If you could become an expert in any field, which one would you choose?

The Lobby
1

Have you ever wanted to become great at something you enjoy? If you had the chance to become an expert in any field, what would it be and why?

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2

Engineering and astrophysics. I’d be able to fix anything as well as anything in space.

I can fix your microwave with a paperclip and duct tape. Then, on Asgard, I can help extract the Aether from your girlfriend.

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I’ve always wanted to master music production. It’s amazing how you can create emotions and tell stories through sound.

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Yes, and I have spent my whole life doing that over a student and career span of over 50 years. And I still don’t know what I want to do when I grow up. :joy: My next “time consumer” may well be devops software development, but I am pretty sure I will be asking an AI engine to show me examples of specific languages rather than going for a conventional course that is specific to a particular code. Right now APIs fascinate me (applications programming interfaces) with regard to two subject matters - what traders call EAs (not enterprise architects - the other type - Expert somethingoranother. The other relates to data acquisition, analysis and interpretation, related to trading and investment in Forex, stocks, commodities and crypto. I am half way through a book I bought over a year ago titled Dark Pools by Scott Patterson, also author of a New York Times best seller called The Quants. This will give me the background as a starting point that defines my strategy for software programming (what I want to achieve by looking into software integration architecture and why), and the rest depends on whether I can allocate sufficient time to it which will mean dropping another current interest. The best part - life is rarely boring.

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I’d like to be a concert pianist.

But it’s not going to happen, because I’m not good, or talented, enough, and especially because I haven’t done my 10,000 hours of practice when I was young enough, and it’s too late, now.

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I’d like to have more languages. There just isn’t the time to become fluent in the language of places where you don’t live. Best I can manage is to always ensure I can at least make polite requests and remarks in the language of the country I’m in.

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What are five languages you wanna learn? Or are there more than five?

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Italian, German, Spanish, Portugues straight away. The fifth might be Russian.

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Spanish gives you the biggest choice of countries (after English, I mean). Not French, or do you already speak that?

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I’m already OK in French, yes.

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11

That sounds like fun! That’d be so cool to travel and put those language skills to use!

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It’s great to make yourself understood by people in their own country who only want to say as much as “Good morning” or “How are you?” or “Can I help you?”.

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I think mass adoption of apps is just around the corner. I made 4 trips to Albania in the last six months to visit relatives, and used the camera app to read menus and public notices. I had planned to learn the stuff like hello, good morning, how are you, etc, but was too busy with the extended family. And in Tirana, 80% speak English - good and bad for my learning. Here is what my artificial friend has to say in suimmary:

You

can language translation applications make real time conversation feasible for ordinary tourists?

Copilot

Certainly! Language translation applications have revolutionized communication for ordinary tourists, making real-time conversations feasible even in foreign lands. Here are the advantages of using these apps:

  1. Instant Translation:
  • Translation apps provide real-time conversion of spoken or written language.
  • Tourists can communicate with locals, ask for directions, order food, and negotiate prices without language barriers.
  1. Wide Language Support:
  • These apps cover a vast range of languages, from common ones like English, Spanish, and French to less widely spoken languages.
  • Tourists can confidently explore various destinations without worrying about language limitations.
  1. Text and Voice Translation:
  • Most apps offer both text and voice translation.
  • Tourists can type phrases or speak directly into the app for instant translations.
  1. Offline Mode:
  • Some apps work offline, which is crucial when you’re in areas with limited internet connectivity.
  • Download language packs in advance to use the app without data or Wi-Fi.
  1. Camera Translation:
  • Point your phone’s camera at signs, menus, or written text, and the app will translate it instantly.
  • This feature is incredibly useful for reading street signs, menus, and information boards.
  1. Learning Phrases:
  • Translation apps often include phrasebooks with common expressions.
  • Tourists can learn basic greetings, thank-yous, and essential phrases specific to their destination.
  1. Cultural Sensitivity:
  • Some apps provide context and cultural nuances for translated phrases.
  • Tourists can avoid unintentionally offending locals by using appropriate language.
  1. Cost-Effective:
  • Translation apps are usually free or available at a minimal cost.
  • They save tourists from hiring expensive local guides or interpreters.

Remember that while these apps enhance communication, learning a few local phrases and respecting cultural norms also enriches your travel experience. Bon voyage!

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An expert at Multiple musical instruments… or music in general… Absolute super power :slight_smile:

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15

Great combinations! I like learning about space too.

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When I was young, I always dreamed of learning to play the violin.

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Awww! I’ve always loved the piano too :melting_face:

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18

If I had the chance, I’d love to become an expert in portrait photography.

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Cool! Have you had any experience with it so far?

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I’m always amazed watching concert pianists perform. They’re incredibly talented and make playing the piano look so effortless.

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