A close-up and personal look at Switzerland
‘Mama’ very well may have been your first word. At the least it was probably what your closest relatives, your parents wanted to recognize as a word. It’s spoken the same way in nearly every language known. As the baby… Read moreSpecial Names You Call Your Relatives
It happens all the time. When you are learning a new language you are constantly trying to figure out what all the new words mean. Combining the known with the unknown. Maybe the new word is a diminutive or a… Read moreNames and the Perfect Mix-up
Hands down. Once you’ve learned the basic rules, the pronunciation of written words in German is easier than in English. Learning German guttural sounds may take time, but it’s doable. In English, sometimes, okay, quite often even Americans have problems… Read morePronunciation of Written Words
I talked about Swiss names before (First Names). I’ve been here for ages but some of them still sound strange to my ears. Names are something very personal, you call it your own and identify with it. Unless, of course… Read moreNon-Swiss Swiss Names
Restaurants in Switzerland are different than in the States. Sure, they both serve food. Still, a conversation I overheard in the train the other day got me thinking how big the differences really are. Of course, generally speaking Europe is… Read moreClassic Swiss Restaurants
Normally you have no control over what name your parents give you, sometimes you have a little control over nicknames. Sometimes. Actually, shortening names is done everywhere. I know of someone in America whose name is Charles William, his long… Read moreWhat are you called? Nicknames
Ah, first names. Most people don’t normally have any say in choosing their names. Your parents choose it for you. Some people do choose their own names but that is the exception to the rule. There are some Swiss restrictions… Read moreFirst Names – What’s acceptable
Ah, yes, “A rose by any other name would still smell as sweet”. Thank you William Shakespeare. So, what’s in a name? Honestly, there are some weird and amusing names of places in Switzerland. Some are just weird to the… Read moreWhat’s in a Name, Places in Switzerland
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