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Re: [OM] English Language problems. No OM content

Subject: Re: [OM] English Language problems. No OM content
From: Gregg Iverson <giverson@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Fri, 24 Dec 1999 12:54:20 -0500
Some of the interesting language in the USA is because of the "melting
pot" nature of this country.  Each ethnic and cultural immigrant group
brought their own words that have been incorporated into the way we
speak.  It makes it hard to communicate (sometimes) even for those born
in this country, let alone one trying to learn our "English".  An
example of this from Great Britain would be the dual words for domestic
animals: sheep;mutton, cow;beef, pig;hog.  Each came from a different
language but are now part of English.

Chris Barker wrote:
> 
> Some of these confusions exist only in the USA.  For instance, we in the GB
> would not say "number", to "wind the sail" nor "dove".  Some of the
> confusions arise from different roots but normally we avoid them by using
> the many alternatives available in this rich language of ours.
> 
> My German friends have most trouble with the pronunciation and spellin of
> the "-ough" words such as dough and through.

> ----------

> > This is for those on the list who are into linguistics.
> >
> >
> >>
> >> No wonder the English language is so very difficult to learn:
> >>
> >> §   We polish the Polish furniture.
> >> §   He could lead if he would get the lead out.
> >> §   A farm can produce produce.
> >> §   The dump was so full it had to refuse refuse.
> >> §   The soldier decided to desert in the desert.
> >> §   The present is a good time to present the present.
> >> §   At the Army base, a bass was painted on the head of a bass drum.
> >> §   The dove dove into the bushes.
> >> §   I did not object to the object.
> >> §   The insurance for the invalid was invalid.
> >> §   The bandage was wound around the wound.
> >> §   There was a row among the row of oarsmen about how to row.
> >> §   They were too close to the door to close it.
> >> §   The buck does funny things when the does are present.
> >> §   They sent a sewer down to stitch the tear in the sewer line.
> >> §   To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.
> >> §   The wind was too strong to wind the sail.
> >> §   After a number of Novocain injections, my jaw got number.
> >> §   I shed a tear when I saw the tear in my clothes.
> >> §   I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.
> >> §   How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?
> >> §   I spent last evening evening out a pile of dirt.
> >>
> >> ----------------------- Internet Header --------------------------------
> >> Sender: RuthieJ@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
> >> 12/20/99
> >
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