Doç. Dr. Yalçın İzbul

Hacettepe Üniversitesi eski öğr. üyesi

PRACTICAL ENGLISH FOR TURKS

A Bilingual Electronic Newsletter

Distributed Bi-Weekly

12/13/01 - 0004

 
    Hello Dear Members!... I trust the week has been unfolding itself to your heart's content, and will continue in the same vein... Now, have a look at the upper right-hand side of our newsletter. What do you see there? What a clever trick, isn't it?... (Continued a little further down)...

    Now, you must bear with me playing truant for this coming Monday, the first day of the approaching three-day holiday... I can imagine how eagerly those of you who have stopped boozing over the holy month of Ramadan have been looking forward to it. Wishing all a very happy Bayram holiday, I remain yours truthfully... İzbul.

 

PEOPLE AND EVENTS

Three People Die In Torrential Rains In Mersin

three people die = üç kişi öldü (gazetecilik dilinde, başlıkta present tense geçmiş zaman anlamı verir. Gelecek zaman için mastarlar kullanılır: Ecevit (is) to visit Bulgaria...) torrential rains = bardaktan boşanırcasına yağmur, afet yağmuru... 

    Torrential rains, which started on Saturday and ended early on Monday, claimed the lives of three people, including a child, in the city. Two people who were injured were hospitalized.

claimed the lives of = can aldı (claim= talep etmek, benimsin demek)... were hospitalized = hastaneye kaldırıldı

    Hundreds of houses and workplaces were flooded. Telephone communication was paralyzed and there was widespread power failure all over the area.

flooded = sel baskınına uğradı... power failure = elektrik şebeke arızası

    Mezitli Junction was closed to traffic as the busy highway succumbed to heavy rains, while the Muftu Brook overflowed its banks. Agricultural fields and greenhouses sustained heavy damage.

succumbed = boyun eğdi, teslim oldu... brook = çay... overflowed its banks = taştı... agricultural fields and greenhouses = tarlalar ve seralar...

    Meanwhile, schools were recessed in the city and its townships on Monday.  One bridge collapsed in Kemer township of southern Antalya province as the Kuzderesi brook overflowed its banks as a result of torrential rains. Fortunately there were no reports of casualties, as this particular bridge is not very frequently used.

recessed = ara verildi, paydos edildi... township = kasaba... casualties = zayiat; ölü, yaralı ve kayıplar toplamı

    In the meantime, heavy winds uprooted trees and electrical wires in western Izmir province. The winds which blew at 90-100 kilometers per hour are expected to continue till Tuesday.

in the meantime = meanwhile = bu arada, be esnada, bütün bunlar olup biterken... uprooted = köklerinden söktü... are expected to continue = devam etmesi bekleniyor...

 

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

What -- After Afghanistan ?

    Reportedly, influential circles in the U.S. are busy brainstorming the pro's and con's of a new front to follow the war in Afghanistan.

reportedly = bildirildiğine göre... influential circles = etkili çevreler... pro's and con's = leyhte ve aleyhteki... front = cephe

    It will not be a battlefront against a particular organization or a particular country this time, but it will be a "cold war" front which will aim itself to help Muslim societies transform themselves into the 21st century...

a particular organization = belli bir örgüt... this time = bu kez

    The West won the Cold War; because those living under socialist regimes came to realize that it was the system they had created for themselves which was responsible for their predicament.

predicament = zor durum, içinde bulunulan istenmedik durum... 

    Will the oil-rich monarchies and emirates of the Middle East ever bring themselves to question the supposed Islamic tenets and follow the same example of self-criticism? That remains to be seen. 

oil-rich monarchies = petrol zengini monarşiler...  supposed = sözde, guya, varsayılan... tenets = temel ilkeler... self-criticism = özeleştiri... 

It/that remains to be seen = ilerde göreceğiz ("olmakta devam ediyor + görülmek için" kavramlarından oluşan çok işlek bir anlatım)

    Let us be frank about it all and ask: Will they take their clue from and follow the example set by Turkland, a secular republic with a predominantly Muslim population? That, only time will show...

frank = içtenlikli, samimi... (Yani, Frank Sinatra = Samimi Sinatra !!)... clue = ipucu... take one's clue from = ne yapması gerektiğini çıkarsamak, işareti ondan almak... to set an example = örnek oluşturmak... the example set by Turkey = Türkiye'nin teşkil ettiği örnek... secular republic =laik cumhuriyet... predominantly = baskın şekilde... only time will show = ancak zaman gösterecektir... (Tümcede, nesne "that" başa çekilerek vurgulandı)

 
Continued from Your Moderator's Comments:

    "Bi-Weekly" (or "biweekly")... A very curious compound, meaning 1. Occurring twice a week; 2. Occurring every two weeks... Two different meanings diametrically opposing one another and warring to gain the upper hand:  Admittedly, one could always opt out for "fortnightly" to replace the second, but still what a mess. (Note that there is no such ambiguity with "biannual", twice a year, and "biennial", every two years...)

    Mind you, this gives your moderator, the humble owner of this newsletter, the right to prepare and publish it -- well, twice a week or once every two weeks, depending on the mood he is in... No, I will not take that liberty and be faithful to my rendezvous with you, Dear Members, both on Mondays and Thursdays. 

 

 

CHUNKS OF WISDOM OR DROPLETS OF BANALITY ?

ANONYMOUS SAYINGS ON MARRIAGE

He early on let her know who is the boss. He looked her right in the eye and clearly said, "You're the boss."  early on = daha işin başlarında... right in the eye = gözlerini kaçırmaksızın... you're the boss = patron sensin

If it weren't for marriage, men and women would have to fight with total strangers. if it weren't for marriage = evlilik(ler) olmasa... total strangers = yabancı ve hiç tanımadıkları insanlar

Marital Freedom: The liberty that allows a husband to do exactly that which his wife pleases.  marital = evliliğe ilişkin, evlilik konusunda... exactly = tam olarak (burada = yalnızca)... to do that which =  şeyleri, ki bunlar... Çeviri: Evlilikte özgürlük, kocanın yalnızca karısının istediklerini yapma serbestisidir.

It's not as great a day for the bride as she thinks. She's not marrying the best man. the best man = sağdıç... (Burada = oradaki en iyi adam, şeklinde sözcük oyunu yapılıyor)

Marriage is like a violin. After the music is over, you still have the strings.  Çeviri keman gibidir: Müzik biter, elinizde teller kalır...

Marriage is the only war in which you sleep with the enemy.  sleep with = Burada, birlikte yatıp uyumak. Ayrıca = aşk yapmak veya sürekli ilişkisi olmak...

Marriage is like a hot bath. Once you get used to it, it's not so hot. once you get used to it = bir kez alıştınızmı...  it's not so hot = o kadar sıcak gelmez...

Mistress: Something between a mister and a mattress. mistress = metres... bir bey (mister) ile bir döşek (mattress) arasında birşey...

Marriage is a romance in which the hero dies in the first chapter. Aaa, vallaa ben bunu çok tuttum: Evlilik, kahramanın ilk bölümde öldüğü bir aşk romanıdır...

 
   

 

GRAMMAR & VOCABULARY

Answering Your Questions, To Start With:

(Intermediate level sorularınızı Türkçe, Advanced level sorularınızı İngilizce yanıtlıyorum)

 

THE FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS TENSE

NERELERDE KULLANALIM ?

1) Gelecekteki belli bir nokta yada dönem itibarıyla, daha önceden başlamış ve süregelmiş (ki, içinde yaşadığımız dönem itibarıyla da başlamış ve sürüyor olabilir) ... ve büyük bir olasılıkla gelecekteki o tarihte de sürmekte olacak durum ve eylemler. Biraz çapraşık mı göründü? Örneklere bakalım:

By the end of this month, I will have been working here for ten years. (=Bu ayın sonuna varmadan tam on yıldır burada çalışıyor olmuş olacağım)

In 2008, we will have been living in İzmir for twenty-five years. (2008'de tam yirmibeş yıldır İzmir'de oturuyor olmuş olacağız)

2) Yine aynı bakış açısı içinde, sözü edilen durum yada eylemin geneldeki sürekliliğini anlatmak için:

By the end of this year, we will have been climbing mountains for twenty years. (Bu yılın sonuna varmadan, tam yirmi yıldır dağcılık yapıyor olmuş olacağız)

Doğaldır ki, burada sayı belirtecek olursak, continuous değil, simple tense kullanımı zorunlu olacaktır: Neden? Hiçbir babayiğit dağcı aynı anda birden fazla zirveye tırmanıyor olamaz da ondan...

By the end of this year, we will have climbed eight peaks in this region. (Bu yılın sonuna varmadan, bölgede tam sekiz zirveye tırmanmış olacağız) 

* * * * *

SHOULD WE SAY DATA IS OR DATA ARE ?

    The word data, as I am sure you know,  is the plural form of the Latin word datum, meaning a single piece of information or a fact. However, the latter word seems to have been completely replaced in English usage by the first.

    We have no difficulties with "veri" and "veriler" in Turkish, but in English there exists a widespread uncertainty as to whether data is a singular or plural word:

This new data is expected to be taken into consideration by court.

These new data are likely to influence the way the case is going.

    It may be said that scientists, economists, and statisticians tend to regard data as a plural word, and this is reflected in their usage. Whereas for the man on the street it is a singular word.

    My suggestion would be that you treat it as a plural word in any sort of technical or scientific context:

More specific data are needed to fully understand the causes of the present economic depression.

There are enough data to convince most of those who have been objecting a change in policy.

These data point to a direct correlation between exposure to sunlight and the risk of developing skin cancer.

    But, in daily talk it may be a better idea to use it as a singular word; otherwise, one might be interpreted as being overly formal or pedantic:

Let's hope this new data proves useful in researchers' efforts to combat skin cancer.

 
 
   

Here Is An Intermediate Level Grammar Test I have Prepared For You

CHOOSE THE CORRECT ANSWER


1. By the time we got home, it ............. raining.

a. had stopped     b. has stopped     c. stops     d. will have stopped     e. didn't stop


2. The world ............ a lot since the days we were children.

a. has changed     b. will change     c. changed     d. should change     e. will have changed


3. He's ............. ill to need a doctor now. You'd better call for the Hodja.

a. also     b. very     c. not     d. too     e. enough

4. The letter ................ addressed to the wrong person. It never got to where it was supposed to go.

a. had to be     b. needn't be     c. must have been     d. ought to have been     e. should be


5. .............. your friend ............... live here ?

a. Does/use to     b. Did/used to     c. Was/used to     d. Was/use to     e. Did/use to

* * * * *

Answers: 1. a    2. a    3. d    4. c    5. e

Any questions? Just mail me...

 
 
   

And, This Is An Advanced Level Grammar Test

Choose The Correct Answer

1. Not only ............. buildings, but they also make decisions on the proper construction materials for these. 

a. design architects do     b. architects do design     c. do architects design     d. do design architects     e. design do architects

2. On top of the hill .............. .

a. a building stood huge     b. a huge building stood     c. stood a huge building     d. huge building stood     e. huge stood a building

3. Never .............. such an unusual performance!

a. I have seen      b. you see      c. have I seen      d. you will see      e. did you see

4. "What are they doing to that old building?" "It ............. ."

a. pulled down     b. has been pulled down     c. was pulled down     d. has been pulling down     e. is being pulled down

5. The work had .............

a. been doing    b. to be done     c. completed     d. to complete     e. done

* * * * *

Answers: 1. c    2. c    3. c    4. e    5. b

You can always mail me, should you have any doubts lingering on your mind. 

 
 
 

SILLY PUNS

See if You Can Work These Out

"What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire?" "Frostbite"

to cross = eşleştirmek, çiftleştirmek... frost = don (soğuk)... bite = ısırık... frostbite = soğuk çarpması

"What do prisoners use to call each other" "Cell phones"

cell = hapishane hücresi... cell phone = cep telefonu

"What do you get from a pampered cow?" "Spoiled milk"

pampared = pohpohlanmış... spoiled = 1) şımarık, 2) bozulmuş

"What dog keeps the best time?" "A watch dog"

keep time = zaman tutmak (hakem, vb), burada zamanı göstermek... watch dog = bekçi köpeği

"Why did the tomato turn red?" "It saw the salad dressing!"

see somebody dressing = soyunup giyinirken görmek... salad dressing = salata sosu

"Where do bees go to the bathroom?" "At the BP station!"

BP = (okunuşu) bee pee, yani "arı çişi"...

"What did the judge say when the skunk walked in the court room?" "Odor in the court"

skunk = kokarca... Order in the court! = (Hakim uyarısı) Susun, oturun, mahkemede düzen istiyorum... order = düzen... odor (ABD) = odour (İng.) = koku...

 

ALL THE SILLY ANSWERS TO LAST WEEK'S SILLY QUESTIONS

1. Your aunt has a brother, but this is not your uncle. Who is he? Well, He is your father, of course, you silly!

2. What is the longest word in the English language? = Smiles ! There is a whole mile between the beginning and the ending letter...

3. Who said: "Very funny, Scotty. Now beam down my clothes" ? Why, Captain Kirk, of course, you silly! (beam down = aşağı ışınla)

4. Is it possible for a flea to jump higher than the Galata Tower? Naturally... The Galata Tower is altogether incapable of doing any jumping...

5. What word becomes shorter when you add a syllable to it? I gave you the answer in the question: shorter !

6. Temel has five sons and each son has a sister. How many children does Temel have? 6 (six, SIX) VI

7. Do you stir your tea with your right or left hand? None; I just stir my tea with a spoon.

8. Two fathers and two sons ask for a cup of tea each. The waiter brings only three cups. Why? Grandpa + Papa + Son

9. What word is always spelled wrong? I gave you the answer in the question: "wrong" is always spelled "wrong" -- unless it is misspelled, of course !

10. What is THE capital of Turkey. The Letter "T" 

Just mail me, if you have any doubts lingering on your mind.

Bana olan mesajlarınızı İngilizce yazmağa çalışın... Fayda faydadır. Ama, Türkçe de olur, çekinmeyin...

 
   

 RECOMMENDED ONLINE RESOURCES 

 Karin's ESL Partyland 

Karin's ESL Partyland offers help for both teachers and students of ESL.

Hem Öğrenmek Hem Eğlenmek İçin

Gerçekten sizler için çok yararlı olabilecek ve çok hoş bir hanım tarafından hazırlanan bir site. Site sahibesinin kedi kılığında resmi bile var.

* * * * *

   
 
 

CLEAN JOKE OF THE DAY

GET IN THE QUEUE

A drill sergeant had just chewed out one of his men, and as he was walking away, he turned to him and said, "I guess when I die you'll come and dance on my grave."

drill sergeant = talim çavuşu... to chew out = şiddetle azarlamak... dance on my grave = mezarımın üstünde oynayıp dans edeceksin...

The cadet replied, "Not me, Sarge. I promised myself that once I've got out of the Army I'll never stand in another line."

not me = ben yokum, ben öyle değilim, ben öyle şey yapmam... once I've got out of the Army = hele bir yakayı sıyırayım... never stand in another line = asla bir daha bir kuyruğa girmem...

* * * * *

SO DID I !

A guy walks into a bar and orders a drink. After a few more he needs to go to the can.

can = tuvalet

He doesn't want anyone to steal his drink so he puts a sign on it saying, "I spat in this beer, do not drink!".

I spat in this beer = bu biraya tükürdüm (spit - spat - spat)

After a few minutes he returns and there is another sign next to his beer saying, "So did I!"

so did I = ben de...

 

DIRTY JOKE OF THE DAY

COBBLES WORK WANDERS !

Two nuns are cycling down a cobbled street. The first one says "I've never come this way before"; the second one replies "Must be the cobbles!"

work wanders = harikalar yaratmak... nun = rahibe... cobbled road = parke döşeli yol... cobbles = parke taşları... I've never come this way = 1) Bu yoldan hiç geçmemiştim; 2) Hiç böylesi bir orgazm yaşamamıştım...

* * * * *

FOUR KINDS OF SEX

HOUSE SEX - When you are newly married and have sex all over the house in every room.

newly married = yeni evli

BEDROOM SEX - After you have been married for a while, you only have sex in the bedroom.

HALL SEX - After you've been married for many, many years you just pass each other in the hall and say "F*** YOU"

pass each other = birbirinizin yanından geçerken

COURTROOM SEX - When your wife and her lawyer f*** you in the divorce court in front of many people for every penny you've got.

courtroom sex = mahkemede seks... the divorce court = boşanma mahkemesi... Çevirisi: Karınız ve avukatı sizi boşanma davasında soyup soğana çevirip herkesin gözü önünde becerince...

 

FOLK WISDOM

DARE YOU SPEAK THE TRUTH ?

"I've always wanted to have someone to hold, someone to love. After having met you, I've changed my mind."

Hayatımda hep saracağım, seveceğim birisi olsun istemişimdir. Seninle tanıştıktan sonra fikrimi değiştirdim.

"I must admit, you brought Religion into my life. I never believed in Hell 'til I met you."

İtiraf etmeliyim ki, sayende dindar oldum. Eskiden cehenneme inanmazdım.

"As the days go by, I think of how lucky I am that you're not here to ruin it for me."

as the days go bye = günler gelip geçtikçe... as time goes by = aynı anlama gelen daha yaygın bir deyiş...

"If I get only one thing for Christmas, I hope it's your sister."

Eğer bir Noel hediyesi alacaksam, umarım bu kızkardeşindir...

"Congratulations on your promotion. Before you go, I would like you to take this knife out of my back. You'll probably need it again."

Terfini kutlarım... Gitmeden önce lütfen şu bıçağı sırtımdan çekip çıkarır mısın? Muhtemelen yine ihtiyacın olacaktır!

"I'm so miserable without you, it's almost like you're here."

Sensiz okadar mutsuzum ki, tıpkı buradaymışsın gibi!

* * * * *

 

LEARN ( BUT DO NOT USE ) SOME SLANG EXPRESSIONS !!

bitch = n. Şirret, cazgır, dişli, acımasız, oyuncu (kadın) (sözlük anlamı = dişi köpek, kancık)... It's difficult to believe that she can be such a perfect bitch at times.

bitch = v. Mızıldanmak, isteksiz ve olumsuz davranmak... Now, stop all that bitching and get on with your homework, will you!

barf = n & v 1) Kusmuk 2) Kusmak... He got terribly drunk and barfed all over the place.... Be careful! Don't step on the barf there!

booboo = A mistake... Oh! What a booboo to make on the very first question.

maal = Çekici ve seksi, fakat giyimi fiyasko kadın... Jennifer Lopez looked maal at the Oscars. Oh, the dress she was wearing!

macadoodledandys = Fast food restaurant (mc donalds)... Man I'm starving. I could really do with a bit of macadoodledandys right now

mackin' = Making sexual overtures and advances on a woman... Hey, look at him now mackin' on your ex-girlfriend.

Şimdi çok eğlenmek istiyorsanız

Türkçe argo ve küfür kelimelerin ingilizce açıklaması için şu adresi tıklayın

http://www.notam02.no/~hcholm/altlang/ht/Turkish.html

 Ama dikkat edin -- çok ayıp şeyler yazıyor... 

         

ANASAYFA  --  TESTLER  --  OKUMA  --  EĞLENCE