to feel more like home with my stuff inside.

After getting the dorm together we headed on for a drive up to Sedona in the northern part of Arizona. What a beautiful drive it is, so many great plants and cacti and views and skies and interesting little towns along the way. Stopped at two national monuments for stamps and new learnings about the culture and history of this area.

Sedona was one of the most stunning places I'd ever seen. Beautiful majestic red mountains and lots of cool artsy buildings and stores. Picked up dinner at New Frontiers Natural Foods which I saw on the road and remembered form seeing a video of Matt Monarch way back in the day when I first discovered raw foodism almost three years ago now.

It was really cool to visit a place like Sedona in real life from glimpses seen in pictures passing. Had a great picnic with my parents at a spot by the sunset and had a fun dinner featuring some kombucha, dates, dried figs, and great greens and coconut milk. Had some of my old favorites, was inspired for a walk down food memory lane when going to New Frontiers.

Target Tempe! Reliable as always
Fruit and fridge area in dorm
My bed for the next 7 weeks. Simple and comfortable! Now for decorations...
Really cool saguaro cactuses on the road, of amazing shapes and sizes. Totally Arizona-y
At Tuzigoot National Monument atop the pueblo overlooking amazing mountain views
With mom at the Montzeuma National Monument with a pueblo built into the rock behind us
Quintessential pic of Sedona. Love it
At the front of New Frontiers natural supermarket. Kinda like Whole Foods
Decided to have some of these delicious juicy California dates for dinner tonight, hadn't had them in a while
Goofy little raw food recipe things at New Frontiers. When I used to eat these you had to order them online! :P
Picnic dinner alongside the road at a sunset spot in Sedona with my parents
Walk down memory lane with kombucha... Really tasty and great with chia seeds!
Beautiful Sedona moon in the distance next to the red rocks and trees
I love Arizona!

Overall was a really fun day again and am looking forward to finalizing my move in tomorrow and getting started with classes this week. My parents will be heading out tomorrow morning and I'll be off for the new 2 months! Just gotta get fruit deliveries set up tomorrow from Safeway and check off a few more items. Talk soon!

Xayr,
Brian

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Friday, June 1, 2012

Day 2: Getting Acclimated Around ASU Campus, Drive to California

Assalomu alaykum!

Today was a really great day for getting acclimated to the area and settling in with a clearer picture of what my time in Tempe will be like. Had a great sleep after a long day of travel and started the day with some relaxing, computer time and delicious nectarines, and was ready to get started with fresh plans.

Headed out with my parents to get our bearings around the campus and visit McClintock Hall to pick up my key and cards to enter my dorm. Was very fortunate to be able to check in easily and found some helpful info and people (who know even what the CLI program was!) there.

Walked over to Hayden Hall and was really thrilled to see my dorm. Staying in a single which was totally a deal for the 7 weeks (this whole program is) and have lots of room to set up comfortably. Glad to be able to see where I'll be living and get that out of the realm of wonder or worry.

The dorms, buildings, plants, and general environment here are very interesting and designed well to complement the striking desert vista surrounding us. I love being able to see mountains in the distance and be in a place of such high air quality and great sunshine effortlessly conducive to good mood.

It's certainly hot though, no lie! High 100s today, sometimes up to 112, 113+ degrees. "It's a dry heat", but it takes its toll after a significant amount of time in the sun. Fortunately the shade offers welcomed solace, and there is no humidity for that oppressive feeling. But it is sure like being in a sauna all the time and gets very drying.

Anyway, bopped over to the student bookstore for some cool t-shirts and a lanyard for my ASU card, and then back to the hotel to head in the car for our outing of the day, to drive down to the border of Arizona/California for a look around and some cool pictures by state signs.

My mom and I are both on a mission to get pictures next to "Welcome to" signs of all the 50 states in the USA. Being here and having the opportunity to get these pictures in the album was really fun and I'm glad we did it. Now back at the hotel and settling down for the night yet ready for tomorrow to move in.

Here are some shots from today:
Palm trees line the walkways around campus
Cool shade sculpture things in main student union area
View from dorm outside hallway at courtyard and trees and cacti
Got my ASU sun card as an official student for the summer
Really cool cacti here!
Picture by the California state sign off the side of I-10 (I think)
Awesome Arizona welcome sign. Love that flag!
Went for another walk up to the top of Hayden preserve ("A" mountain) at sunset

Overall I am really loving the energy here. I like to be able to intuitively tell whether I like the vibes I am getting from an area in terms of safety, health, motivation, weather, aesthetics, and so on and Tempe really is awesome! More than excited to be here, be back with more soon.

Not entirely sure yet what I'll do yet for posting frequency but I am thinking that as I get set-up there is more to share, and then within the bulk of the program I'll post every few days or once weekly with a recap of activities and photos of note. Sounds like a plan, let's do this!

Xayr,
Brian

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