Augustin "Auggie" Nsabimana: Slang and Cultural Expressions

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Approx. time Expression Explanation
2:11 UNHCR United Nations High Command for Refugees
4:58 RPF Rwandan Patriotic Front, political party of the Tutsi ethnic group whose armed wing caused Auggie to flee for his life
6:28 decomposed bodies dead bodies that were rotting and coming apart
9:25 swarming moving somewhere in large numbers (like a swarm of ants)
9:33 perished died, often violently or suddenly
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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.

Jorge Rodriguez: Slang and Cultural Expressions

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Approx. time Expression Explanation
4:26 Pueblo chico, infierno grande. Translation: Small town, big hell.
4:44 protagonist the “good guy” in a story
5:52 strength training, cardio-training improving both the muscles and the heart fitness
8:46 varsity kids students participating in inter-school athletics
11:12 dealt a rough blow suffered very bad event
11:37 naturopathic alternative form of healthcare, including “natural” treatments like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and healthy diet
11:57 esophageal cancer cancer of the esophagus (connection between mouth and stomach)
13:08 recuperation recovery, getting better
14:26 with chin up not sad or defeated, optimistic and proud
14:37 chemotherapy treatment with strong drugs to kill the cancer (can make a person feel extra sick)
14:55 the currency of love paid for by the strength of love
15:21 remission [cancer] gone and staying away
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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.

Mira Krishnan: Slang and Cultural Expressions

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Approx. time Expression Explanation
:40 autism from early childhood, mental condition with difficulty in communicating, in forming relationships with other people, and in using language or abstract concepts
2:06 intermittently off and on, not continuously
4:12 black sheep person who is considered the bad example of the group
7:17 what made them tick what made them act or be the way they do or are
7:26 epilepsy neurological disorder with abnormal electrical activity in the brain causing sudden and recurring times of convulsions , sensory disturbance, or loss of consciousness
8:48 resiliency ability to come back after difficulty
9:03 savant person with detailed knowledge, especially in one field
9:25 neurotypical person with “normal” brain activity, not autistic
12:02 come out (informal expression) when LGBT persons begin to publicly present their sexual identity
12:22 tightly knit having very close interpersonal relationship
14:42 internalized racism when people from non-dominant racial groups feel a sense of shame or inferiority about themselves
15:39 can’t ever un-see impossible to take something away after it has been seen
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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.

Deepa Iyer: Slang and Cultural Expressions

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Approx. time Expression Explanation
1:46 binary having only two options
3:27 grieving extended sadness about a loss
3:44 scrutinized being examined very closely
3:58 turban or hijab head covering for men or women
4:27 S.A.L.T. South Asian Leadership Training
5:03 Islamophobia fear of Muslims
5:12 racial anxiety being worried because of others’ race
5:51 percolating brewing, simmering, working for a long time
6:01 the brunt of the main force of
6:57 gurdwara Sikh religious temple
7:15 white supremacist person who believes whites are superior to all other races
8:00 resilience ability to come back after hardship
9:07 incumbent upon required of
9:42 vitriolic and divisive angry and separating
9:57 plethora plenty, a number of
10:37 implicit bias feelings against others which may be unrecognized
11:13 interrogate myself seriously question myself
12:03 ne’er-do-well bad person (someone who “never does well”)
13:39 http://www.progressivewomensalliance.org Grand Rapids Progressive Women’s Alliance
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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.

Joe Lurie: Slang and Cultural Expressions

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Approx. time Expression Explanation
1:27 drowning in academia being overwhelmed by books, theory, and research
2:19 lift the veil look at something directly, remove visual barriers
2:27 prism lens, filter
2:57 narrative story telling
3:53 colonial experience having lived with domination of an outside country
4:46 being lubricated being a little bit drunk [slang]
5:05 temerity excessive boldness, impudence, nerve
8:46 cognizant knowing, recognizing, aware
10:25 Sikh religion from India with approx. 20 million followers
11:43 not contagious not able to pass on illness to other people
14:07 saving face keeping one’s dignity, not losing public respect
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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.

Ana Ramirez-Saenz: Slang and Cultural Expressions

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Approx. time Expression Explanation
2:32 had my fill had enough, couldn’t take (or eat) any more>
3:36 ain't [informal] isn’t, aren’t
4:09 tenacity strong ability to stick with a task until completed
6:25 from the ground up going up from the lowest level
6:42 impetus motivation, drive, energy
10:31 litigation lawsuit, suing, taking to court
11:09 runs the gamut covers all parts of the spectrum, from the least to the most
11:36 the ahas the moments of deep realization when you say “Aha!”
13:42 strident harsh, loud, unpleasant
14:54 phenotyping basic make-up of someone’s character
15:10 insatiable work ethic hungriness to always want to work hard
15:15 unwavering faith spiritual belief that doesn’t change
15:21 humility in service helping others in a humble way
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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.

Silvana Quadros Russell: Slang and Cultural Expressions

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Approx. time Expression Explanation
1:50 Eu...ser...John. I...be...John. [Her husband’s broken Portuguese]
3:22 (time) on my hands plenty (of time) available (nothing to do)
4:55 finalist among the few competitors left near the end of the contest
5:50 moqueca de camarão shrimp stew
6:55 mandioca manioc, also called cassava, is a starchy root vegetable grown in the Caribbean and South America
8:31 tapioca a flour made from the manioc root (Alan misunderstood her as saying “flower.”)
9:07 from scratch starting from all fresh, individual ingredients (no pre-mixing, not prepared ahead of time)
9:38 gluten free have no gluten inside
12:22 jalapeño a hot Mexican pepper not used in Brazilian cooking
14:03 caught me off guard surprsed me, came to me when I wasn’t expecting it
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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.

Elisa Perez-Arellano: Slang and Cultural Expressions

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Approx. time Expression Explanation
3:36 congregated grouped together
4:01 made fun of laughed at, mocked, joked about/td>
4:13/td> felt so out of it/td> felt alone, disconnected, unaware/td>
4:23/td> getting the hang of/td> learning, getting used to/td>
6:09/td> resilient/td> able to come back, withstand difficulties/td>
8:41/td> undocumented/td> without official papers or visas/td>
10:05/td> el macho de la casa/td> the man of the house/td>
10:45/td> machismo/td> male strength/td>
11:07/td> don’t know the ropes/td> didn’t understand the rules, how to do things
12:50 uninsured without health insurance
13:02 keep up with bills stay current with costs for housing, food, electricity, gas, etc.
13:56 LGBTQ community lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning people
15:27 potluck a meal where everyone brings one dish of food to share
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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.

David Alvarez: Slang and Cultural Expressions

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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
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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.

Sonia Manzano: Slang and Cultural Expressions

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Approx. time

Expression

Explanation

1:28

groveling

moving humbly on the ground

1:57

disconcerting

unsettling, making someone feel unsure or worried

2:12

entities

items, things, organizations

2:39

nuanced

having small, subtle differences

5:24

upheaval

turmoil, chaos, confusion

6:24

paratrooper planes

airplanes with benches on the sides to seat military jumpers

6:57

South Bronx

poor neighborhood of New York City

7:29

overalls

working jeans that go over the shoulders to cover the chest

8:09

auditions

tryouts (for a part in a movie, play, or production)

10:38

in every realm

in every area

11:17

in your face

directly confronting you

13:18

making ends meet

trying to pay basic bills

14:42

tumultuous

chaotic, in great confusion

 

/ /

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.

Marcos and Thomas Bragança: Slang and Cultural Expressions

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Approx. time

Expression

Explanation

0:49

straddling

standing with one foot on each side

1:03

itinerant

traveling, moving around

2:44

miscegenation

intermixing, creating biracial babies

10:56

proximity

physical closeness

13:23

capoeira

Brazilian martial art: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capoeira

16:02

tae kwon do

Korean martial art

16:33

berimbau

single-string percussion instrument

17:08

roda

circle

17:27

percussion

tapping, hitting, beating

17:38

rasp

rough, unsmooth noise

 

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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.

Ilze Larsen: Slang and Cultural Expressions

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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.

Terence Reuben: Slang and Cultural Expressions

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Approx. time

Expression

Explanation

0:58

Apartheid

former S. African system that kept white European settlers separated from people of color and gave this minority the most access and power

1:27

segregation

separation by race and ethnicity

2:06

offspring

children

2:52

Afrikaners

white Dutch settlers in S. Africa who spoke Afrikaans (an Africanized form of Dutch)

3:51

insulated bubble

small group separated from other groups

4:18

second tier

second level (in the society)

8:33

travel bug

desire to go to new places

9:41

on someone else’s dime

when someone else is paying

11:30

enclaves

territories where the inhabitants are ethnically or culturally different form the surrounding areas

12:54

ironman (triathlon)

longest distance triathlon: 2.4 miles swimming, 112 miles bicycling, and 26.2 miles running

14:04

www.mttwestmichigan.org

myTEAM TRIUMPH was co-founded by Terence.

 

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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.

Natanael Krische: Slang and Cultural Expressions

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Approx. time

Expression

Explanation

1:03

Guest Name: Natanael “Nate” Krische (large font)

Owner, MegaClean Systems, LLC

3:43

companion

person who goes with you

4:37

vulnerable

exposed to danger, easily harmed

7:19

bankruptcy

going out of business due to lack of money

7:51

www.megacleansystems.com

Nate’s company

8:48

bio-hazards

dangerous medical waste (dirty bandages, used syringes, etc.)

10:58

I.N.S.

Immigration & Naturalization Service

11:26

in the shadows

living quietly so no one will notice you

11:30

within your means

carefully, not spending much money

 

/ /

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.

Ewa & Anders Rydåker: Slang and Cultural Expressions

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Approx. time

Expression

Explanation

0:29

logging mega-miles

registering many miles (in frequent flyer account)

0:35

hobnobbed with royalty

spent time socializing with kings and queens

0:46

pestering

bothering, asking without interruption

0:51

relented

gave in, stopped resisting

0:57

Jag hälsar välkommen!

Welcome to you!

1:02

Tack!

Thanks!

2:27

Uppsala, Sweden

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uppsala

4:37

all in it

everyone is committed

6:06

interesting twist

interesting change (of circumstances)

7:45

dual citizenship

being a citizen of two countries at the same time

8:37

fossil fuel-based to renewable energy

moving from gas/oil products to products we can reproduce (like wood chips)

9:19

mulch

ground-up plant waste (sticks, leaves, bark, wood chips)

10:25

District Energy St. Paul

 

District Energy St. Paul operates the largest, most successful, hot water district heating system in North America and is a national leader in renewable energy.

10:41

Is this a prank call?

Is this call a joke?  Are you trying to trick me?

11:44

American Swedish Institute (ASI)

http://www.asimn.org A gathering place for all people to share experiences around themes of culture, migration, the environment, and the arts, informed by links to Sweden.

12:14

rags to riches

starting life very poor and becoming wealthy and successful

13:25

Santa Lucia tradition

http://www.jumpintoabook.com/2012/12/lucia-morning-in-sweden-3/

14:07

Midsummer tradition

http://www.aswedishmidsummertale.com

 

/ /

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.

Arturo González Vargas: Slang and Cultural Expressions

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Approx. time

Expression

Explanation

0:31

made a name for himself

developed a good reputation

1:03

dropped names

mentioned famous people’s names in conversation

2:12

tab open

the bartender keeps track of your beverage bill while you’re drinking

2:39

bittersweet

positive and negative at the same time

3:24

reverse culture shock

difficulty adapting to life in the home country after being away

3:57

fellowship

association with friends

4:12

aptitudes

skills, abilities

4:24

C.A.R.E.

Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere www.care.com

5:35

juxtaposition

putting two things together with contrasting effect

5:43

shake things up

disrupt the current system, bring about change

5:57

Kids Food Basket

www.kidsfoodbasket.org

6:00

alleviate childhood hunger

diminish the problem of hungry children

6:33

food insecurity

constantly not having enough food to eat

6:41

thrive

to live and grow well, to flourish

7:45

www.kidsfoodbasket.org

where Arturo worked while living in Grand Rapids

8:16

artistic education

learning to be an artist

8:52

appropriated

taken in order to use

9:20

civic engagement

getting involved with the community’s activities

9:32

philanthropy

contributing money to help the community thrive

9:41

solidarity

acting as one unit, unity

10:07

gift of time, treasure, talent

doing volunteer work, donating money, contributing skills

10:25

faith community

religious organization(s)

11:26

surge of people

many people rushing (to help)

11:35

not sustained

not continued after a while

12:15

rallying

joining together for a common purpose

13:16

conjointly

together

13:24

symmetry

matching, equal on both sides

14:13

mutuality

sharing, having equal parts and equal benefits

14:31

let me at

allow me to do (something)

15:00

Buena suerte. 

Mucho exito en el futuro.

Good luck. Much success in the future.

15:04

Muchas gracias a la comunidad.

Thanks to the whole community.

 

/ /

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.

Takunda Mavima: Slang and Cultural Expressions

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Approx. time

Expression

Explanation

0:28

world by the tail

in control, in a very good position

0:42

poised to

ready to, set to

0:43

pre-pharmacy program

the undergraduate coursework that leads to a graduate level degree in Pharmacy Science

0:48

night of drinking (alcohol)

In American English, when the verb “drink” is used alone it usually means “drink alcohol (wine, beer, or hard liquor).

0:50

literally... turned upside down

“Turne upside down” means changed in a significant way. In this case, the car crash turned Takunda’s car upside down (and also changed his life by sending him to prison).

0:55

rise from the ashes

to return to a life of respect or success after terrible failure

2:28

apprehensive

worried

2:41

hanging out

spending time talking together with no particular activity planned

2:48

background checks

criminal investigation into someone’s past life to see if they are safe to work with

2:58

due diligence

careful and proper investigation

3:58

my prom

a formal dance party at the end of the high school year where girls wear elegant dresses and boys wear tuxedos

4:08

senioritis

a fictitious “disease” that causes final-year students to lose focus and behave irresponsibly just before graduation

4:42

let go of apprehensions

not be worried, relax

4:44

let loose

be a little crazy, have fun, be a little irresponsible

5:30

head on straight

to be focused, mature, and responsible

5:36

good track record

a history of good performance

5:40

honor student

high-achieving student, one with very good grades

5:42

lenient

lax, flexible, not strict or controlling

6:23

scrawny kid

[slang] thin, not large or muscular young person

6:57

very bad cocktail

very bad combination of circumstances

7:02

goes out the window

is rejected, abandoned, not employed

7:13

Campus Security

the police department of the university

7:17

get caught

be found by law enforcement officers

7:20

Minors In Possession (MIP)

legal charge against under-age citizens who are caught with alcohol

7:43

Hop in!

Get in! Jump in (my car)!

8:18

crash investigator and toxicologist

the officials who check the site of the crash and test the level of alcohol in the crashed driver’s blood

8:24

blood/alcohol level 0.10

Takunda’s level of body alcohol

8:28

.02 over the limit

Takunda exceeded the legal limit by this amount.

8:56

the home stretch

getting close to the destination

9:05

veers off

turns off

9:10

navigate the curve

steer well around the curve

9:49

ejected and killed on impact

thrown outside of the car and died instantly

10:00

aftermath

the time immediately after a terrible event

10:10

in a haze

confused, unable to see or think clearly

10:59

sirens

the sounds of a police car that warns drivers of trouble

11:11

breathalyzer

device to measure alcohol levels through a person’s breath

11:44

start to sink in

begin to become understandable

11:54

wrapping my head around

starting to comprehend

12:03

heavy

serious

12:19

hysterical

full of uncontrolled emotion

12:29

be sedated

be quieted by drugs

12:48

sentenced

told how one will be punished (e.g., prison time, fine, other)

13:12

remorse

regret

14:06

pleaded

begged, urged

14:09

zero time

no time in prison

14:15

profound

deeply meaningful

15:30

immaculate...divine

pure, heavenly

15:40

opened their arms

welcomed, embraced

15:49

unbearable

unable to tolerate

15:54

not coming after me

not attacking me

15:58

putting myself down

criticizing myself

16:02

of all people

compared with all the people in the world; remarkably

17:08

another gig

another engagement (to speak)

17:20

very poignant

sadly meaningful

17:27

Wyoming High (School)

http://bit.ly/1P1tIi1

17:56

same mindset

same way of thinking

18:08

One Choice

Takunda’s message: the choice to be responsible

19:05

OneChoice520@gmail.com

Contact Takunda if youÂ’d like him to talk at your school.

19:13

@onechoice520

Follow Takunda on Twitter here.

20:03

relevant

connected, related

20:45

St. John Vianney

Takunda’s church: http://stjohnvianney.net

 

 

 

 

/ /

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.

Christine Lee: Slang and Cultural Expressions

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Approx. time Expression Explanation
0:40 national spotlight in a position where everyone in the country can see
0:44 poignant touching, moving in a sadly meaningful way
0:55 Fresh Off the Boat http://abc.go.com/shows/fresh-off-the-boat
1:45 social disconnects people or behaviors that are not connected to others in society
2:45 top tier highest level, elite, prestigious
3:08 to that end with this in mind, intentionally
3:15 immunize protect against
3:18 sanctuary safe place, haven
4:23 simmered cooked on low heat
4:37 Korean cuisine Korean cooking
4:53 Miracle Whip American brand of salad dressing similar to mayonnaise
4:56 slapped it together assembled quickly without much attention
5:20 seminal important, influential, significant
5:27 sitcom weekly humorous tv program (short for “situation comedy”)
5:41 All-American Girl http://bit.ly/1hadPZl
5:46 Margaret Cho https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Cho
6:15 watered down made weaker or less effective
6:19 let alone not to mention (this even more amazing detail)
7:36 rewound went back to the beginning of the story
7:58 microcosm a miniature model of the larger world
8:09 under his radar without his noticing
8:48 whether you can “pass” whether you can be viewed as white (mainstream race)
8:53 socio-cultural climate the atmosphere combining both social and cultural elements
9:04 Wild Wild West a primitive, lawless, undomesticated place (like the U.S. American frontier of the 1800s)
9:42 lived experience knowledge about the world that is gained through direct involvement in everyday events
10:32 springboard event or experience allowing a person to reach new heights
11:20 Richard Pryor https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Pryor
11:25 David Chappelle https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_Chappelle
11:27 Chris Rock https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Rock
11:35 drive points home make points very clear
11:37 can stomach can tolerate, can accept
12:28 universality in the particular ability to express global truths by being very specific
12:55 knockoff copy, duplicate, not original
13:28 Whole The title of her book means “complete” but sounds like “missing a piece.”
13:29 homonym A word that sounds like another but mean different thing (like whole and hole).
13:43 golem from Jewish folklore, a human-like creature that is magically created from inanimate material
/ /

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.

Jorge Gonzalez: Slang and Cultural Expressions

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Approx. time Expression Explanation
0:49 in the saddle engaged in this activity or job
1:14 straddled standing across a border, with one foot on each side
1:27 Grand Valley State University www.gvsu.edu
1:29 Go, Lakers! GVSU’s nickname: Lakers, mascot: Louie the Laker
2:05 acculturated learning about the culture
2:07 assimilated becoming completely blended in
2:47 ancestry, ethnicity racial membership or cultural history
3:01 heritage cultural background
3:09 tamales traditional Mexican food with starch (usually corn) base, filled with meat or salsa or dried fruit, boiled/steamed in a leaf wrapper (which is discarded before eating)
3:46 blending in fitting in without notice, losing one’s previous distinction
4:02 saddled with burdened with (like having a heavy horse saddle tied onto your back)
4:07 melting pot a metaphor where everyone joins a mix and loses his/her identity by blending together
4:15 salad bowl a metaphor where everyone joins together but keeps his/her distinctive character
4:23 analogy a comparison to help people understand a concept
4:55 ins and outs of basic rules of
5:04 P.R. public relations
5:33 mainstream market business world where the majority of people operate
5:44 sustainability ability to keep going for a long time
6:10 vice-versa also the opposite way
6:20 diversity and inclusion being different and making different people all feel welcome and included
7:08 siblings brothers and sisters
7:52 asset building have your home, bank account, and other investments continue to grow in value
8:00 legacy what you pass on to the next generation
8:50 different lenses different ways of seeing the world
9:05 humble beginnings very simple roots, not rich
9:19 upward mobility ability to move up in education, work position, and income
9:45 debatable something we could discuss about possibly not being true
10:29 cultural competency ability to understand and work with people from other cultures
11:15 intentional doing something by thoughtful design and planning
12:20 your tenure your time in that position
12:33 LINC Grand Rapids community revitalization program

At the end of the interview, Jorge says in Spanish, "Muchas gracias" (Thanks much), and Alan answers "De nada" (You're welcome).

/ /

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.

GTRI Episode: Slang and Cultural Expressions

/

Approx. time

Expression

Explanation

0:40

jump-start

to start an engine after it has stalled (usually with the aid of an extra power source)

1:18

genesis

origin, starting point

1:30

Global Detroit

www.globaldetroit.com

2:53

University of the West Indies

http://www.uwi.edu

3:08

Alumna

(is the female form of alumnus/alumni)

3:10

H-1B visa

non-immigrant visa allowing U.S. companies to employ foreign workers in specialized fields

3:17

post-grad

after graduation with a bachelor’s degree

3:42

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

temporary work authorization for F-1 visa foreign students in the U.S. while enrolled in a degree program

3:52

Faurecia

http://www.faurecia.com/en

4:00

Tier 1 supplier

a manufacturing company that is among the most important members of a supply chain, supplying components directly to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs)

4:53

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

period when F-1 status college students with F-1 who’ve completed more than nine months of studies are permitted to work for up to one year towards getting practical training to complement their studies

5:12

F-1 visa

visa issued to full-time international students attending an academic program or English Language Program at a U.S. college

5:13

J-1 visa

U.S. non-immigrant visa issued to research scholars, professors, or exchange visitors participating in cultural exchange programs

6:00

Rua & Associates

http://www.ruaassociates.com

6:25

get plugged in

get connected

7:11

cultural mores

cultural values

7:19

up to speed

caught up, trained, up to date

7:33

foot in the door

initial access, introductions

8:14

land that opportunity

get a job, secure a position

8:57

MEDC

Michigan Economic Development Corporation

9:50

get over hurdle

go past an obstacle or barrier

11:01

went about it

proceeded (in this way)

11:40

graduate student organization

organization for grad students to network, learn leadership skills, and strategize for future work opportunities

12:52

green card

permanent immigration status, including permission to reside and take employment in the U.S.

13:16

recouped

recovered, regained

13:40

ACG Cup

http://www.acg.org/global/aboutacgcup.aspx

14:22

Toastmasters International

https://www.toastmasters.org

14:37

petrified

frozen by fear

15:00

Trinidad & Tobago

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinidad_and_Tobago

15:06

more literal

Here, Yasha meant more reading and theory and less practical application.

 

/ /

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.