Tandem - it means "one by one" in translation from English, but over time the meaning of this word became more extensive, diverse and now means any interaction of two objects or people. Tandems are different: biological and mechanical, geometric and in the way of interaction. Let's consider in more detail.
Varieties of Tandems
- Subjects - a combination of various things in a certain and regular sequence. Example: tandem bike, scoop and broom.
- Biological ones are compounds of two living creatures, either directly or indirectly: for example, “Siamese twins”, hermit crab with shell, sea anemone and clown fish, a team of two or four horses. Climbers walking in a bundle is a very revealing example of a tandem.
- Two- and four-core processors are an electronic tandem.
- Creative, they can also include a political tandem: a union of leaders or countries.
- Mechanical - two or more mechanisms are connected by a common cause: a steam locomotive and wagons, a catamaran boat, a car and a trailer.
- The absurd ones are tandems from works of art: Push-Push, KotoPes, a two-headed eagle on the coat of arms and a three-headed Serpent Gorynych
- Geometric: are divided into vertical, parallel and longitudinal. Classic example: bunk bed, double bed
Parachuting term
In parachuting, a tandem jump is a pair jump of a beginner and a professional, in which the beginner’s suspension system is connected to the instructor’s, the parachute is behind him. The entire responsibility of the tandem jump lies with the instructor: he controls the flight and parachute, and the passenger can only enjoy the view or cope with surging emotions.
Only a tandem jump allows the first time to be in a state of free fall, because the parachute in such jumps opens after 40 seconds, and this is at least two kilometers of flight. The height from which such a jump is made ranges from 2500 to 4000 meters, for comparison: a beginner in a single jump jumps from a height of 600-800 meters and his parachute opens immediately. The only negative is the tandem jump at a cost half the price of a single, but all who made it claim that it is worth it.
Tandem bike
This is the name of a bike designed for several people (at least two). Such a vehicle has two wheels, but each has its own pedals, seat and steering wheel. Passengers are arranged one by one while pedaling synchronously, but the person sitting in front is the helper in front of him: he watches the road, although everyone has braking devices. The remaining crew members need a steering wheel for convenience - it is good to rest on it with your hands, then it is easier to catch the general rhythm and develop speed.
Such a miracle bike was invented in 1894 by Michael Pedersen, a Danish inventor, whose invention immediately fell in love with lovers of outdoor walks. As they improved, a bicycle for two people was called a tandem, and for three it was already a trike.
In creativity
The concept of a creative tandem is very popular at the present time, although the interaction of two or more people who are passionate about a common cause is rooted in history very far. Such cooperation is very beneficial to all parties, although it is quite possible for various indicators.
- Natasha Koroleva and Igor Nikolaev: the union of a young singer and an experienced composer brought him a lot of money and great fame for her. The tandem exhausted itself when Natalya gained experience and became a self-sufficient artist. In the world of show business, there are a great many such successful examples: Raymond Pauls and Laima, Igor Krutoy and Allegrova, Meladze and ViaGra, Leonid Agutin and Angelika Varum.
- Ilf and Petrov: the brilliant creators of Ostap Bender. Was the Twelve Chairs novel equally vivid and successful if one of the authors worked alone?
- Lenin and Nadezhda Krupskaya, Minin and Pozharsky, Marx and Engels - these tandems glorified these figures of the mind. The famous political union of Russia also received the nickname "Tandem".
- French duo “Les Twins”: two twin brothers Larry and Lawrence dancing in hip-hop style and showing the amazing possibilities of the body. The victory in the world competition of dancers in 2012 brought them universal recognition.
- Couples of dancers in ballroom and Latin American dances, as well as circus gymnasts, are also a convincing example of working in a creative tandem.
Language exchange with native speakers
“Tandem” is a site on the Internet, with which you can learn your favorite language by communicating via SMS with residents of different countries, who in turn also want to get used to a foreign language. The peculiarity is that language skills are manifested on the go during the conversation, there is no need to pore over a boring textbook or listen to uninteresting explanations of the tutor - in live communication, the spoken language with the native speaker is learned much faster, more interesting and there is an opportunity to learn from your own experience the mentality and life of others countries.