Did you know that the language spoken by the Na’vi characters was developed by Paul Frommer, a professor of communication at USC, specifically for the film Avatar?
Get down! = ne kllte!
Good-bye = Eywa ngahu
The Divine Language is a language invented by director Luc Besson and actress Milla Jovovich for the 1997 movie The Fifth Element. It is a fictional language with only 400 words.
The first part of Leeloo’s name, “Leeloominaï” means “precious stones”.
Ku is a fictional language appearing in the 2005 drama/thriller film The Interpreter. In the film, Ku is a language spoken in the fictional African country of Matobo and created by Said el-Gheithy, the director of the Centre for African Language Learning in Covent Garden London.
“We’re kepéla. lt means standing on opposite sides of the river.” (Nicole Kidman as Silvia Broome in The Interpreter)
Vulcan language from Star Trek. Further developed by fans as Golic Vulcan.
The salute is part of both Vulcan greetings and Vulcan farewells. The formal phrase associated with the salute in both cases is ”Live long and prosper”.
In Vulcan language, “Live long and prosper” is pronounced “Dif tor heh smusma“.
The Esperanto was developed in 1887 by L. Zamenhof as a “universal second language” so that all the people of the world could communicate successfully. Today, we estimate there are up to two million Esperanto speakers worldwide.
“Mi esperas Min ne enuiga vi kun mia blogo” translates into “I hope I’m not boring you with my blog”:)
Even lovers, when the dictionary words are not enough to express what it is felt, manage to invent their own language with a speakership of two – and I’m not talking about the body language here – but a real language that has its own accent, syntax, grammar, and rules.
Friends also share a secret code that others cannot tune into and families speak a language that is only understandable by its members. (Thank God for that!)
Are you willing to share some secret codes online? I am all ears.
The overwhelming majority of Lebanese are trilingual, educated in Arabic, French, and English. They are well-traveled and west-oriented. If visiting an Arab country is on your bucket list but the inconvenience of mastering the native language is deterring you, do not worry we do speak your language too – with or without you.:)
We have actually spoken your language since the bottom of the very first branch of the cedar tree started growing that we have forgotten how to express ourselves natively.
This story is all too familiar. You are on your way somewhere, when suddenly you find yourself stuck in traffic. It is not a typical rush hour time of day and normally traffic does not get backed up like this. You figure there must be an accident or some type of serious incident up ahead just out of sight. You slowly creep your way forward, bumper to bumper, continually looking for the flashing lights of ambulances and police cars; the telltale signs of a roadway incident. Then, all of a sudden, traffic begins to move normally again. There is no sign of an accident, incident, or any other cause of the slowdown in traffic. What happened?
Usually, these situations result in a string of various profanities and harsh accusations aimed at fellow drivers’ mothers and driving capabilities.
In reality, there are so many variables involved in something like a traffic jam but in most cases, some driver was definitely being “inconsiderate”.
To make things worse, let us assume you are very polite to even thinking about letting your tongue move against your morals, but at the same time, you feel it! Your blood rushes to your head; your heart is pounding heavily against your chest. Your adrenaline is racing, a burning sensation creeps throughout your body, you feel violent and explosive as your countenance changes, and all this misery can be eradicated if the fearful sentence have been pronounced in Arabic “Man, you’re inconsiderate!”
The translation of this word and others like “Déjà/Already” seems to be frustrating many out there and linguists would like to help.
Suggestions are welcome and cash is ready. Please share.
If you stick around long enough to listen, you will realize that locals from different parts of the globe will respond to your worries and concerns in a single worldview context, attempting to help you with one simple saying – “Que sera, sera”, each in their own language.
Americans would tell you “that’s just the way it goes!”, “that’s life, my friend”, “it is what it is”, or “that’s the way the cookie crumbles”, in reacting to unfortunate or unavoidable events.
The French will shrug their shoulders and say, “Eh ben, c’est la vie” to describe situations beyond one’s control.
No worries, mate! The Australian’s laid-back approach to life.
In Lebanon and most Arab nations, “Insha’allah” (God will) is the constant reminder that human beings are not in control. However, the Lebanese sometimes use it sarcastically to mean “never!” or “you wish!” (Special funny nation).
“Cosi è la vita” the Italians will sing it to you in their lovely, melodic accent.
Whether we do shape our destiny through our intentions and actions or not, I believe we all sometimes need to throw up our hands out and up in the air and say, “Whatever!”, “Que sera, sera!”- Even if for just a few seconds…
Freddie Mercury sang, “C’est la vie” in “There Must Be More To Life Than This”.
Shania Twain also sang “C’est la vie, that’s life and that’s how it’s going to be”.
Jason Mraz uses the phrase C’est la vie in his song “Dream Life of Rand McNally”.
Needless to remind you, Doris Day in “Que sera, sera”.
Finally, la crème de la crème – That’s Life by Sinatra.
Each time I find myself laying flat on my face, I just pick myself up and get back in the race
Do you know other translations of this expression? Please share.
The OK sign is done by connecting the thumb and forefinger into a circle and holding the other fingers straight or relaxed in the air. The most common interpretation of this sign is OK. However, it is not always OK to use it as it may be interpreted differently.
In Brazil, Germany, and Russia, giving the OK sign will insult the locals and cause you trouble. So, never use it unless you are in a “bring on the fight” kind of mood.
In Japan, this gesture stands for coins and money. Therefore, watch your fingers when transacting with Japanese to avoid being misinterpreted as requesting for a bribe.
In France and Australia, the meaning is negative. It stands for “zero” or “worthless”.
In Turkey and Iran, simply avoid it all together!
In Lebanon, the Lebanese are very OK with that, so feel free to express your approval and satisfaction.
Did you know that the language spoken by the Na’vi characters was developed by Paul Frommer, a professor of communication at USC, specifically for the film Avatar?
