Thunder and lightning
I had a language lesson this evening with my friend Putu. We walked up Jalan Legian to a German restaurant and sat outside under a shade. No sooner had we started getting into it the skies opened and torrential rain came down. Everyone scampered inside and we spent 2 hours going back and forth in English and Indonesian. I’m trying to build my vocabulary and learn what is appropriate to say.
I think Bahasa Indonesia is a relatively easy language and I hope that after a year I will be at a decent standard.
Here’s a sample of the question and answers we went through.
Bagaimana kabarmu hari ini Putu? ( How are you today Putu?)
Saya baik, kamu bagaimana? ( I’m fine, how about you? )
Saya juga. ( Me too. )
Kamu datang dari mana? ( Where have you been? )
Saya baru datang dari toko. ( Just came from the shop. )
Kamu membeli apa? ( What did you buy?)
Saya membeli baju. ( I bought a t-shirt.)
We wrapped up and agreed to meet next Wednesday at 4pm. I’ll try to get some of these and other expressions down.
The rain was still pouring and Jalan Legian, the main street was a river. You could ride a Kawasaki jet ski down it if you wanted.
Sean and I went for a pizza at the place next to warung 96 on Jalan Benesari with James from Toronto who is on vacation.
We cracked open one of these babies and talked about computer ASP’s…or least James did, I just sat there like a dummy and tried to seem like I knew what was being said.
By Nick | Permalink
Related Posts
- Top BaliBlog Posts - #31
- Visiting Global net
- Useful phrases in Indonesian - part I
- Transportation in Bahasa Indonesia-part II
- Sunset time on Kuta Beach Bali
Subscribe
|
Print
|
Share               
|
Comments
Are you following a book, Nick? Sounds as though you’re coming along at a good pace. “Kamu” does Putu think of your progress? As you become more comfortable in Bahasa Indonesia, use it with Sean when you’re pissed off with him! I know. I know. That never happens!
I don’t really follow book although Boots member Pete Day gave me a book yesterday which I’ve started reading. Putu and I take examples from the newspaper and from everyday conversation. I’m trying to get to the point where I can ask questions and have a shot at understanding the response.
One interesting thing about Bahasa Indonesia is that usually the subject is put first ( Kamu membeli apa…..you buy what? ).
I’m gald I’m on the English end of the equation, Indonesian is simpler.
Putu says I do well, but my vocabulary is very limited. If I can introduce and use new terms I’ll pick it up fast.
Nick
Interesting and that’s what makes it all the more mind stretching. You’ll use it - a huge benefit, plus you’re in the environment and culture.
Newspaper articles are relevant and interesting. Putu sounds like a very capable teacher.
It’s said that people who speak more than one language are smarter than….
While Nick was at his lesson, I was at the Cyber Cafe. The place was jammed since it was pouring so hard. It rained, and rained, and rained. It reminded me of thunderstorms in Chicago during the summer, except it rained longer and harder.