Indian Cuisine in Sydney
Think of Indian cuisine and either your mouth waters as your mind conjures images of aromatic curries, naan bread, flavoursome spices or the gut wrenches as you painfully remember the oil drenched curries laden with red chilli! Well, I am no aficionado but can say with certainty that Indian food is one that can be easily customised for any palate and yet retain its rich flavour, aroma and texture.
My theory can be put to test on the streets of Sydney in a jiffy. If you are from the North of Sydney and like your Indian curries sweet – there a couple of good restaurateurs who cater to this in Crow’s Nest. If you are in the Hills and like your spices Norwest is a good place for the palate challenge. If Liverpool is the hub of authentic Indian, Homebush is the Mecca of the cuisine! And if you are up for a flavour burst – Harris Park is teaming with all kinds of Indian cuisine- North Indian, South Indian and even Indian-Chinese (believe me it’s an entire culinary experience that the Chinese are not aware of and the Indians swear by it)!
Mandarin Chinese and its characters
Mandarin Chinese, which is also known as pútónghùa, zhōngwén, hànyǔ, and guǒyǔ, is spoken in China and Taiwan as a native language. Due to its popularity, Mandarin is also used in different countries all over the world such as Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines…….In fact, Mandarin is one of the most broadly spoken languages in the world together with English and Spanish.
People in different areas of China speak different dialects as Min Nan, Hakka, Fujian, Cantonese, etc, which may sound very different to standard Mandarin. Fortunately, the meaning and the written language is the same for all kinds of Chinese dialects.
Generally speaking, students prefer to write simplified instead of traditional Chinese characters as they are much more simple. One of the ways to master the characters, to understand the two, they are in fact interconnected with each other. Taiwanese uses traditional characters only while Chinese uses simplified characters. However, not every Chinese character has both simplified and traditional versions, so sometimes you may have no option but to write the complicated form.
Australian Slang and Colloquialisms and the difference from British Colloquialisms
Even though Australia was settled by the British, the country has developed it’s own slang language. There are many reasons why the differences have emerged however here the differences will be shown and the reasons are another story and may come later.
British police are colloquially called “plods, bobbies, coppers”. In Australia the word “copper” is used.
When the police, principal, boss or superior officer will punish you, or when someone may get revenge on you a British person would say “They’re going to do you now,” while an Australian person wold say “They’re going to get you” and “They’re going to make you pay”.
A posh person is normally called a “toff” by British speakers, while Australians would use the word “ponce”.
The currency is always called by its proper name. In the UK, “quid” is slang for pounds while in Australia “bucks” is used instead of dollars. The reason for this difference is American influence. In America, “buck” as a slang word for money was influenced by colonial times where Europeans and American Indians used goats, deer, and antelopes as a form of currency.
In Australia if you want to call someone “crazy”, idiotic, unreasonable, blind to danger, short tempered, you normally use the word “nuts” or maybe “nutso”, and for people who are extreme examples; “mad as a cut snake”. In the UK you would normally hear the description “mental”.
Other people are seen as rude, dishonest, neglectful, unpleasant, selfish, lazy or you may dislike them for any number of reasons. In Australia, that type of person is a “jerk”, “rat bag” or “scum bag”. In Britain, the word is “twat”. The British also use the word “twat” to mean “to beat up”, while in Australia people might say “bash” and “pummel”.
These are just some Australian slang word, but watch these blogs because more info about Australian slang just might “pop up” (appear :)).
How to Improve Your Pronunciation When You are Aware of Your Accent and Want to Improve It
An IELTS trainer may have told you your pronunciation has problems, people may have told you your accent makes you hard to understand, or maybe you’ve heard your own voice and think it needs to be better. One way or another, you may feel you want to improve your accent. There are several ways to do this. Learn how the words are properly pronounced, search the shop or library, or join a pronunciation class.
To learn how the words are properly pronounced, go onto the internet and find websites which feature clips and transcripts in the archives. This is best done on websites for regular TV programmes. These sites feature past episodes and a matching transcript. You can find these on the ABC website in particular. Examples of programmes featured there are Four Corners, Media Watch & Good Game, and (Margaret and David) At The Movies. Lateline and the 7:30 Report also feature transcripts and related clips. While some clips and/or transcripts may be unavailable due to age, there is normally a good selection to choose from. The more recent the story the more likely you will find film clips and scripts. Simply listen to the clip and follow the transcript as it moves.
A number of shops or libraries cater for language students. Their shelves contain books on pronunciation of Australian or even British English. If not, they will help you adjust your accent and if successful your pronunciation may not be a problem. Another option is to join a pronunciation class at a language college. This is where you will receive the training and corrections you need. It will be a specialised class where the teacher focuses strictly on your accent and does not have to help correct people on their grammar, fluency or speed. Another option is to record yourself speak and listen to how you sound and if you are not happy with the accent you hear, try again. It’s been talked about, but no strong story exists.
Ocean Park Hong Kong
Opened in 1977, Ocean Park Hong Kong is a marine-life theme park featuring animal exhibits, thrill rides and shows. In 2012, its impressive ability to offer guests a world-class experience that blends entertainment with education and conservation was confirmed when it became the first Asian winner of the biannual Applause Award, the most prestigious award in the amusement and theme park industry.
The park is located on the southern side of Hong Kong Island, covering more than 870,000 square metres. The Waterfront and The Summit areas are connected by the Cable Car and Ocean Express funicular train.
Polar Adventure – Explore the North and South poles in one day
Ocean Park’s newest attraction, Polar adventure lets you explore the North and South poles from the exhilaration of a bob sled ride, to the wonder of meeting king penguins up close. You’ll also see long-tusked Pacific walruses, spotted seals, arctic foxes, snowy owls and other extraordinary animals. And when you need a break, Tuxedos Restaurant serves refreshments with a view of more than 70 penguins frolicking on the ice.
Old Hong Kong – Relive fond memories of times gone by!
Old Hong Kong, brings the unique culture of Hong Kong in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s back to life. Savour the sights and sounds of yesteryear aboard the Heritage Tram! Be mesmerised by the colour and buzz of life in accurate recreations of old streets and scenes. Take a trip into nostalgia and take home some antique souvenirs to keep the memories alive!
Thrill Mountain
In this zone, guests can dangle off a cliff on the floorless roller coaster, Hair Raiser, or hang upside down while swinging on The Flash. Soar with The Aviator to feel the sensation of flight, before knocking around on bumper cars. Don’t leave without a ride on Rev Rooster, a high speed and energetic classic.
Rainforest
Hop aboard a raft and become immersed in the exotic sounds of a tropical rainforest. On this journey, you’ll encounter some of the most fascinating animals in the world! Catch the antics of the world’s smallest monkey, the Pygmy Marmoset; or see weirdly wonderful critters, including the Capybara, the world’s largest rodent, and Kinkajou; as well as the Green Aracari, the world’s smallest toucan.
Aqua City
Aqua City is a world-class marine themed area that will redefine your underwater experience. Here you can watch Symbio, a multi-sensory show featuring the world’s first 360-degree water screen. You can also embark on a journey of exploration into the Grand Aquarium featuring 5000 fish from over 400 species and other aquatic wonders. View them from the world’s largest aquarium dome, which has a diameter of 5.5 metres, or through an 8×13 metres giant viewing panel. Make sure you drop by Neptune’s Restaurant for Hong Kong’s first aquarium dining experience!
Amazing Asian Animals
At the Amazing Asian Animals exhibit you can visit some of Asia’s rarest animals. Take an interactive journey of discovery at the Giant Panda Adventure where you’ll get to know some of Asia’s most precious native animals, including giant pandas, red pandas, Chinese giant salamanders and Chinese alligators. Admire the spectacular display of goldfish at the Goldfish Treasures exhibit, or visit the colourful birds and playful Asian small-clawed otters at Panda Village.
Other popular attractions include Sea Jelly Spectacular, The Abyss turbo drop, Mine Train roller coaster and the show at Ocean Theatre are also not to be missed.
During festive seasons, Ocean Park Hong Kong will organize special events, such as Halloween Bash, Asia’s biggest Halloween party, and Summer Splash water play activities.
How to get there
Bus 629 from Central Pier 7 or from MTR Admiralty Station, Exit B and alight at the park.
Info
Website:www.oceanpark.com.hk
Lucy, Cantonese teacher
LanKwai Fong
LanKwai Fong is one of Hong Kong’s most popular nightlife hot spots and home to over 90 restaurants and bars. The atmosphere ranges from stylish wine pairings to raucous jelly shots and the food on offer is as diverse as the clientele.
Thanks to Hong Kong’s dominance in Asian cinema, this centre of late-night revelry is so renowned that its official street sign is more photographed than many of the celebrities who haunt its clubs. Mostly, the area is crowded with people from the surrounding offices of Central, eager to shake off the working day or week. Get in the thick of it with a street side perch, or watch the antics on the road below from one of the upper floors.
LanKwai Fong usually hosts carnivals and other celebrations during major festivals, such as Halloween, Christmas and New Year and has its own beer festival.
How to get there
MTR Central Station Exit D2, walk along Theatre Lane, and up D’Aguilar Street.
Info
Website:www.lankwaifong.com
Lucy, Cantonese teacher
The A’s of OET Speaking
Your palms are sweaty, your heart’s racing… and you stare, dumbfounded, as your mind goes blank.
To avoid a situation like this happening in your OET speaking exam, you should be prepared for what to expect and how you should respond. The roleplay that you are given will require you to use appropriate language and phrases to do one or more of the following things:
- Assess the patient, the patient’s background or the current situation. This is often what you do in the opening section of the speaking – you find out (i.e. assess) what it is that the patient wants!
- Assure the patient about their particular health condition, their family member’s illness or an upcoming operation, etc. The patient is anxious and you need to calm them down… what do you say? You should use empathic language, exhibiting your understanding to the patient.
- Advise the patient about lifestyle changes, how to manage their diabetes/health disease or what are the harms/benefits. Here you need to make appropriate suggestions for the patient’s situation.
- Arrange a follow-up appointment or referral, if appropriate to the situation. You are showing the patient that you are taking immediate action to help them.
Now it’s up to you to carefully consider each of these types of speaking tasks and come up with some appropriate sentences, questions or phrases that can help you communicate these things to the patient.
-Carol, OET Teacher of SLS
Should you learn Portuguese?
Do you know… that learning Portuguese is much easier than other languages? So why don’t you brush up on your Portuguese and get prepared for the WORLD CUP 2014?
The World Cup in Brazil is getting closer and this is the second time the country is hosting the competition after more than 60 years. The tournament will be held from 12 June to 13 July and 12 cities were selected to host the World Cup games. The official MASCOT is the tatu-bola and it carries the colours of the Brazilian flag. Plus, after the public vote for the official ball, the “Adidas Brazuca†was chosen because the ball takes inspiration from elements of Brazilian culture.
Apart from the World Cup I will tell you another reason for learning or improving your Portuguese skills:
• You may have advantage once you speak Portuguese considering the fact that Brazil belongs to BRIC, an acronym for ‘Brazil, Russia, India and China’, which means its economy has grown rapidly during the last years. Besides that, I would say that you might get competitive advantage if you speak Portuguese specially if you are looking for a job in those countries.
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSwANq8gRS8
OET: How to say no to test anxiety?
1. Be prepared.
How come you can be confident if you are not prepared, in everything you do, not just for exam alone? Summary the main point for each chapter can save you lots of time.
2. Study efficiently.
There is no genius, genius is trained. Therefore, don’t just begin to study three nights before the exam. You simply kill your brain with the overwhelming terminology and can’t get good result definitely. Study is a lifelong process, therefore, it is essential that you can organize your study schedule and stick with it.
3. Love your body
Treat your body well and it will pay back for sure. Sleep well and have a nice meal before you sit for the exam.
4. Group work
Study in groups for the clinical exams may be useful. You can never predict how much you can learn from others friends
5. Answer the ones you know first.
Try to answer all the questions you know, leave time for the tricky one. Never invest too much time one question, otherwise you will certainly run out of time to finish others questions.
6. Yes! Be focus!
Some students may leave early in the test but it doesn’t mean you need to be rush. Steady wins the race! Therefore, concentrate on what you are doing, ignore what others are doing. Make the most of your exam period!
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Differences between Brazilian Portuguese and Portuguese from Portugal
The differences in the spoken language are much more pronounced than the differences in the formal written language
The Brazilian spellings of certain words differ from those used in Portugal and the other Portuguese-speaking countries. Some of these differences are merely orthographic, but others reflect true differences in pronunciation. They are similar to how the English spellings of certain words in the United States differ from the spellings used in other English-speaking countries.
A few examples are given in the following table:
| Brazil | Portugal | English |
| abridor de latas | abre-latas | can opener |
| aeromoça, comissária de bordo | hospedeira | flight stewardess |
| água-viva, medusa | alforreca | jellyfish |
| AIDS | SIDA (Síndrome da Imunodeficiência Adquirida) | AIDS |
| alho poró | alho-porro, alho-francês | leek |
| amerissagem | amaragem | landing on the sea, splash-down |
| aquarela | aguarela | watercolor |
| arquivo | ficheiro | file |
| aterrissagem | aterragem | landing |
| Band-Aid | penso rápido | band-aid (US), plaster (UK) |
| banheiro, toalete, toilettes, sanitário | casa de banho, quarto de banho, lavabos, sanitários | bathroom, toilet |
| bonde, bonde elétrico | eléctrico | streetcar (US), tram (UK) |
| brócoli | brócolos | broccoli |
| cílio (Classical Latin “cilium”), pestana, celha | pestana | eyelash |
| café da manhã, desjejum, parva | pequeno almoço, desjejum | breakfast |
| caminhonete, van, perua (informal) | camioneta | station wagon (US), estate car (UK) |
| câncer | cancro | cancer (the disease) |
| carona | boleia | ride, hitchhiking |
| carteira de habilitação, carteira de motorista, carta | carta de condução | driver’s license (US), driving licence (UK) |
| carteira de identidade, RG (from “Registro Geral”) | bilhete de identidade | ID card |
| telefone celular (or simply and most common “celular”), aparelho de telefonia celular | telemóvel | cell phone (US), mobile phone (UK) |
| canadense | canadiano | Canadian |
| caqui (from Japanese 柿 kaki) | dióspiro | persimmon |
| disco rígido, HD | disco duro | hard disk |
| dublagem | dobragem | dubbing |
| durex, fita adesiva | fita gomada, fita-cola, fita adesiva | Scotch Tape (US), Sellotape (UK) |
| time, equipe | equipa, equipe | team |
| estação de trem | gare, estação | railway station |
| estrada de ferro, ferrovia | caminho de ferro, ferrovia | railway |
| favela | bairro de lata | slum, shanty-town |
| fila | bicha, fila | line (US), queue (UK) |
| fóton | fotão | photon |
| fones de ouvido | auscultadores, auriculares | headphones |
| freio, breque | travão, freio | brake |
| gol | golo | goal (in sports) |
| grama, relva | relva | grass (lawn) |
| Irã | Irão | Iran |
| Islã | Islão | Islam |
| israelense, israelita | israelita | Israeli |
| maiô, maillot | fato de banho | woman’s swimsuit |
| mamadeira | biberão, biberon | baby bottle |
| metrô | metro, metropolitano | underground railway, metropolitan railway |
| Moscou | Moscovo | Moscow |
| ônibus | autocarro | bus |
| polonês, polaco | polaco | Polish |
| rúgbi, rugby | râguebi, rugby | rugby |
| secretária eletrônica | atendedor de chamadas | (telephone) answering machine |
| sutiã, soutien | soutien, sutiã | bra |
| tcheco, checo | checo | Czech |
| tela | ecrã | screen |
| trem, composição ferroviária | comboio | train |
| Vietnã | Vietname | Vietnam |
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