The aim of this dictionary is to assist the student or traveler in expanding his or her knowledge of the language and culture of Georgia.
Introduction to basic grammar
Pronunciation guide
Georgian alphabet
Georgian to English and English to Georgian alphabet
Georgian phrasebook, including all topics a visitor to Georgia needs to know, including time of day, dates, transportation, money, communication services, and much more
Maps
Spotlight customer reviews:
Customer Rating: Summary: So So & Better than nothing Comment: True mastery Kartuli ena will not come from this book- that is a given, and most people who preview this text are aware of the limitations of a Georgian-English/English-Georgian dictionary. It is quite nice as an introductory tool to the Georgian language to familiarize ones self with brief vocabulary and background, but those who really want to learn Georgian should definately search for a more in depth source. Personally I've found that native speakers are the best teachers, but if you are not lucky enough to have a Georgian by your side I sugest a multi-media program for your PC.
Customer Rating: Summary: Unfortunately, the only game in town. Comment: This little book is useful mainly because it's the only book of its kind available to most Americans.
The book seems clearly to be a quickie, compiled in a hurry for the specialized use of NGOs, aid workers, Doctors Without Borders, and the like. Thus, in both the brief dictionary and the phrasebook, word and expression selection is geared to these people's specialized short-term needs at the expense of the general traveler's. Many common and useful words seem to have been sacrificed to those needs. "Uncle" is in the dictionary but not "aunt." Five pages are devoted to "relief aid" phraseology, but in "food and drink" only five (!) vegetables make the cut. The staple Georgian cheesebread, khachapuri, is relegated to a footnote.
The grammar section is very sketchy indeed. And employing Roman rather than Georgian type may have short-term advantages, but does not help with signs nor in asking for directions. The book is simply not geared to longer-term needs such as learning the language. In fairness, it clearly isn't intended to.
In summary, although this book falls short of my needs, on its own terms it certainly rates a "gentleman's C," especially since there's no viable alternative. But for a one-time visit, buy it -- it's way better than nothing. Customer Rating: Summary: Could've been much better Comment: Considering the near non-existence of study materials available for the Georgian language, I suppose we should be glad that this exists at all. BUT...
When comparing this with something as good as the Lonely Planet Russian Phrasebook, this little book pretty much falls flat. The words and phrases are not presented in Georgian script and the dimensions of the book are unusual - tall and narrow, so it sticks well out of your pocket. But it is inexpensive, and it's not really meant to be a serious study tool.
Using this along with the two cassete (why not CD's? AAARGH!) Georgian mini-course by Khatuna Gelashvili would at least allow you to HEAR what the language sounds like. Georgian makes some pretty interesting sounds that are nearly impossible for an English speaker to mimic, but if you can hear it spoken, chances are you'll at least be understood. Amazon doesn't sell the mini course, so you'll have to look elsewhere. There's also an online study course available if you really want to learn this obscure language beyond the phrasebook stage. Good luck! Customer Rating: Summary: Good for a novice Comment: This book was very useful for me during my two week stay in Georgia. It spelled the words in the Roman alphabet, so I could sound out the pronunciation of the words. There is a section in the back divided into introductions, healthcare, shopping, relief work, etc. with phrases to use in certain situations. This helped me greatly in using complete sentences to converse with others. No, you will not learn Georgian from this book. No, every word in the language is not in this book, but it is a good start for a beginner. Customer Rating: Summary: No mkhedruli font Comment: Too bad it isn't in mkhedruli, it isn't in Georgian script. It is however the best and only dictionary for less than $30-40. And you will be able to tell someone not to shoot at you or to steer clear of minefields.
