I have posted a couple of times about the differences in New Zealand English and American English, but had so far avoided too much discussion on slang as it is in a category all its own. After two years, I am starting to get a grasp of it, so I thought I would share it with you. Next time conversation starts to lag a bit, just throw one of these in, should spice things back up a bit :)
Skuxx: someone who is ultra-fashionable, such as the 15 year-olds you see walking down the street dressed like their favorite Disney star
Hoon: speedy Gonzalez (when driving)
Mufti: casual dress day (such as Mufti Friday at the office)
Chur: an expression of excitement
Bogan: Southern-Hemisphere white trash
Munted: mangled, destroyed
Sussed: sorted out, resolved
Gutted: disappointed, let down
Buggered: broken, exhausted
Shattered: more tired than buggered
Crook: really sick
Nectar: awesome!!
Wop-wops: middle of nowhere
Flat out: very busy
Chocka: really full
Togs: swimsuit
Smoko: break-time at work
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Tuesday, June 02, 2015
Music notes
All languages have dialects, but until coming to New Zealand I had never considered that might apply to music as well. However, when I was invited to join orchestra a couple of months after arriving, I was given a slightly rude awakening as I spent the majority of the first few rehearsals attempting to decipher the meaning of terminology.
I have since learned that New Zealand uses the UK version of some music terminology. I have become accustomed to hearing the different words now, and understand their meaning, but I still find myself thinking twice to make sure I have it right. I find this especially important when teaching, as I do not want to confuse my students. I do make sure they learn both the US and UK terms though :)
Below I am including a list of some of the differences I have encountered. Apologies to my non-
musician readers if it does not make much sense:
Whole note = semibreve
Half note = minim
Quarter note = crotchet
Eighth note = quaver
Sixteenth note = semi-quaver
Thirty second note = demi-semi quaver
Sixty fourth note = hemi-demi-semi quaver (I struggle to not laugh anytime I say this one)
Fermata = pause
First ending = first time bar
There are a few more in the back of my mind, but I am failing to remember them all right now, so that will have to serve as a nice start.
On the note of musical activities, I have continued work for both schools, as well as teaching privately. I have a few new students which is enjoyable the majority of the time. I must admit to a few of the younger students at the school (5-6 year olds) trying my patience now and again, but I am certain they will prove themselves to be wonderful little dears soon.
Last month I had the joy of performing in a four-hand recital with m friend Karen who has recently moved over for a bit. We had a wonderful time putting together and learning the program, and a delightful supportive and interactive audience on recital day.
The highlight for me was our final piece, which was for one piano 6 hands. My friend Sonoko who joined me in a recital last year agreed to be our other two hands so the coordination began.
We had many a laugh and not a shortage of blunders in figuring out how to coordinate 30 fingers on the piano, but it was such a success we have been asked to perform the piece again later in the year. One of our enthusiastic fans kindly shared a video they took,which I now share with you. Hope you enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4heJ3po-S_w
I have since learned that New Zealand uses the UK version of some music terminology. I have become accustomed to hearing the different words now, and understand their meaning, but I still find myself thinking twice to make sure I have it right. I find this especially important when teaching, as I do not want to confuse my students. I do make sure they learn both the US and UK terms though :)
Below I am including a list of some of the differences I have encountered. Apologies to my non-
musician readers if it does not make much sense:
Whole note = semibreve
Half note = minim
Quarter note = crotchet
Eighth note = quaver
Sixteenth note = semi-quaver
Thirty second note = demi-semi quaver
Sixty fourth note = hemi-demi-semi quaver (I struggle to not laugh anytime I say this one)
Fermata = pause
First ending = first time bar
There are a few more in the back of my mind, but I am failing to remember them all right now, so that will have to serve as a nice start.
On the note of musical activities, I have continued work for both schools, as well as teaching privately. I have a few new students which is enjoyable the majority of the time. I must admit to a few of the younger students at the school (5-6 year olds) trying my patience now and again, but I am certain they will prove themselves to be wonderful little dears soon.
Last month I had the joy of performing in a four-hand recital with m friend Karen who has recently moved over for a bit. We had a wonderful time putting together and learning the program, and a delightful supportive and interactive audience on recital day.
The highlight for me was our final piece, which was for one piano 6 hands. My friend Sonoko who joined me in a recital last year agreed to be our other two hands so the coordination began.
We had many a laugh and not a shortage of blunders in figuring out how to coordinate 30 fingers on the piano, but it was such a success we have been asked to perform the piece again later in the year. One of our enthusiastic fans kindly shared a video they took,which I now share with you. Hope you enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4heJ3po-S_w
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