This is Laurel Potter Huerta. She will be a great help to all of us blog contributors as our language consultant.
Laurel graduated from the University of Berkeley, CA with a degree in English and Spanish and Portuguese.
Laurel and I once worked together at a language school in Rio de Janeiro. She is now living in California and is currently married and has a little daughter.
Use the comments to this post either to interview her or to ask her any questions about the English language.
Laurel graduated from the University of Berkeley, CA with a degree in English and Spanish and Portuguese.
Laurel and I once worked together at a language school in Rio de Janeiro. She is now living in California and is currently married and has a little daughter.
Use the comments to this post either to interview her or to ask her any questions about the English language.
69 comments:
Thanks for the intro, Levi!
I'm looking forward to participating!
Many thanks for joining us Laurel!
I'm pretty sure that it'll be great to be in touch with you.
Very well!
Go ahead and ask her questions now! She's ready to answer them! And don't forget there are still 2 challenges waiting to be solved!!!
Berkeley?
COOL!
Yep, Berkeley, but that was ages ago! I moved to Rio shortly after I graduated from UC Berkeley and worked there for a couple of years.
Now I'm back in California. I work for the Women Donors Network in San Francisco, and I occasionally get to do some translation work on the side.
It's great to connect with you all, and please feel free to send any questions my way.
So... Any questions?
Laurel, we all know that the American culture and the Brazilian culture are quite different.
So I'd like to ask you if had a culture shock experience while you were in Brazil or any funny experience?
Regards.
As much as I loved living in Brazil, I definitely had my fair share of culture shock. Once I made some good friends the transition was a bit easier. I certainly remember some funny experiences during my time there. Getting used to riding the buses all over the city (and hanging on for dear life!) is one of the things that comes to mind.... And I recall a scary battle with a giant green bug and a flying cockroach that snuck into my apartment in Copacabana. I had to call the building maintenance person for reinforcements!
But despite the challenges of getting used to living in Rio, I still feel "saudades" for those days, which brings me to my next point: Dani California sounds like a good choice of background music for learning English, but I'd love to hear some recommendations for new Brazilian music. Any suggestions?
I'm looking forward to chatting more with you all. Send your questions my way!
Hi Laurel!!! great to meet somebody else who knows Rio not only from pictures:) I´m from Lithuania and I´ve been living here for 8 years already... Once upon a time Levi was my colleague too:)) Not anymore :(( But now I love being his student and trying to take CPE while working and taking care of two boys :)
I wonder if there´s any word for "rodizio"? As far as I remember(once I lived in Maryland), there wasn´t, but maybe they have invented something?
All the best,
Lina
Very nice to meet you, Lina, and thanks for your question! It immediately made me miss Brazilian barbecue :) As far as I know there is no perfect translation for the word "rodizio." But perhaps that's because the experience of eating at a churrascaria is just so very Brazilian, and therefore hard to translate. I think some might describe it as "all you can eat," but that's not quite right. I came across an interesting discussion of the word online: http://forum.wordreference.com/showthread.php?t=275970
The link is really interesting, Laurel! Thanks a lot!
Lina, since you raised such a relevant subject, I believe you deserve a medal!!!
Hope you have inspired more contributors to come up with more questions. Get ready, Laurel!!
Thanks again!!!
Keep on Blogging everyone!!!
Hi Laurel! Great to count on your help...As we´re at carnival now, my students keep asking me questions about the topic...I wonder if there´s a word that would somehow mean "bloco de carnaval". I don´t know if there´s such a noun, and if so, could we possibly compare it to Mardi Gras in New Orleans? This is a student´s question. Thanks in advance!
Ana L.
Hi Analu! Hope you are enjoying the carnaval festivities. The best translation I've come across for "bloco de carnaval" is "street party." That's not quite a perfect translation because it doesn't really convey the energy of carnaval, so I might suggest saying something more specific like "carnaval street party." Mardi Gras is definitely a good comparison. Here are a couple sites you could share with your students that do a pretty good job of explaining Brazilian Carnaval in English:
http://www.riotudobom.com/2010/01/carnaval-street-blocos.html
http://www.lexiophiles.com/english/understanding-carnival-like-brazilians
Thanks a million Laurel! I´ll show the sites to my class...I´m relieved to have a good answer now.
Your participation certainly deserves a medal, Ana!!!
And Laurel, once more, I can't thank you enough for having so kindly agreed to join us!!
Keep on blogging everyone!!
Well..this post can be addressed to our friend Laurel or to my lovely teacher Levi. I´ve come across some doubts here in the old CPE papers and I´ve come to the unhappy conclusion that I don´t know the difference between -c and -al adjectives, for instance, magic and magical / classic or classical. Would you mind killing my desperate curiosity?
Allow me, Laurel.
Magic is the noun, magical is the adjective. For example I am magic is very similar to the sentence I have magical powers.
magic is the awareness and or actual use of the connection to this artistry, it is more then a simple object but a system to more objective actions
magical is that which contains the awareness, actions, or connection to magic properties...
Historic = Having importance in or influence on history
Historical = Of or relating to the character of history; Based on or concerned with events in history; Used in the past: historical costumes; historical weapons
Historic and historical have different usages, though their senses overlap. Historic refers to what is important in history: the historic first voyage to the moon. It is also used of what is famous or interesting because of its association with persons or events in history: a historic house. Historical refers to whatever existed in the past, whether regarded as important or not: a minor historical character. Historical also refers to anything concerned with history or the study of the past: a historical novel; historical discoveries. While these distinctions are useful, these words are often used interchangeably, as in historic times or historical times.
Laurel, if there's anything you'd like to add, please, do, OK?
So here's the glitch with this one: you need the context to choose the right word. For example, "magic" can be used in a number of places as an adjective: a magic car, a magic carpet, a magic potion....BUT you could also use magical in all of these cases, depending on the meaning of the sentence. Check out this forum for more on this debate: http://forum.wordreference.com/showthread.php?t=475033
ThanX a lot, but as I see, this is a point of great discussion, isn´t it? Crazy language we´re into, huh?
Yes, a very crazy language indeed!
Dear Laurel,
I´m leading a project on Labor Day in May (in Brazil,it´s celebrated in this month), when our students will be sharing their job experiences and the important role that English learning plays in their careers.The other day I was watching a film (A Night at the Museum) and I saw an interesting scene in which the main actor speaks for his son´s class on a so-called "Career Day" Is there really such a thing at American schools? and if so, how does it work? Do teachers invite students´parents to come to classroom on a special day?Do students participate too? ThanX in advance ...
A.L.
Interesting question! Yes, many teachers do invite parents to a "career day" of sorts to talk to their students about career possibilities that might interest them. In elementary schools, this is a fun way to expose kids to different types of work and a way to connect with the parents. Other members of the community like police officers or local government officials might also be invited to a classroom to talk about their work. This doesn't usually happen on a set day or time of the year but depends on a school's overall calendar and curriculum.
In junior high or high school, this type of activity might be connected with a career fair or other school-wide efforts focused on exposing students to employment opportunities or internships. Career fairs are pretty common in high school, usually in the spring as students are making plans to work for the summer or applying to college with a specific career goal in mind. Hope that helps!
Laurel, thanks a lot for your prompt answer to Ana's question. Ana, you will be awarded two medals for your participation!
Keep on blogging, y'all!
Hi Laurel,
Could you please enlighten me how do we say "calote" or "caloteira" in English?? Because I´ve accidently forgot to pay for the "kombi" and your dear friend Levi is mocking me(many others too:))
Tks a lot!!!
Lina
Thanks a million Laurel!
now I´m more inclined to have a career fair. I guess it´ll be more fun...HAK
Laurel, how about freeloading? Is that a good translation for dar calote no ônibus? LOL LOL
Hi Lina - here we would call you a "fare dodger" for not paying for your bus ride. If you dodged the fare on the metro where you have to pass through a turnstile before boarding the train, we'd call you a "turnstile jumper." But the official translation of dar calote is to cheat or swindle. Freeloading is really about taking advantage of people to get things without earning them (for example, someone who is always asking for loans they don't pay back, or a lazy person who sits around the house expecting others to do their work for them). So, in that sense, someone who is a freeloader might also be a fare dodger, but a fare dodger is not necessarily a freeloader.
Got it, Laurel!! Your contribution to our Blog is really priceless and I can't thank you enough!
I'll find a way to make sure all other contributors can closely follow the "Ask Laurel comments", which have definitely caught on!!!
XOXO
Thanks a bunch, Laurel!!! Frankly I had no idea about this "calote" thing in English. Great to know there is more than one word for it. Really loved it!!
Kisses,
Lina
Hi Laurel!
I´m quite embarrassed but my curiosity is killing me! Last Monday, I showed my Interlink Groups a chapter from "Friends", and the word "womanizer" appeared in the subtitles. The students then asked me if there was the word "manizer" used for women. I found the word rather sexist, but besides womanizer, are there househusband or office girl? I hope you don´t get me wrong.LOL
Cheers!
According to urbandictionary.com, the word "manizer" does exist, but I have never heard it used myself. There are quite a few other possibilities for the female equivalent of a womanizer, though I will refrain from typing the really crass ones: "man-eater" (or maneater, without the hyphen) is a pretty close equivalent; "tease" could be used for a man or woman, but it's a milder alternative; and finally, a "cougar" refers to an older woman who picks up on younger men. Check out urbandictionary.com for more on these words (and the ones I didn't type!).
Ana Lu., you got a medal!!! Laurel I am preparing a big challenge, the winner of which will get a trophy! I am going to name it The Laurel Potter Trophy! LOL
Hah! A trophy named after me - thanks, Levi!
Many thanks Laurel! I`ll give you some peace during the weekend for I`ll be out of town! kkkkkkkkkkkk
HI Laurel! Are you there?
The other day I was writing a composition and I came across two doubts...Are the words "blue-collar and white-collar workers" still in fashion? Another doubt is rather stupid (sorry!:() I was ashamed to ask Levi last Fri...I didn´t know which preposition to write here: "between" men and women or "among" men and women the opinion is the same...Have a nice week
Hi Matheus and all!
My apologies for the slow response to your question. It's been a busy few days.
Let's see... in response to your first question, yes, the terms blue-collar and white-collar workers are pretty commonly used.
As for your other question, you are not alone in your doubts. This is a tricky one. In the example you mentioned, "between" would be the right choice because you are talking about two distinct groups of people (men and women). Check out Grammar Girl's blogpost for more on this: http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/between-versus-among.aspx.
Hope that helps!
Hi Laurel! Long time no see!
Yesterday I was teaching something about jobs, and I came across the expression "odd jobs", what do they really mean? Odd = strange? Can you give me examples of jobs like these?
Thanks in advance
Ana Lucia Ferraz
Hi! Yes, long time no see! I'm sorry about my slow response to your question.
Odd jobs are not strange jobs, but rather jobs that are infrequent or part time, such as domestic work or minor home repairs.
You may also see the expression "side job," which is work that someone does to earn money "on the side" or in addition to their regular employment.
"Hi! Yes, long time no see! I'm sorry about my slow response to your question.
Odd jobs are not strange jobs, but rather jobs that are infrequent or part time, such as domestic work or minor home repairs.
You may also see the expression "side job," which is work that someone does to earn money "on the side" or in addition to their regular employment." By Laurel Potter
For some reason, Laurel's response came in my e-mail, though it never actually became a post...
Anyway, Laurel, thanks a million! Ana You got a shiny one coming your way!!!
Keep on blogging, y'all!
Hi Laurel!
Laurel, I was wondering if you could help me with an expression...
I was watching a video which is about a visually challenged man who fights Judo and at a certain point he was telling about some of his experiencies and he referred to a particular one in which he could not take part because he had this condition. He told that it was 'a punch at the ear'.
Could you tell me what does this expression mean?
Is it when something unpleasant happeans to you and you were not expecting for it and therefore you get speechless and not knowing what to do?
Thank you!
Hmmm... I've never heard that used as an expression before. It sounds to me like the man is referring to a specific type of Judo punch (a punch directed at the ear), but it's hard to say for sure without having seen the movie. What movie is it?
That's the link of the video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-k2vjoZnfyg
Many thanks Laurel.
Hi Laurel!
here I am again! (Ana Lucia) although it doesn´t seem so. It´s Matheus, because I´m using my son´s Google account.
Well, my question may sound stupid, but I´d like to give my students a good answer when they ask me how to say "passear" in English. I often say: if it´s by car..."take a ride" , on foot "take a walk"...but what is the correct answer?
Cheers!
Hi Ana Lucia/Matheus!
This is another example of why you need to the context to find the best translation. "Passear" has many meanings, in addition to the two you mentioned. Here are a few more:
- To go out (as in to go do something fun)
- To go on a trip or to travel (if you are going to "passear" somewhere away from home)
- To take a stroll (another option if you are going on foot)
Hope that helps!
You've got a medal, Ana Lucia!!!
Keep on bloggin' y'all!!
Hi Laurel!
it´s me again..Ana Lucia
I´ve dropped by because a doubt´s been "eating" me. Last Saturday a student asked me how to say "salão de jogos" in English. I was caught by surprise and I think I said something like game room or whatsoever. The problem is that the girl wanted "salão de jogos" at a hotel, as a facility. Is it a cassino or any other particular term for hotel?
Thanks in advance
Hi Ana Lucia! I think your answer was correct -- game room seems like the best translation, though I suppose it might depend on the types of games available in the hotel. If the games were electronic, you could call it an arcade. There are many hotels with casinos, but in order to use that word, I think it would have to offer card games or slot machines.
Hi Laurel!
Some days ago I was teaching a student 'there be' and I asked her some questions using it, just to put into practice what we were studying and she asked me 'How do you say posto de saúde in English'?
I replied her that it was medical center, but I fear it is not the best answer... Is it correct or is there a better term than this?
Thanks.
Sorry to be so slow in replying! I lost this message in my inbox! I might say medical clinic in this case, but medical center isn't incorrect. You could also say health center or health facility. Clinic often implies that it is a slightly smaller facility. Hope that helps!
Many thanks for your help Laurel!
By the way, I was thinking if I could take the chance and ask another question...
I remember that once I have heard an expression that was like this 'to go the distance'. If somebody goes the distance, does it mean they go beyond the difficulies which are in their way?
Thank you Laurel.
You've got 2 medals, Diogo!
Hi everyone! Diogo, thanks for your question. "To go the distance" means that you finish a task or project, and it usually implies that there is some difficulty involved in the work that has to be done. And if the work is done really well, you might say that they "went the extra mile."
Now I see...
Thank you Laurel!
It was really nice meeting you, now it's crystal clear why Levi is such a big fan of yours...
PS. I'm the late guy with the "strange" name :)
Hi Laurel? How are things with you??? I hope you and your family are fine...I´ve got a couple of questions for you:
1-I kinda know the difference between "professor" and "teacher", but what should you call a teacher who works at a language school?
2-I´d like to know a more updated expression for "pagar mico"...I know some such as blooper, blunder, lose face...but is there anything better?
3-Finally, today we were setting up the Easter project, when the students will get a ballot and write down the number of candies they guess are in a basket, which is on the reception desk. If they guess the exact number of chocolates, they´ll get the basket:
Is it correct to say: "Take your ballot FROM or WITH your teacher"?
Many thanks in advance!
Hi Ana Lucia,
Thanks for your message. I've been wondering why everyone was so quiet on the blog lately!
Everything here is going well. I'm getting ready to attend a nonprofit technology conference next week and am looking forward to that.
Let's see if I can answer your questions...
1) I would typically use the word "professor" to describe someone teaching at the university level. I would say language teacher or instructor for a teacher at a language school, unless the school is somehow connected to a college or university.
2) Pagar mico -- I love that expression. Your question is a good one because it's interesting to see how expressions can become outdated. You could use "make a fool of oneself" or "embarrass oneself" as alternate expressions. Blooper and blunder do sound a bit outdated, and "lose face" is correct, but it sounds slightly more exagerated or extreme than "pagar mico."
3) I'm not sure if I completely understand the Easter project question, but let me try to answer. Instead of a ballot, it seems like this is more like a notecard -- a ballot would usually mean that they were voting on something, and it sounds like they are writing in their own answer, right? If that's the case, then I think the conversation would be something like this: "Pick up your card from your teacher. Write in the number of candies you think are in the basket, and then turn the card in to your teacher." Let me know if I understood correctly.
Thanks for your questions -- I look forward to more!
Wow Laurel! You´re fast and furious! Loved the answers, and tomorrow I´m correcting the sentence written on the basket. You´ve really got the spirit of our project...but, our manager checked the word "ballot" and said that it´s like a vote...Let us obey the boss anyway! rsrsrsrsrsrsrs
Hi Laurel! Here I am again! (LOL)
About American culture: Do you give and receive chocolate eggs on Easter day? And, do you get together for lunch or dinner then?
Another about vocab: How do you say "carente" in English???
ThanX in advance sweetie!
Hi Ana Lucia! Nice to "see" you on the blog again.
On Easter, we usually do an Easter egg hunt with the kids in our family. They hunt for colorful hard boiled eggs and also plastic eggs filled with little candies or toys. I think some people exchange chocolate eggs, or other Easter-inspired gifts, but the kids usually get the treats in our family. This year we had an Easter brunch. I don't think a lunch or dinner is more typical; it usually depends on everyone's schedules more than anything.
As for the vocab question -- I believe "needy" is the best translation for "carente."
Hope that helps!
Laurel, you´re really helpful and fast!
Thanks for the answer concerning American Easter, but I´m afraid the word "needy" is not the one I´m looking for...I´d like to know "carente" in terms of love and affection , rather than money or material things...Can I use "needy" for the former too?
You can use needy in terms of love an affection as well. Another option might be to say that someone is deprived of love and affection, but either works.
Laurel, "carente" can also be used informally and at times even pejoratively to refer to someone who is emotinally weakened and unstable because they lack some romance in their lives. In such case I guess the idea that the word "lonely" brings would suggest an alternative translation. What do you say?
Oi Levi!!
"Needy" also has that same negative connotation, but I would say that "lonely" doesn't necessarily indicate any type of emotional instability. Another possibility might be "clingy," which we use when someone (often a young child or a romantic partner) needs constant attention.
Hi Laurel!
It´s needless to say that I´ve been learning a lot with you, but would you mind answering another "stupid" question of mine ? (kkkkkk) Today I was teaching "going to places" and a Say it!1 student asked me why ,at times, we say "go to A snack bar" and "go to THE restaurant" or "go to church"... I could explain the latter well (it´s like an activity I guess), but to be honest I didn´t have time to check the use of the definite article before places. What´s the differnce between the two examples I´ve mentioned above? Thanks and I´ll leave you in peace during the rest of the week, ok? (Cross my heart! LOL)
The main difference between "go to a snack bar" and "go to the snack bar" is whether or not you are referring to a specific place, or just that kind of place in general. If I say, "Let's go to the snack bar" I am referring to a specific snack bar, one that both of us know about. If I say, "Let's go to a snack bar" I am not referring to any specific snack bar. Hope that helps!
Simple as that!
Thanks a lot!
Hi Laurel! After a long time..here I am again! The other day I was trying to say "criança com necessidades especiais" in the sense of holding special needs...What do you call such children? needy and clingy do not make sense...The person I was talking to told me that we "have" to say "children with special needs", but to be honest, I didn´t trust him...
Very well! Ana Lucia and Laurel, if we google the term "children with special needs" we'll see Ana's untrustworthy interlocutor has got a point this time.
Keep on blogging, everyone!
Happy Holidays!
Laurel, we all miss you!
I'm so slow in replying! I had seen this comment earlier and forgot to come back to it to reply. "Children with special needs" is the correct term. We also say "special education" to refer to any kind of educational services that are tailored to meet these children's needs.
Happy holidays, everyone!!
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