Ilze Larsen: Slang and Cultural Expressions

/

 

Approx. time

Expression

Explanation

1:13

shepherding

leading (like a shepherd)

1:45

sensibility

appreciating complex emotional influences; sensitivity

2:47

genome

a person’s complete genetic make-up, one’s basic traits

4:13

gulag

Russian prison camp

5:11

Reformation

breaking from the Roman Catholic Church by Martin Luther and other Protestants in the early 1500s

6:50

Baroque

ornate style of European architecture, music, and art of the 16 and 1700s

7:03

under her wing

under her guidance

8:09

archbishop

in church hierarchy, someone who is above priests and bishops and below cardinals

11:27

Lielv_rdes

traditional Latvian belts used over one’s lifetime (for hanging baby cradles, used in festivals and national costumes, and even used in funerals)

 

/ /

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.