Luna Atamian: Slang and Cultural Expressions

Approx. time Expression Explanation
0:44 legal eagle fun, informal way of saying “lawyer”
1:42 Armenia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenia
1:44 Uruguay http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uruguay
2:20 ethnically when people share a distinctive culture, religion, language
3:12 can make it can succeed
3:17 entrepreneurship starting a business, developing a plan, allocating the resources, and being responsible for the success or failure
3:24 advocacy support, promotion, or championing of a cause
3:43 lengthier longer
6:45 undocumented without official papers giving permission to stay in a country
7:00 comprehensive immigration reform complete revision of laws that regulate people who move into a country
7:32 pressing issue problem requiring immediate attention
7:49 mobilize organizing for action
9:00 soprano female singing voice with the highest vocal range
9:39 resolution formal expression of an intention
12:24 6 k(ilometers) 6 km = 3.7 miles
12:27 10 k(ilometers) 10 km = 6 miles
12:31 endorphins drugs produced naturally by the body to create energy and a feeling of aliveness

Alan Headbloom

Alan advises Americans how to be global citizens and expats how to fit in to Michigan culture without annoying their native coworkers and clients. He also tweets and blogs at the intersection of language and culture. Over decades, he's traveled, studied, or lived on six continents, putting strange foods into his mouth and emitting strange sounds from it. His use of English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Swedish, Hausa, and Japanese all improve with alcohol use. He gives invited public presentations on culture and unsolicited private advice on English grammar and usage; the latter isn't always appreciated. Visit his website for information on consulting, coaching, or speaking engagements.