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Thread: English is a crazy language

 
  1. #11
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    Default Re: English is a crazy language

    yeah crobertson, the pronunciation of words that are spelt the same or similar way is a big issue for non-english native speakers

    How much trees you try?
    I try three trees! xD

  2. #12
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    Default Re: English is a crazy language

    Salvadorm, I hadn't realized it until reading your response, but that is so true.

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    Default Re: English is a crazy language

    Exactly salvadorm, it's definitely more challenging and not to mention when you have to choose the correct pronunciation for either American or British English.

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    Default Re: English is a crazy language

    Hi vincente,

    I re-read it, and found myself laughing again in amazement of how crazy the English language really is. I agree with your statement of never being able to speak a language as someone who is native to their country and or origin. The natural flow and expressions somehow get lost. I speak English. In Hawaii we speak what is called broken English which unique and understood only by Hawaii natives so I totally know where you're coming from.

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    Hi brapoza,

    That's why I NEVER argue with a native speaker. To me it is foolish to tell a native that they are wrong in their own language. For instance, I might not use proper grammar or syntax when I'm talking to a friend but if that is the way we talk, then who is to say we are wrong? It's our language, we've spoken all our lives and we can speak it as we wish. I've had non-native speakers tell me that I was wrong about the use of certain words because they didn't fit their definition, or were not being used properly. Says who? I wouldn't dare to correct a native Spanish speaker speaking their own language. If native Hawaiian "broken English" is the way your people speak, it is their language and that's that and I daresay that a person like me could live among them for decades and never learn to speak it like a native. There is always something that you haven't yet learned.
    vicente

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    Default Re: English is a crazy language

    Hi vicente,

    Exactly! I could not have said that better myself. I feel the same way. I would be nice if there were more individuals like you. Unfortunately, many do not share our views. Back in Hawaii we are constantly being "reminded" by non-native speakers as to the wrongness of the language. I'm sure it has a lot to do with the fact that they can't understand it but that is no reason to try and change
    what has been for as you say decades. When need be we can speak properly but when among each other we choose to speak what's native to us, no matter who thinks its wrong. Luckily we are easy going people who doesn't let the haters bother us much. If we weren't then it would be something entirely different.

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    Good for you and your people brapoza! I don't think you are alone. Many of us who are educated and speak correct English in our public and professional lives revert to speaking as we did when we were growing up when amongst family and friends. It's who we really are. The public image and manner of speaking is just a disguise, a face, we put on when we leave home, isn't it?
    vicente

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    Default Re: English is a crazy language

    This is great. There was one that I didn´t know.

    20) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?

    I understand the second intimate but what does the first intimate mean?? It appears to be used as a verb here. Does anybody care to shed some light on this for me?


  9. #19
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    Default Re: English is a crazy language

    Hi amayo!

    To intimate is to suggest in a subtle or circumspect manner, i.e., not to state something bluntly.

    It's sort of like "to hint".

    EX: She intimated her interest in him by the way she looked at him.

    EX: Although he didn't say it plainly, he intimated that he would agree to the deal by saying "it could happen."

    Me explico?

    in·ti·mate
    2 [in-tuh-meyt]

    verb (used with object), in·ti·mat·ed, in·ti·mat·ing.
    1.
    to indicate or make known indirectly; hint; imply; suggest.
    Last edited by vicente; 10-24-2013 at 07:34 PM.
    vicente

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    Default Re: English is a crazy language

    My mother has always told me when I was growing up and learning to read Spanish that it was very easy and not as complex as English. Which is so true!! In English you have the same words, written in the same way, but pronounced differently and it changes the meaning of the word. You have words that have Ps in them but it's silent. It is funny how when growing up you don't understand and you think your parents are crazy and don't know what they are talking about, but now it all makes sense!!!!

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