justusforus

We always talk about translation of words. What about the so called expressions through body language? Does a shrug of the shoulders have the same meaning in the English speaking countries as in other countries. What about crossed arms or hands on hips?

I really think all the posts make good points and I do dislike the butchering of words thanks to texting, people in a hurry and the proliferation of slang phrases and spellings. I do type fast and I have made not only spelling errors but sometimes misuse homonyms like "their" and "there". I know the difference but I think I am either distracted or my mind is not keeping up with my fingers.

Now that whole discussion made me think. I have had...in terms of the time component is something I never really thought about. The cross examination sort of threw me. Guess if I would have been the attorney I would have followed up to clarify the testimony and not assume the witness understood "the perfect tense". An interesting thread to say the least. I have had my "stop and think" moments here, but this was truly a specific one to remember.

Great to know. This is clearly one forum that I do NOT want to have spelling problems showing up on. Thanks for the information, I wasn't aware of the function either.

Sorry I missed the boat and the vote. I am always glad to see the forum expanding as it makes for a more diverse community here and the more the merrier!

I am guilty of going back and checking my posts after I am done and ready to log off. The 5 minute rule got me too then even though I was unaware. Glad the original poster brought this up...and you gave us the answer! :amazed:

Those are great examples. Never heard the Russian one, but actually I have heard the issue with the Chevy Nova. Whether it was a true marketing topic or part of urban lore, that story has made it around the world several times. I never thought of this an issue, but I guess a manufacturer has to think about their market before releasing brands or slogans.

In the US with all the slang, mispronunciation and spelling deficiencies, we should probably have more early education focusing on the English language and continue through graduation.

Yes. I think it happens to people both in there native tongue and in a learned language. I think our brains and our speaking are often at different levels or speeds maybe and sometimes we just hit a bump. I would not be embarassed, but just be upfront about it. Often times the listener will guess and even in the context of what you may have started to say, I have found they rarely get it right.

I always though most English words were derive from the Latin or Greek words. Thanks for the link. I wonder if anyone has ever figured out what language the majority of English words are derived from? Now you have me thinking. I guess I will pay more attention to the derivation source when I look words up.

I have trouble with the "a"s and "e"s in words like relevant, defendant, etc. I always seem to want to put another a at the end instead of e. I also have some trouble at times with words like commission and necessary when consonants repeat.

Adding to the English thread: horse-whinney bird-cheep I can't think of any more in addition to LauraM's others, but will keep thinking.

I remember being younger and hearing being "stabbed in the back". I was very distressed and then learned it meant betrayal and not a physical assault. I also wanted to have a "gift horse" when I heard that people "looked them in the mouth". I think any horse idiom would have caught my attention including a "horse of a different color".

I had to believe this was a humorous piece but with some truth (although I am not British). Looking at the whole list, there are many of these I think Americans say as well with a slightly different meaning: WHAT THE BRITISH SAY WHAT THE BRITISH MEAN WHAT FOREIGNERS UNDERSTAND I hear what you say I disagree and do not want to discuss it further He accepts my point of view (I think in America when we say "I hear what you say" it really means "I have no idea how or what to say to you" as they shake their head up and down) That is a very brave proposal You are insane He thinks I have courage (In America (especially in the workplace) if we say "that is a very brave proposal" we mean "better you than me to suggest such a thing!" ) Very interesting That is clearly nonsense They are impressed (Again in America I think "very interesting" means "I don't know what to say to that" and I am not really going to waste my time so I will just throw the conversation back to you) Could we consider some other options I don't like your idea They have not yet decided (In America, I think "could we consider other options" means "why did I hire someone like you who comes up with such things. I can't believe I have to start from scratch and do it myself" These are just a few and my personal opinion. Although the British are reputed to be "polite" I think Americans may also use the English language to either soften the blow of what would be and insult or to totally disengage from the conversation.

As a native speaker and growing up with English I still love it. After learning another language and hearing so many others it seems English is a bit more "antiseptic" or plain than some of the other languages. Some sound more fluid (or even romantic) and others very harsh and stacatto. I wonder if it is just because I am a native speaker of English and maybe native speakers of other languages find English interesting. Hard to tell when you are looking out from within.

In replying to another friend, I mentioned President Bush and his mispronunciation of the word "nuclear". Instead of it sounding like "nuke-clee-ar" he (and many others either picked it up or I noticed it) pronounced it "nuke-you-lar". Is there a word that is either a pet peeve or that you notice is often mispronounced?

I agree that it is the sound that makes the definitive call as to whether to use "a" or "an". I also saw the comment on President Obama and it is unfortunate when people so visible make mistakes. I also cringed when George Bush used to pronounce "nuclear" as "nuke-you-lar".

Rihanna may have been trying to "class up" her image, ironically with a slang and a reference to a beloved icon. Due to the domestic violence issues and her continued association with the abuser and her songs which are often demeaning or depict violence to women, she has to think about her fan base. There are words she has unsed in interviews and songs I would not repeat in a public forum.

These threads have introduced me to so many I had never heard or really didn't think about in terms of origin. I will definately be looking into the link and print resources, as I am now so fascinated I want to search out some of the more obscure ones. "Kick the bucket" as explained above peaked my awe too...would have never conceived that as the origin. As to the non-native speakers I can see how explaining these would in fact reinforce not only the literal meaning of words but the sort of fanciful usage and explanations. I am really hooked on this area now. Purely fascinating!

I find similar to the "bomb" usage of "sick". I had an observer refer to a classic car I drove as "sick" meaning cool (not to be confused with temperature) but meaning a compliment of the cars looks or condition. Sick in the sense of health, meaning "ill" would not be used in referring to the car. There are so many threads here on idioms that are phrases when literally translated would not make sense to the non-native speaker and some, that I have never heard, I could not figure out.

I think one of my absolute favorites is "changing horses mid stream" which commonly refers to changing a plan or strategy once it is launched. Enjoying horseback riding and once being sort of stranded with another rider we crossed a stread that was much deeper than anticipated. It is such a vivid memory being sort of in the middle of a joint decision, it was tough to figure out to go back or proceed.

"like a fox in a hen house"- someone or thing out of place. I have heard it also used when a male is involved in a primarily female activity "straight from the horse's mouth"-direct information from a reliable or original source and from my reply to another thread about creatures and items from the sea, the other half fits here "pearls before swine"-wasting something of value on those who will not appreciate it.

Like being a "big fish in a small pond" (making yourself more important by going to a smaller group or community. "happy as a clam" (extremely content ot satisfied) putting "pearls before swine" (giving or exposing something valuable to someone who will not appreciate it) These are my understanding of these idioms. I believe "casting pearls before swine" actually originated as a biblical quote and developed into the above usage.

I agree it would fill in the gaps of understanding, but adding it to course work...just doesn't seem that proper although it would be embarassing to go up to someone and ask what does &^%$ mean?

wow...never realized there were so many. I dont think i saw "snockered"