Pershendetje, si jeni?
It's been a long time since I last wrote. I'm just rediscovering this blog about my language learning adventures, and recently there have been some updates.
I just started learning a few words and phrases in Albanian because I wanted to talk with the staff at a local cafe who are from Albania. I've never known about this language before, other than listening to my coworker at the library, who is also from Albania, talk to her husband and family over the phone at our shared lunchtime.
Lately, I've been going to the local cafe for lunch and coffee. They have a great Honey Cinnamon latte that my other coworker likes and really good hot chocolate that another coworker likes. I like both!
So, since I wanted to learn a little Albanian for the cafe staff, I started learning how to say hi, how are you? My name is Lena. What is your name? Nice to meet you. How's it going? I'm good, thanks. And you? Thank you. Goodbye. I just started this week, this past Tuesday evening, and now it is Friday evening so I've been learning it for three days.
I want to learn how to say, nice to see you again! and See you later! and Take care! and I'm learning Albanian. One thing they were trying to teach me was how to say enjoy! meaning enjoy your food and it's similar to Turkish in that you say may it benefit you, or may it be good for you.
Also, the word for orange (the fruit) is very similar in Albanian and Turkish. I also taught them how to say orange (the fruit) in Spanish. They have very good fresh squeezed orange juice. They made it for you fresh with a machine and several oranges after you order.
So as this is a very new language for me, I can't say many words yet and I still don't understand their replies very well if at all. My first goal will be learning to say and understand: Enjoy! your meal. And then I will try to learn the other words and phrases I want to learn while still practicing the polite phrases I've already mostly learned.
I downloaded the Pimsleur language learning app because it let me do a free trail lesson in Albanian before deciding to commit to purchasing the full program. There is monthly, annual and lifetime access, which is on sale for one more day but is much more expensive.
I also downloaded through the library website the first five lessons of Pimsleur, so I start to get to know the platform and get used to the recorded lessons. I have only used Pimsleur before for a lesson in Croatian on CD that I used when driving in the car with my mom when I wanted to learn Serbian (Serbo-Croatian language).
I also just ordered a book for a certain beginner's guide to Albanian, which I think will be very helpful. There was also a phrase and guidebook, and also Albanian-English dictionaries available.
I hope I can keep learning Albanian! I just talked to the cafe staff today in Albanian, and they were very surprised that I learned some words and phrases. I also started talking with an Albanian new friend on HelloTalk as practice, but we only talked once so far. I want to talk to some Albanian women on there, who may be helpful.
I'll say goodbye and good night, now. Wish me luck with learning Albanian language. Mirupafshim! Natën e mirë!
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