Mea culpa (Latin - LOL!) I started a thread about the difference between English here and English where most of you are. My facetiousness made some of you think that I wasn't a native English speaker. I would like to publically pay a tribute to those of you for whom English really isn't your native tongue. I think you do an amazing job. I would list names but wouldn't like to risk missing anyone out!

Thank you to all the kinds words to "the native English speaker" forward the "non native". I am French and I leave in England(North of Oxford). I have just been in Scotland in holidays. I had to concentrate to understand the scottish-english !! My target is to recognise every brittish accent used all over great britain from north, south, wales,...
Thank you Sue.
Cathie Jones

South Africa has eleven official languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Northern
Sotho,Sotho, Swazi, Tswana, Tsonga, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu.
At school most have a 2nd language that is compulsory .I was lucky enough to have German as a third language. My DS family is from the Netherlands so I understand them too.
Hugs Bev

All of you could not have said a truer word - in any language. Cutie is wonderful way to build international friendships.

I agree, Sue, I do so admire everyone who communicates on this forum in "English" when that isn't their native language. If I think about being on a forum in Spanish, or French I would be scared silly that I would inadvertently offend everyone with my bad grammar, or at least confuse them utterly. Three cheers for all the Cuties who work so hard at communicating here! That's one of the things that makes this such a special place. Thanks!! Hugs, Marji

I absolutely LOVE learning the nuances of languages - especially English. We had some friends visit from Tyne and Weir in England. The husband told me a whole story in his English. Truly, I didn't understand one word. I just kept smiling when he smiled, and laughed when he laughed. I kept thinking something would click and make sense. But no, not even one phrase made any sense. I don't know if he ever realized I was totally confused by his story! English - you gotta love it!

2 comments

by hightechgrammy 14 Aug 2012

I wish I could speak more languages - I'm very impressed with how well everyone communicates with us! I can read Spanish pretty well. I can communicate in American Sign Language - but that is very hard to type :-)

by janetedna 15 Aug 2012

That would have been because of his accent as well as the use of different words and phrases to the rest of the country. It takes a while to 'get your ear in' when you hear a very strong accent, even in your own country, but it's fun trying. Jan

It is a very interesting subject, 'language'

People wonder why the English are so poor at learning other languages but the question is 'Which one to learn?' In school ( years ago) we learnt French but never went to France to practise. Now, when I go on holiday most people speak English, especially at resorts and if I try my Spanish or French ( schoolgirl) they want to practise their English on me. Now youngsters are being encouraged to learn Mandarin! for future trade. So I also applaud all who manage a second language. Jan

This is a super idea, Sue. Lovely to learn from people all over the world. ***

I truly enjoy hearing from Cuties from around the world and I give credit and applause to everyone who tries-especially our difficult English language.

I taught 5th grade in a multicultural school here in California. Sometimes as many as 5 languages were spoken in class. One day we stumbled over the word "run." We have so many meanings for that humble word that it made me more aware how difficult it is for others to learn American usage of English. Sometimes you just have to ask.

1 comment

by rescuer 14 Aug 2012

27 different languages were spoken in the homes of students attending the same public school as my youngest children. Many children entered school not speaking any English.
My son was one of 3 students in his class that spoke English.

The problem with bilingual is that after years away from your native tongue you forget or have never learned certain words, hence having difficulties with it. I for one still feel insecure in the English language and just marvel when I read posts from others like Marji.

2 comments

by rescuer 14 Aug 2012

I find that I cannot spell in any language I have learned.
As a child I learned the Queen's English including spelling which is different from spelling in the USA. I also learned French for one year, but I forgot most of it when we moved back to the U

by rescuer 14 Aug 2012

...moved back to the USA.

I am amazed every day that we all seem to understand each other. As I learn other languages, I feel admiration for all those who learn English when it is not their native language.

This site is such a wonderful place to for all of us to learn about so many things!

1 comment

by biddysews 15 Aug 2012

I actually get excited i cant speak any thing but English and i will say it isn't proper english it is Aussie english. and as it's 6.24 am and i haven;t had a wink of sleep i;m gunna hit the cot and have 40 winks before the tribe get up. Catch ya later ron