by translations.co.uk | Interesting, Language, Linguistics
As English speakers it’s hard to understand how other languages can rely so much on tones. We are more than versed in tonal intonation – the way a speaker can use stress or pitch to imply emotion – in fact our rich sarcastic sense of humour makes us masters of it....
by translations.co.uk | French, Grammar, Interesting, Language, Linguistics
The constant development of language is one of the most fascinating phenomena that exists in human culture. In English we see it happen all the time, most recently with the development of online phrasing, abbreviation and slang, and for many it seems to be changing...
by translations.co.uk | Grammar, Interesting, Language, Linguistics, Universal Grammar
It sounds like the sort of daunting concept best left to discussion between academics. In fact the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, in its simplest form, is also just the sort of thing people interested in language could get into a heated discussion about at the pub. The...
by translations.co.uk | Interesting, Language, Linguistics
It’s one of those things people like to say. Eskimos have… 100 words for snow. 200. It’s because they’re surrounded by the stuff. How sweet! But what is the real answer? In fact, it’s hard to know where to begin with such a flawed premise. The word ‘Eskimo’ doesn’t...
by translations.co.uk | English, Interesting, Language, Spelling
Imagine the confusion as stories were published worldwide about little old Leicester City Football Club winning the English premiership for the first time in their history. “Did you hear about Lay-kes-terr winning the title?” a non-native English speaker might say. So...
Recent Comments