Has there been any studies on how and when this came into everyday use in American English? English is a second language for me but lived 5 years in the UK growing up and when I hear American English users insert the word 'Like' into a sentence where the word has no function, even up to twice in a sentence, it makes me cringe and I start judging them in a negative manner (can't help it - no offense intended). Even more so when people in my country (even those who speak far from perfect English) adapt this. This also counts for well educated young people, perhaps it is not that common in people above a certain age?
So you hear a lot here in the 'States about how the English language is hard even for us native speakers, especially when it comes to our spelling. So my question for you speakers of other languages is are your languages as hard to maintain a constant understanding of (or "dumb" as it is usually put) as American/English-English is?
The best example of this I can think of is when someone who is from France comes to America and speaks English, but with a French accent. People usually think it’s cool or unique. However, if it were reversed and an American went to France and spoke French in an American accent, what would people think? Or what if it’s from a totally different region, what if someone from Japan went to France and spoke French with their regular accent, what would people think?
Context: I'm well-versed in the classic authors writing in English, but frankly pretty ignorant when it comes to classics from Asia, or Africa, or any of the European countries in which English isn't the first language, even.
I'm hoping to change that and would appreciate any help on where to start. I.e what are the 'must-read' classics in China, or India, or Spain, etc etc? What novel have you read from another culture, translated from another language that struck you as beautiful?
Given time I'd like to explore some traditionally recognised classics and then check out other genres from non-English writers (like a sci-fi from Poland, or a horror from Saudi Arabia for example.)
I must be missing out on so many insanely good reads by only reading novels written by English-writing authors. TIA for any recommendations!
EDIT: These suggestions are fantastic, you guys are awesome. Love this sub!
Someone in r/nostupidquestions said this would be a good question for you guys, so here I am!
So, because of how languages evolve over time, there must be a point where if I went back in time, the English I speak now would be unrecognizable to English speakers of the past, right? I am just curious how far that is. At what point would I no longer be able to reasonably communicate with people?
At what point would I not even recognize a single word?
Could other languages go further back?
I had only English speaking friends growing up and would only use English to talk to my family. I grew up in the Midwest with 99% white people in my schools. Ever since I moved to OC people have asked me why I don't speak Korean in a condescending tone of voice. Why am I being blamed for it when my parents never enforced speaking Korean in the household? Not trying to blame my parents at all but it's strange blaming someone for not speaking a language I was never immersed in.
Eventually I took a Korean language class, started teaching myself for my own self-interest, and immersing myself in the language. I can speak in a conversational level now, no thanks to the condescending people who judged me.
It's like since I "look Asian" I must speak an Asian language. There's no possible way for me to be seen as a real American who speaks solely English. End rant.
It seems that there is a pattern of Native American names being translated into English. Some famous examples would be Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, Cornplanter, etc. On the other hand, names from other cultures are almost never literally translated into English, but transliterated (if written in a different alphabet). Why don't we refer to Hirohito as "Abundant Benevolence?" What is the history behind this tendency?
Hello everyone!
I'm an English teacher from Russia, and I'm trying to create more resources for low-level students.
I'd greatly appreciate it if some of you could answer some of my questions and record them, and send them to me. The questions are really simple.
These recordings aren't going to be sold or posted publicly. They are only for educational purposes.
Any accents or ages are more than welcome.
PM me if you can help and I will send you the questions and some more instructions.
Thank you very much!
UPD: Thank you guys so very much! You are all so wonderful! I'll try and reach out to everyone who's already responded, there are so many of you great people. I definitely didn't expect that many responses. My heart is filled with gratitude for your kindness!
Why is "-stein" pronounced differently in "Einstein," "Frankenstein," "Weinstein," and "Epstein" when these are all drawn from German?
See what I did there? No but seriously would you expect them to adapt US pronounciation, spelling and slang? Also would you make a difference between English native speakers and non-native speakers?
Edit after 4 hours: I guess did not make my point clear. I did not want to ask if people should learn English at all, but those who already know it -espcially nativ speakers from other parts- should alter their English to American English. Yeah most of you thankfully ansewered that question to some degree, but just to clarify for further answers.
How often have you used the multilingual to translate for work, especially if you work for small businesses?
Jerusalem Post is my go to, and I also subscribe to Haaretz’s email alerts, but are there others I’m missing? What are the biases of each major news org?
Because of how languages evolve over time, there must be a point where if I went back in time, the English I speak now would be unrecognizable to English speakers of the past, right? I am just curious how far that is. At what point would I no longer be able to reasonably communicate with people?
