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I am probably the only one here who saves old messages for a time I
have more time and then really read them, or finish my writing and
post them. Some dont like that, but most of the subjects dont really
outdate, so I do it anyway :-)
A while ago Dr. Z said something important in an ambience where most
type their native language but many dont:
>I think most people don't even think about what words literally
>mean; they just mimic what they hear other people say. Even those
>who give some thought to the matter generally do so by assumption
>rather than actual knowledge.
This is especially true for foreign languages. There is no way I
could do all I do and still look up every word I ever use in
Portuguese or English. So I learn its meaning by observation - and
may get it wrong. It gets worse because in the 4 languages I know,
there are similar sounding words that may even come from the same
root but do not mean the same (any more).
This is terrible sometimes, because I speak good enough that most
listeners dont think that I may not exactly say what I want and this
can cost friendships!
Steve Lawsom also said then:
>The other thing to factor in with the net is how many people contribute
>for
>whom english is a second language. I think the world is a poorer place due
>to the tyranny of english on the net - it makes those of us who do speak
>it
>as a first language lazy, and can lead to ludicrous bouts of prejudice (I
>saw one ego-maniac hosting a bass discussion page ball someone out saying
>'come back when you're learned to type in english, BUDDY' - mmm, that was
>friendly.
Its worse than that: quite some people do not participate, because
they think they dont type good enough or they dont read the sometime
too elaborate or too slangy good enough to follow on a list. We are
missing the contribution of good friends of mine in Switzerland who
confirm that and of many more we dont even know about :-(
--
---> http://Matthias.Grob.org