justusforus

Ha! I would not blame it on age (out of vanity and the fact it happens to many) but that I think when you think of an object or concept and speak more than one language, the words may "process" on multiple levels (squeezing one to the side). If you do not get upset and relax about it, the native (or other) word typical is very close to the surface. This has been my experience so I would not worry about it.

This is a fascinating discussion. Since language is communicative in nature, it seems telepathic transmissions would be similar in this regard. We are so evolved yet still have not fully tapped the powers of the mind, I am sure this has been and will be an ongoing discussion. I see no reason not to consider telepathy though as a type of "higher" communication and language.

I agree too not to understand the ability of children to pick up concepts at a young age. I know of several children in the neighborhood that are learning two languages in advanced programs. Seems kids have less hang ups than adults sometimes do and maybe the lack of stress in suceeding, and seeing things as a new endeavor, makes for an amazing learning curve. I agree with Trellum, they are like sponges and often so eager to learn. If you or the husband are concerned, stay involved with the teachers and monitor progress. Hopefully you will be pleasantly surprised.

I think it does happen and I remember some of the examples above like at the Miss Universe pageant. The task though of the interpreter is daunting when you think they are listening, interpreting, speaking (while often times the person being interpreted starts speaking again) and still listening for any more comments. I do not blame the person speaking since they do not understand when the interpreter is translating and if there is no clear cue that the sentence is done being translated, the person often starts up again. That is a lot of multi tasking and memory for an interpreter so if there are "mistakes" I think it is the result of the speed this is all going on with. I think it would be a tough, and sometimes thankless job.

I played a video of a British commedian for a friend who said they didn't think the person was funny. As we discussed it, she admitted she didn't get the coughing and "no lift" comment. I explained that "lift" referred to an elevator and she said maybe it would have been funny if she knew that at the time. I know Canadians often adopt more of the British phrases as in Art class, I recall someone asking for a "rubber" meaning an eraser. Do you have trouble either appreciating conversation or media (film, tv, etc.) due to this?

There are many english words that have multiple meanings and usages. Just recently I was speaking with a friend who speaks Russian and English as a second language. I used the word "exact" in the context of someone trying to exact revenge on another. My friend said exact really threw her as she never heard it used other than as "precise, or the very thing". Do you think these words create difficulty and can you give any examples?

I try to use good grammar whether it is a formal piece for work or a casual entry on a blog or a comment. I think part of the "unlearning" process of proper grammar has been all the "casual" writing that proliferates on the internet. People learn from what they are exposed to. I have heard people argue about grammar and say "I see it all the time" and generally they are referring to something on line. Almost anyone can have a blog or a website and I have seen a murder of the English language on them.

I don't think to "win an argument" it is appropriate. However, I think if you know the person and they ask your opinion, it is better to help them than not. Even if you are asked just to read for an idea, would you really want a friend to turn in a report for work, a paper or even put something out to the world that has obviously incorrect grammar? I know I would appreciate the feedback since spell check will not pick up a "there" or "their". I think if you do it as a friend, a friend will accept it and be thankful.

I can distinguish between most of the European languages and had trouble with many of the Asian languages. Recently though with more people from these countries moving here and me hearing them more I do believe I can distinguish between Chinese, Korean, Japenese, Thai and Vietnamese speakers.

I recognize Russian characters as they are so distinctive. The first time I saw them I knew I would not forget them since I remember thinking some looked backward. I too also recognize Arabic as you mentioned and also Chinese.

I am not a fan of alas either, when done for flair or overused. I can see it in some contexts but not many. I do not like to see "whilst" here in the US although it may be a British custom that is accepted. There are other words that people use to be pretentious and although I am degreed I do not pull out a million dollar word, when a five buck will do, unless it is appropriate in the conversation.

I was hoping we would all see the health benefits of slowing down, relaxing and not being attached to devices. The world has gone the other way and if people are so busy they cannot even call (which is why this text thing supposedly is so hot) then they must be either as above lazy or so busy they can't complete a word. Half the time I get texts, they are so hard to comprehend it takes several follow ups or a call. So do they really save that much time? As the saying goes, haste makes waste.

Thank you so much for the link to such an interesting chart and article. As an English speaker I have used the phrase very often and never thought about its origins or what other languages would say in the same situation. If is so fascinating the topics that come up here. I have already shared this with several friends who I know will also enjoy this. That was a great contribution. You made me think and now I have even more trivia to impress (or bore) my friends with at parties. I still find it fascinating to learn every single day.

I think proper grammar is essential too. There is the old saying about first impressions. I believe it is important in both a social as well as a business setting since people do make evaluations based not only on the way your present yourself, but how you communicate. Whether you native language or a language you are trying to master, why not learn to speak and write properly? I like to present myself in the best light possible and would not want a "free pass" just because I am learning. I hope people do point out my errors so I can learn.

I am in the US and I never use the comma after the item preceding "and" in the list. I was not taught that way and do not see it used that way very often. I say that with a big reservation as I may have seen it and assumed it was wrong. After reading the explanation as using it to denote the last item in the list preceding the "and" it makes sense, but it was not widely used or taught this way to my knowledge.

ddrmario123 makes a good point on the difference between the traditional use of the apostrophe to form the possessive. I can see how this example would be a bit tricky for a person new to learning the English language. As a native speaker, I would not even have thought to point this out as an exception to the typical rule. I do know the difference, it's just that I would have probably just gone over possive form in general.

I fall into the "absolutely" habit as well. A lot of times I say "unbelievable" and it is not obviously me saying I don't believe the speaker, but more like "that's incredible". I have also picked up "no doubt" somewhere since it isn't something I would have seen myself using frequently.

I would have agreed with others who said repeat and write the words, since I think the hand eye coordination does reinforce memorization. This suggestion from Trellum though I have never thought of, meaning grouping words by topic. I think this is such a good idea as it may be more familiar when you hear someone speaking about the topic. It seems this would also help the mind associate the words with concepts. Excellent idea.

I have watched many Spanish speaking shows and it has helped with understanding as well as pronunciation. I am going beyond the telenovelas and talking about news and even game shows. Personally, I think anytime you can see and hear a person pronounce something, it helps embed it in your memory even more than just a printed word on paper.

I have to agree with you that I was surprised in reading so many responses touting a positive influence. My first reaction was with the slang and some of the "language" on tv shows, it was not a true indicator of diction or grammar. I am glad though to see that so many have found TV and movies to add to the learning experience.

I would have said no, we are not arrogant. Tonight I watched Miss Universe and when it came to question and answer, I thought, wish they answered in English. Arrogance or did it lose in the translation...I don't know.

Yes..the best part is when you say something in the language to a native speaker and you see the recognition in their face. When they respond back and you understand...priceless!

My speed of reading typically depends on the familiarity with the subject matter. If it is a technical piece of writing and I am familiar, I can read at a rapid pace. If unfamiliar topics are presented, it usually slows me down.

I dislike when a more archaic word is used such as when someone says mirth as opposed to humor. There are times when a more formal word is appropriate, but often times I feel it is the speaker trying to embellish a conversation unnecessarily.

Hi Valerie. That is an impressive list. You will love it here since there are so many cultures represented. Welcome.