Learning Hungarian
 

At last I have found someone who teaches Hungarian to the English speaking. Had my first proper lesson last night, much better than trying to remember what I was told in the pub the previous evening. Her name is Ildi , she lives here in Fonyód and the cost is very reasonable.
If anyone is interested in taking lessons then contact me with your telephone number and I will pass it on to her so she can get in touch.

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

How much is reasonable

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

Reasonable is not a fixed price, it depends on how much you value learning Hungarian and what arrangement you could possibly negotiate with Ildi, i.e. how many hours a week being taught on a one to one basis or for how many lessons. This is the reason I said to get in touch with me so I can pass on your contact details then you can discuss your requirments on a one to one basis and decide for yourself if you consider the cost reasonable.
As I said, I consider the cost very reasonable.

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

If the person teaching is a qualified teacher (ask at your local primary school as English is taught in all primary schools now and teachers salaries are extremely low so they most often welcome any extra income) , you shouldn't expect to pay more than 1000ft / hour. If it is an unqualified neighbour, most will help for next to nothing or a cup of tea and some company.
An alternative is online learning, there is an excellent free site which the children and I use, once you complete a section you can submit written and spoken exercises for correction by native Hungarian speakers. www.livemocha.com give it a try!

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

Ah, an internet learning course. So much better than one on one tuition where your mistakes are pointed out immediately and with a language like this which is one of the most difficult for an older person to learn is most important. I personally feel that one to one tuition is far better than waiting for your homework being returned. Well, at least the internet course is free, could have saved myself some money. Wish I'd thought of that. Only trying to be of help.
Maybe you could give us some help in contacting these primary school teachers.
Is 1000fts per hour or a cup of tea too much to spend on your children?

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

Not entirley sure what has upset you, hopefully you were just having a bad day!
My post was in response to Klarika who, as far as I am aware, is still in Spain and therefore does not have access to local teachers. In fact, considering most users on this forum do not live in Huingary permenantley, the online course may prove useful. As you said, it is a difficult language and if you only have lessons when you are on holiday, you will never suceed and end up deciding it is impossible to learn, giving up before you begin.
As for primary teachers, you will find them in all primary schools, there is at least one who will speak English, our neighbour is a primary teacher and does all sorts of odd jobs to suppliment her income.

This I take offence at and would ask why you feel the need to involve my children in your sarcasm? Not that I have to explain myself, but as you have expressed an interest, we actually have a German couple who are wonderful neighbours and friends. They both studied at the Sorbonne and between them are fluent in 7 languages, including Hungarian. Sadly, due to the return of cancer, they have been back and forward to Germany for the past few months and we have used livemocha as a filler for when they are away. They charge 1500ft for two one hour lessons. Further, I teach English, for free, to a girl from our village and in return she helps me with Hungarian and of course we have neighbours who we converse with on a daily basis.

So as you can see, we utilise both one to one tuition and online learning and I did not suggest one was better than the other, my post actually offered advise on finding a local teacher for one to one tuition!

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

To be honest, it was yourself that first mentioned your children, otherwise how would I know you have any?
You completely missed the point of my post and it appeared that you replied with a "I know better" attitude. Let me explain. Ildi is a professional English teacher who lives here in Fonyod, so it is probably only of relevance to anyone in the immediate area, I have no idea where the village you live in is. She is not someone who teaches basic English at a primary school. Teaching English is her only source of income, her husband who is a qualified agricultural engineer works in a bar here in Fonyod because it is the only work he can get.
Ildi is very happy that now she has an English student that wishes to learn her native language and would welcome more. Her aim is to become a translator. She has told me to say how much she charges and it is only 2000fts. This is for one hour but as an English speaking Hungarian she also learns from me. My one hour lesson on Friday started at 5.30pm and ended at 9.00pm.
As I now live most of the time in this country I wish to help as much as I can the people here who want to help themselves, so rather than pay someone a few extra forints to boost the income they already have I prefer to pay someone who is trying to improve there lifestyle themselves. Sure we all have neighbours we can learn from as as do I but to be taught on a one to one basis is far superior to any other way. I also gleen an insight into the history of this country through the discussions we have.
I am now going to do extra studying so when the Rendorseg ( Sorry, european keyboard so no accents) arrest me outside the local primary school I will be able to explain that I am looking for a cheap Magyar lessons!

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

Okay, this statement alone conveys that there is no point in even trying to discuss anything with you. If someone on a forum mentions their children, that does not mean they expect to be accused of not caring for them or for them to be used in sarcastic comments.

If you are in the habit of hanging around outside primary schools then yes, you should be concerned. Others I expect would go to the office and ask to speak to the English teacher.

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

OK peeps, lets keep calm :D
Back on subject maybe, but theres no need for any bad feeling here, everyone is in the same boat eh? :);)

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

Hi Mitzyboy, I did PM the poster explaining the Hungary section is in it's infancy and posts like these don't exactly make new users feel comfortable, hoping to discuss any differences in private, but to no avail. Personally, I don't need it, especially when someone who knows nothing about my family posts derogatory comments about my children.
Guess it's time to goodbye to the forum for a while as life is stressful enough without this. Have fun everyone and enjoy your time in Hungary.

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

Remember the written word can sometimes be misunderstood when there is no way to see a person's face or the infliction in ones voice. Plus we all have different writing styles. I'm sure that no one intended to upset anyone else. As Mitzy says, we are all abroad and all in this together, so lets be supportive of each other. After all that's why BE was created.

I think it's great that you are immersing yourselves in the language and the culture of Hungary. I have never been myself but one day I hope to.

Happy Monday everyone :)

Sue

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

Only just logged in again after a few days away.
I´m sorry I did´nt mean to cause upset with my question. I really dont want anyone falling out over it. Anyway thanks to both of you for replying and I do hope Rural you dont stop using the forum as you do provide a whole lot of helpful and useful information.

Klarika

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

I don't want to sound a bit cheeky but I visit Hungary quite often as my wife is Hungarian and I don't have any problems communicating with my wife's friends and I cannot speak much Hungarian. Ah, you're probably thinking how come, well, both my wife and I are deaf and we communicate using international sign language! Problem solved for me! Communicating with my wife's parents and family are a different matter as they are not deaf but my vocabulary is slowly expanding. The most frequently spoken words coming out of my mouth are 'Barna Sor' for brown beer! LOL!

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

Only just come across this particular thread. What an unpleasant reply from Ettamogah to Rural Hungary's perfectly reasonable posting re learning Hungarian.
It would appear that we must only do things Ettamogah's way and no other!

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

It was back in April, so time has moved on since then, so onward and upward. :)

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

Thanks Shotgun, I took a deep breath, counted to ten and ignored it. Life's too short and all that.
I think there are a few forums users using Livemocha now as it is a great site, especially for those who are in the UK and have no other access to learning the language.

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

we have been here 5 years now and i am still finding the language hard but at least i can shop and read a menu.
the young girl over the road comes over every w/e to use the pc and then another day comes over for us to help her with her english. she has devised several games where she does english and we have to do magyar.
also last week another neighbour asked if we can start helping her 7 year old who has just started learning english.
hope we get an english school going in our lounge before long.

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

I am posting in this thread as it is about learning Hungarian.

My husband and I are currently having Hungarian lessons in the UK with a native Hungarian. She is excellent and was a Russian Literature University teacher when she lived in Hungary. We are really enjoying learning the language but it is an incredible challenge. No doubt when we move to Hungary in June our learning will excelerate... Just wondered if anyone had any thoughts/tips/experiences they would like to share on how best they learnt Hungarian. :)

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

Some interesting ideas here. I had wondered about taking a lodger who could speak some English and let them stay for little or no rent in exchange for teaching me some Hungarian. In my case they might also help keep the 1.5 acre garden under control!

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

Hi Polgardi, the best tip I can give is to mix with the locals. You will have a head start as the majority of Brits - including ourselves - come over knowing no Hungarian at all.

However, it doesn't matter how much you learn, if you do not use it - you will lose it. It is difficult and it will be very frustrating at times but it is worth persevering. I'm finding that I understand a lot more as time goes on and having mastered the basics, now try to add words to my vocabulary. Must admit though that, for now, I have given up on trying to be grammatically correct;)

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

We are learning tounge twisters in Hungarian (as if it was not tongue twisting enough) and also learning a song 'az a szep'!! Love it :)

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

Brilliant song and very lively

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

If you are still in the UK & in reasonable travelling distance of London, the UCL School of Slavonic and East European Studies do Hungarian evening classes for beginners & upwards. I did some a few years back & must admit I let it slip, but the training in grammar will I hope (!) return when I have to try to start using the language.

Very friendly people see

http://www.ssees.ucl.ac.uk/eveningcourses/index.htm

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

In your case, woofers might be a good idea - especially if you could get some Hungarian woofers (thought most woofers tend to travel outside their own country). Would definetley help with the workload though and all you have to provide is bed and board :)

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

Woofer? I have never heard that term before. Is that slang for a lodger? Please excuse my ignorance :)

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

Hmmm, haven't seen you around the media thread of late :sneaky: :rolleyes:

Only kidding:D

No, woofer or rather WWOOF stands for World Wide something or other. Basically you can register as a wwoofer or a host, there are registers users all over the world. If you are a host, you give a description of yourself, your project and the work you need help with. (Usually they are orchards, farms, organic projects, typically anything from 1 - 1000's of acres. There are also other enterprises listed such as craft shops, art studios, bakeries etc). A woofer is usually a student though there are also families, couples or older singles - my mums friend had a chap who had been woofing for 8 years constant working in her vineyard, to him it was a way of life.
The woofer makes contact with the host and arranges a stay of anything from a few days to a couple of months. They are expected to work 7-8 hours a day, 5 or 6 days a week though this is decided by the individual host. Food and accommodation is provided by the host and some may also pay a small amount of pocket money.
http://www.wwoof.org/

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

Interesting - thanks for this. Have poked my head in the media thread :p

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

You're welcome, always worth considering.

Noticed your post on the media thread - nice to have a happy equilibrium once again :thumbup:

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

Thanks for the link but it sounds a bit too specific, involving organic farming and ecology projects. I found a more general volunteering website which might fit the bill:
http://www.workaway.info/
I have posted a request for English speakers studying Hungarian or Hungarian speakers studying English. Members of the latter group might come to practice their English but I would have to make sure they didn't only use English.

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

No it's not specific at all, if you look through the different hosts there is a wide variety of properties, people, projects etc. It originally started as an organic farming opportunity but has expanded to include so much more. There is a couple near Pecs who have been hosts for a few years now and they do not have a farm but are simply striving to be as self sufficient as possible. The beauty of the wwoofer scheme is that it has been established for 40 years and has a huge worldwide membership.
As it's free you might want to register with both - would be interesting to see the success you have with each.

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

We have finally arrived in Hungary. No hot water or gas as yet, but we are coping :) I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good Hungarian teacher in our area (Polgardi/Siofok/Enying). Although most of the locals appear quite friendly I am constantly being stared at. We must look very english! ;)

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

Glad you arrived safely and hope things fall into place for you soon:fingerscrossed:

My first port of call would be the local school, though you might have to wait until after the holidays now. Every school has an English speaking teacher and many appreciate the chance to earn some extra cash. You could also ask at the mayors office as they should know of English speakers in the village.
We have been offered lessons by everyone from students to doctors, so you shouldn't have too much difficulty finding someone.

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

If you have a PC/laptop you could download free software from the internet from www.byki.com . There is a deluxe version which costs between £30-40 and I have been quite impressed with it. You get to learn and practice words, listen how to prounounce them, test yourself, etc. Everything you learn is backed up and it keeps stats of what you have learnt. Not only that but it shows you which words/areas are "stale", i.e. meaning you need to revisit them to keep up your learning progress.
My Hungarian wife has been impressed with my recent progress but I still have yet to practice it on my Hungarian relatives but I am sure they will be impressed. I am deaf so if I can do it then so can the rest of you. My reason for working hard this time around is I have become more determined to move to Hungary when I retire, hopefully in 9 years time although with the UK government's plans to increase the NHS retirement age to 66 (for my current age) this may happen much later!

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

Hello Polgardi,

No gas or hot water but you've got internet! See, Hungary isn't that bad.:)

I am Hungarian and I teach English. I also have a couple of English students who are learning Hungarian. If you are interested in the details, send me a pm please.

Regards,


Ria

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

Like it, as an English language teacher, I can say I like it!:thumbsup:

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

Thank you for your replies.

Had an interesting experience in the Mayors office this morning - at least he knows who we are now! He basically told us to try the school, he was very helpful :thumbup:

Riahun - will pm you :)

Will also try the link - thanks for that - it all helps.

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

I feel vindicated now ;)

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

Source http://www.filolog.com/language.html

The Hungarian Language
Magyar (pronounced mawdyar), as we Hungarians call our language, is spoken by the
approximately 10.3 million inhabitants of Hungary, as well as another 4 million people in
neighboring countries and a million others scattered around the world.

The Hungarian language belongs to the Finno-Ugric language family, which includes
Finnish and Estonian. The Hungarian language is not at all related to the Indo-European
languages which surround Hungary, and the language is very different both in vocabulary
and in grammar.

The Hungarian grammar is seemingly complex, yet there is no gender, a feature that
most English speakers grapple with when learning other European languages.

The Hungarian language does use the Roman alphabet however, and after learning a
few simple rules one can easily read Hungarian.

Pronunciation of Hungarian is also very easy, especially compared to other neighbouring
languages like Czech, German, and Russian.

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

Before we moved to Hungary we had Hungarian lessons which whilst useful did not prepare us for the reality of actually living and speaking the language. I am currently in France for the winter and in comparison French is so easy. We had official Hungarian lessons in a school as well as private lessons outside of the school whist in Hungary and although it does come a bit easier after a while, I personally feel its a dfficult language to master. Especially the pronounciation :)

Re: Learning Hungarian
 

French:thumbdown: give me hungarian instead any day. Could be because i have never really had the desire to learn it fluently, just do not get on with it as i do with Hungarian