David Alvarez: Slang and Cultural Expressions

Approx. time

Expression

Explanation

1:10

Moorish Arabs and Berbers

Muslim residents of the Maghreb region of North Africa, the Iberian Peninsula, Malta, and Sicily during the Middle Ages

3:19

Gibraltarians

people from the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar

3:33

maltreated Catalans and Basques

badly treated two ethnic minority groups in Spain

4:16

relent

give in, finally agree to do something

6:34

colonialism

system of foreign powers taking control of a region by infiltrating it with settlers, dominating its politics, and exploiting its resources

7:01

benign

not harmful

9:08

Apartheid period

time period when a minority of white European descendents ruled the majority of black and Asian residents of S. Africa (1948 - 1994)

10:50

subjugation

ruling, holding power over those beneath you

12:07

Healing Children of Conflict

non-profit organization seeking to medically aid children wounded by Middle East conflict involving the United States and to bring awareness to the roots of those conflicts

12:42

shrapnel in his torso

pieces of exploded metal in his body

12:58

logistical obstacles

practical barriers of organization, transportation, and expenses

14:09

HealingChildrenOfConflict.com

website for David’s organization

14:13

HealingChildrenOfConflict@gmail.com

email address for David’s organization

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.