Saturday 6 August 2005

Mind your language!

I've just downloaded the latest version of Shockwave's Flash player. During the install it offers three languages; US English, French and German.

Now I live within 40 miles of the country one is spoken in, I've lived and worked in the country another is spoken in and I can get by in it but what on earth use is US English to anyone in the English speaking world?? In fact I'd argue that "US English" is an oxymoron :-)

19 careful considerations:

Ang said...

but what on earth use is US English to anyone in the English speaking world

Spoken like a true snob! LOL

Trust me dear, spend any amount of time with me, and I'll have you speaking like an American in no time at all! (grins)

And please, don't confuse "speaking like an American" for speaking like a redneck!!

Anonymous said...

This is a (colourful) bit of (humour). Some may say it is (shite), but they can (sod off). (Author's note: I'm eating a (biscuit) and heating a (crumpet)) Next week, I shall be on the (Dole). I shall (queue and queue for a bloody fortnight). I hope I do not get caught in the (lift) on my way to see a (jolly good picture) at the (cinema). If I get a (1.5 liter beverage), I might have to (spend a penny prior to the commencement of the picture). One of (me mates suffered a right good thrashing) at the (World's Cup football) match by a group of (arsehole hooligans). (Egads), I've been a (cheeky monkey). (I shall discontinue this discourse at once!)

For the benefit of those of us who speak US English, I shall translate: This is a COLORFUL bit of HUMOR. Some may say it is shit, but they can GO AWAY. (Author's note: I'm eating a COOKIE and heating AN ENGLISH MUFFIN) Next week, I shall be UNEMPLOYED. I shall WAIT AND WAIT IN LINE FOREVER.
I hope I do not get caught in the ELEVATOR on my way to see a MOVIE at the THEATER. If I get a LARGE COKE, I might have to WHIZ BEFORE THE MOVIE ENDS. One of MY FRIENDS GOT CURB STOMPED at the BORING SOCCER FINALS by a group of ASSHOLE TROUBLEMAKERS. DAMN, I've been a (no idea wtf a "cheeky monkey" is?). LATER!

You're right, the language barrier between us yanks and you brits is pretty steep. I tried German once but there was too much hausaufgabben...

Echomouse said...

I so have to leave this one alone. They're right next door. Big guns and all that.

But I totally get your beef with this ;)

ScaryCheri said...

you're baiting me....you're deliberatly baiting me! I will NOT be subject!


;P

ScaryCheri said...

btw...lol squid

kat said...

I stayed with an American family in Florida, for a fortnight. The fortnight thing confused them straight away. I was ushered from house to house and ended up feeling like the family pet although I suppose I was the guest of honour. Everytime I was taken to a new house, in a new area, all the neighbours ( or should that be neighbors ) were brought in to hear me speak. For some reason it was vitally important to each family that I used their jacuzzi or swimming pool.

ScaryCheri said...

Kat...I've had the same kind of thing hapen to me in my own country...lol

I visited Maine from Florida once and the other kids my age would gather around me and make me say beer over and over again.

Folks in Main and the rest of New England say "Beea" and further south we say "beeer"

Nogbad said...

Oh dear Kat - people insisting you bathe everywhere you go?

kat said...

lol. Perhaps they were trying to tell me something. :-)

Nakeel said...

U gat choose it and what you want it for.. provided the one speakibng the language will be comfortable and will understand ....

Nogbad said...

CURB STOMPED

Brilliantly descriptive term - not heard that one before. And if I drank a litre and a half of coke before going to the flicks I'd be spending a good deal more than a penny! :-)

Anonymous said...

Just doing my part to enlighten the masses. I am going to write a book called, "Everything I know about British Culture was Learned from 'Are You Being Served?'"

Nogbad said...

Truly a cultural icon! I think there may be a market for your book and we might be able to do some joint marketing - I'll write "Everything I know about US Culture is based on 'The Dukes of Hazzard'" :-)

Nogbad said...

Joe - Thanks for the comment and the link to the blogthing, you'll see I took the test (but had little chance of doing well really :-))

Nogbad said...

And please, don't confuse "speaking like an American" for speaking like a redneck!!

Not sure what the difference is here Angie - not the easiest thing to do in text online now is it?

Wendy said...

hehehehe...funny stuff.

Ang said...

not the easiest thing to do in text online now is it?

Oh that's it! You are dead meat now! LOL But I think you knew that already and I refuse to walk allow someone to purposely wind me up! :)

Ang said...

okay wait, I missed a few words up there, that is what I get for doing more than one thing at a time. (slaps fingers)

Uh. wait. that could come out wrong. nevermind.

Nogbad said...

Uh. wait. that could come out wrong. nevermind.

Isn't the first rule of holes that when up to your neck it's usually best to stop digging? :-)