Comments for sursumcorda.salemsattic.com/post/memrise-for-learning

Comment #3764

2012-05-25T01:07:22Z

Let me say that Janet unequivocally knows how to choose more useful words for her Swiss German course than the creators of the Introductory German course I'm taking. Instead of dictator, association, rubbish, and concept, we get mother, hello, thank you, and chocolate!

Comment #3763

2012-05-24T19:57:15Z

Janet's working on Swiss German for me, but I don't know anyone who can help with those. :(

Comment #3762

2012-05-24T19:11:38Z

No Wolof or Mandinka! Sigh!

Comment #3761

2012-05-23T22:40:00Z

I'm actually starting with brushing up my French. I have a few disks for learning Dutch that I need to dig out. :)

Comment #3760

2012-05-23T11:13:24Z

One more: Much of the community involvement is in providing "mems"—hints for remembering the word you are trying to memorize. Some are useful—though I'd rather remember the word itself than a trick—but, people being people, some tend toward the vulgar. Sadly, these are almost unforgettable.

Comment #3759

2012-05-23T11:08:57Z

One caveat: Because the content is community driven, there are, as I mentioned, errors. Think Wikipedia, but with a smaller community and less oversight. I tried to fix a couple of errors, but was only able to make suggestions—and in such a way that I have so assurance they will be seen by anyone who can actually fix the problems. But we shall see.

Comment #3758

2012-05-22T17:39:37Z

The sound doesn't work in Iceweasel, either.

Comment #3757

2012-05-22T00:51:25Z

You're welcome. What will you be studying? Dutch?

Comment #3756

2012-05-22T00:29:43Z

Thanks for sharing!! This is going to be a great way to fill time when I'm not job hunting!

Comment #3755

2012-05-21T20:43:41Z

Shorthand for "Bundesrepublik Deutschland" - but among soccer fans, "Schland" has become faddishly popular. Anyway, a native German will say "Bundesrepublik" faster than a native Alabaman will say "Stayutts."

Comment #3754

2012-05-21T18:57:46Z

Interesting. I figured that "dustbin" was a specialized item for coal dust or something. Ordinary trash? How unromantic.

Leave it to the Germans to find a five-syllable "shorthand." :)

Comment #3753

2012-05-21T18:54:23Z

Sigh. I've fixed it. Pride goeth before destruction, etc.

Comment #3752

2012-05-21T18:48:24Z

A few comments on their selection:

"Bundesrepublik" is also used as shorthand for "Germany" - a lot like we might say "I'm from the States" instead of "I'm from the United States of America." Proof, if you needed any more, that it's German.

"Mülleimer" also means trash can (the say-it-as-it-is American cousin of the more distinguished dustbin), so you can freely use that term.

"Blöd" probably isn't essential, but can be a useful mild exclamation along the lines of "oh, nuts."

Now you also know what a "Stadtstaat" is!

Change of topic / I can't resist: What's wrong with the term "acceptible spellings?"