They are coming to an end and while it has been a while since I posted, it hasn't been a while since I have been learning Hungarian. I have stuck with study and learn whenever possible and spend at least 1/2 hour in the morning focusing on learning. Throughout the day I take breaks to practice, continue to listen to Hungarian radio and pick apart small sentences.
One of my reasons for learning Hungarian is to obtain dual citizenship. I have until the Hungarian Consulate returns to Chicago and that date has not been set yet. I know I have to have a basic knowledge "To be able to ask the price of a loaf of bread." is what I was told on my last meeting with the Consulate. Since my paperwork is already being processed I should just have to meet again, hold a conversation and then get my picture for a passport.
I am glad that I have no other information as to how much I need to know since my other reason was to be able to communicate comfortably when we are in Hungary.
Well, enough typing, more studying!
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Monday, December 15, 2014
Here, Gone and Back
It's amazing how fast our trip to Europe came and went. I was planning on posting about my language usage while we were in Budapest but due to a late flight, missed connection and serious jet lag we lost about a full day.
I was anticipating that when we arrived at BUD (the airport) I was going to force myself to ask for two seven day transit passes in Hungarian: Szeretnék két hetijegyet. When I walked up to the counter I was greeted in English and what came out of my mouth? "I would like two seven day transit passes". Yep, English. End of day one...
Dinner on day two was at my favorite étterem: Ruben I was able to ask for two beers and when the bill came, John was just about to ask for the check when I was able to stop him and tell him to let me try: Kérem a számlát. The waiter smiled and fired back: Készpénz vagy hitelkártya? I drew a blank. He smiled and said that he asked if it was Cash or Credit. Off we went to explore the Christmas Markets without any other chance of speaking Hungarian.
On and off on days three and four we were shopping and I was able to ask how old was something, what was the price and general pleasantries.
Part of day three was spent with our Hungarian friends and their three year old. I asked questions, learned some phrases and then asked the 3 year old: Hogy vagy? He proceeded to fire off so much Hungarian my head spun! As the day came to an end I realized I had a long way to go.
Yesterday we had an almost ten hour flight. I used it for review and felt it was a very good use of my time. I am starting to understand all of the different endings and how they relate to vowel harmony.
So much to remember, but it is starting to sink in.
Szia!
I was anticipating that when we arrived at BUD (the airport) I was going to force myself to ask for two seven day transit passes in Hungarian: Szeretnék két hetijegyet. When I walked up to the counter I was greeted in English and what came out of my mouth? "I would like two seven day transit passes". Yep, English. End of day one...
Dinner on day two was at my favorite étterem: Ruben I was able to ask for two beers and when the bill came, John was just about to ask for the check when I was able to stop him and tell him to let me try: Kérem a számlát. The waiter smiled and fired back: Készpénz vagy hitelkártya? I drew a blank. He smiled and said that he asked if it was Cash or Credit. Off we went to explore the Christmas Markets without any other chance of speaking Hungarian.
On and off on days three and four we were shopping and I was able to ask how old was something, what was the price and general pleasantries.
Part of day three was spent with our Hungarian friends and their three year old. I asked questions, learned some phrases and then asked the 3 year old: Hogy vagy? He proceeded to fire off so much Hungarian my head spun! As the day came to an end I realized I had a long way to go.
Yesterday we had an almost ten hour flight. I used it for review and felt it was a very good use of my time. I am starting to understand all of the different endings and how they relate to vowel harmony.
So much to remember, but it is starting to sink in.
Szia!
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