English for foreigners.
Today I found out I have not been speaking English correctly all this time. I watched a crap movie where American soldiers went to a place in Africa or Asia or Antarctica and bought an elephant with a kid to torment them. From the first few moments of the movie it dawned on me that my English sucks. Apparently, people outside native English speaking countries should have no concept of the first person singular, and refer to themselves only in the third person, because this kid could speak immaculate English but only in the third person, sort of like IRC. You know, “/me likes sex”. A sample phrase from the movie: “Lin is very happy that he has met your acquaintance. Lin would be grateful if you would allow him to accompany you and Lin’s elephant on your quest for saving the world, as American soldiers in movies always do.”
From now on Poromenos will talk like that. Poromenos sorry he could not speak English very well until now, but Poromenos not knew. Come to think of it, I think this only applies to Asians. I don’t know what Greeks are supposed to talk like. Maybe we’re all terrorists who can’t speak.
Bah.
From now on Poromenos will talk like that. Poromenos sorry he could not speak English very well until now, but Poromenos not knew. Come to think of it, I think this only applies to Asians. I don’t know what Greeks are supposed to talk like. Maybe we’re all terrorists who can’t speak.
Bah.
Posted by Poromenos @ 10:59 pm
Actually that’s generally considered an indicator of respect in many cultures and languages. It’s also usually respectful to use the plural version of “you”, or to use the term “they” when speaking to another person. Although you’re likely correct in assuming that the makers of this movie just wanted to make the kid sound dumb but still be understood by americans.
Comment on July 1, 2005 @ 6:44 am
Ah, that’s what I get for linking on Slashdot :P. I didn’t know that, but we do use the plural in Greek (a child using the singular “you” to speak to someone older, unless he knows him well, is considered impolite and would be promptly scolded by the parents).
Comment on July 1, 2005 @ 7:51 am
Speaking of “you”, I sometimes lament that English lost the singular/plural/informal distinction of “you.” Thee, Thou, and Thine were perfectly good words but are only used on Sundays. Or maybe we should adopt the north midwest US forms: singular y’all. plural all y’all.
Comment on July 1, 2005 @ 10:08 am
Indeed, but right now people can’t distinguish between “your” and “you’re”, let alone “who” and “whom”, do you expect them to be able to tell between “thee” and “thou”?
Comment on July 1, 2005 @ 10:20 am