JessiFox

That would be really strange to me...the first language you learn seems like it would be the easiest to keep with you...but I guess with your circumstances it makes sense. I'm still fluent in mine, but I never stopped speaking it.

I find this an interesting topic, as it's something I've thought of a lot. I never liked English as much as other languages...even when it was the only one I spoke fluently, I could see many of the inherent problems and to me, it is just not as pleasing to speak or hear. There are also so many beautiful words/concepts that do not translate to English well.

Very nice and thorough little explanation, thank you! I wish more people would take the time to familiarize themselves with such things.

I don't run across it too often here in the US, though it seems it is used pretty often in some other countries. I'm not sure there are meticulous rules about when it is or is not acceptable.

The "Oxford comma" is generally regarded as unnecessary anymore in most list formats. However, I still prefer it and most professors I have had seem to have the same feelings...so I suppose it's often down to personal choice.

"Alot" is not a proper word and is often made fun of when people do attempt to use it where "A lot" ought to be.

Oh goodness, "irregardless" IS my hate word!! I've had friends, people I'm debating with and even professors use it! And not even ironically. If someone insists on using the term, I absolutely cannot stand talking to them no matter how intellectual they may be otherwise. I know it sounds rather snobby but I just cannot tolerate it.

There are so many English quotes which I love very much, and which I find motivational and inspirational. A favorite quote of mine is from Albert Einstein: "Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." I also love another quote he has which says: " Imagination is more important than knowledge." Another favorite quote of mine is from Thomas Edison: " Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try one more time." He also had this quote which came up with after he made many attempts to create the light bulb: "I've not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."

I enjoy your preferences . It amazes me how many people don't realize the amount of insightful quotes from Einstein.

Being in the States, I haven't been exposed to an exceptional variety lately, but I have to say in general I find American accents to be the least pleasing to the ear. Everything sounds so much less refined.

I've long thought that would be an excellent idea but must confess I never really looked into it before. Thanks so much for sharing it!

I feel quite the same as you and the more I aware I am of it, the more it tends to bother me. I can be exceptionally eloquent and thoughtful in writing, but it's harder for me with spoken word and I consider it a significant disadvantage overall. It's something I'm consciously working on because I DO think it matters. And even if you exclude what others think of me, I care about how I project in general.

I've very guilty of over-using lol and have even tried consciously to switch it up more. It irritates me! It seems like it takes on a mind of its own and becomes a filler or a means to have a 'friendlier' tone.

It's said that cellar door is supposed to be exceptionally beautiful, but I'm not sure I find that to be the case. I love requiem, celestial and allegory.

I really wish I had learned as a young child...I think it would have been a big advantage. I didn't learn until starting in 7th grade, and didn't value you it as much as I should have. I'm trying to get back in the game now, though .

Wanna know something?

Try writing any word and read it repeatedly. It will start sounding funny after a while. I don't know why, but it always happens! It's so strange.

Anyways, if you're not interested in that and want a word to sound funny the first time you read it, it's gotta be "cockpit"!

Very valid! Or it just won't look/sound right at all. Hah.

I don't like snog. Or preposterous.

I have a thing for quotes....I have collections of them! lol. Some of my favorites are;;

"Not all those who wander are lost."

"The best way to predict the future is to create it."

"I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night."

This is such a hard choice for me- I would love to be fluent in about 12 languages, lol. I've wanted to learn Italian for the longest time but lately I've been feeling drawn to Chinese of some form. Practical enough, as well.

Thanks for sharing this one! I love games like that and I'm sure I can coerce a few family members into trying it out with me .

This happened to me with Spanish....at the time I was learning it I didn't really appreciate the experience or how much I would want to retain the information later. Now I know some basics (and some totally random things) but not enough to be fluent and it's frustrating. I would suggest treating it as if you are learning it for the first time- build on the things that worked the first time, but basically look into courses, excuses to use the language frequently, etc. until it's fresh in your mind.

I've been interested in reading and writing poetry for as long as I can remember. I go through phases but overall I don't really favor any particular writer too heavily as far as poetry is concerned. I like a lot of deep or even 'dark' or morbid works.

Hello everyone, I'm so excited to have found this forum! Languages have always been a passion of mine but I haven't yet devoted much time to them...I'm hoping to become fluent in a handful of languages and utilize that in travel.