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#Post#: 563--------------------------------------------------
Foreigners speaking English
DIR By: Allie
Date: May 8, 2018, 2:54 pm
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Is it hard to understand foreign people speaking/writing in
English?
Sure, there are different levels, but I am speaking in a general
way.
Do you have a problem with a particular accent, for example?
Have you ever had a "traumatic" experience or been pleasantly
surprised?
If you're not a NES, do you notice anything particular about the
way your compatriots express themselves in English?
#Post#: 564--------------------------------------------------
Re: Foreigners speaking English
DIR By: Allie
Date: May 8, 2018, 3:07 pm
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There's a book written in English called "English as she is
spoke", by Pedro Carolino. It's regarded as a comedy book, as it
doesn't make any sense in English.
However, it was actually intended to be a Portuguese-English
phrase book. The writer, who didn't speak English, used a
French/English dictionary to write it, for he was unsatisfied
with the guides available (he didn't understand the grammar and
thought they were senseless!).
Of course, when I read the book, I can understand the mistakes
as they are the way Portuguese speakers express themselves.
I can spot people from my country easily, as the accent is so
characteristic, that a simple "hi" is enough to give them out.
If that wasn't enough, they tend to say "man" and "you know" a
lot!
#Post#: 575--------------------------------------------------
Re: Foreigners speaking English
DIR By: the lost minion
Date: May 9, 2018, 3:39 am
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I'm from Central-Eastern Europe (let's not discuss geography nor
political geography here) and I usually know when I here a Pole
speaking English. The same goes for Russians, Czechs, Slovaks
and so on. And it's not about the mistakes because if I make
them, I won't normally be able to detect them (as I'm unaware)
and I can't remember the mistakes I used to make and managed to
get rid off at some point.
But there is something in the way we use our voices; they are
very delicate and subtle compared to the Americans' for example.
I don't know if you have ever listened to Lydia Machova? She's a
perfect example. She's a polyglot but the moment she opens her
mouth you know she's from around here. It's obvious because of
her subtle, characteristic voice/manner of speaking.
#Post#: 579--------------------------------------------------
Re: Foreigners speaking English
DIR By: Alharacas
Date: May 9, 2018, 6:02 am
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Allie, thank you so, so much! I'd never heard of this book, and
it's fantastic! I'll try to comment more extensively later on,
but I just have to open a new thread about this immediately
(under books). I do hope you won't mind me stealing this?
#Post#: 580--------------------------------------------------
Re: Foreigners speaking English
DIR By: Truman Overby
Date: May 9, 2018, 7:34 am
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I like to hear Brits trying to speak English. They're easy to
spot. ;D
#Post#: 581--------------------------------------------------
Re: Foreigners speaking English
DIR By: Truman Overby
Date: May 9, 2018, 7:39 am
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I'm always amazed at the soft and careful manner in which
Russian women speak English. Nearly every one I've heard speak
English has a soft and pleasant voice and manner. Natasha {
Natalia } is a perfect example of this. Her voice has a
relaxing and soothing tone. { Please don't take that as a creepy
comment. If you hear her speak, I think you'll agree with me. }
#Post#: 598--------------------------------------------------
Re: Foreigners speaking English
DIR By: Allie
Date: May 9, 2018, 1:18 pm
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@Grzybek
Yes, I know Lydia and I will probably pay more attention next
time I speak to a Pole.
I remember once I helped this Polish woman and she had a lovely
accent (as Macron would say, a "delicious" one).
The other Poles I know don't speak like her (which is a shame),
so it may be a regional thing. It was "singsongy". Do you know
what I am talking about?
@Alharacas
Sure, anytime!
@Jerry
What a creepy comment!
Just joking!
I am happy you can spot Brits, but I never heard Natalia's voice
(or anyone's here for that matter) so I am a bit clueless.
#Post#: 599--------------------------------------------------
Re: Foreigners speaking English
DIR By: Truman Overby
Date: May 9, 2018, 1:30 pm
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I'm always curious to hear what others sound like. Maybe we all
can post audio clips of ourselves.
#Post#: 602--------------------------------------------------
Re: Foreigners speaking English
DIR By: Allie
Date: May 9, 2018, 2:05 pm
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--- Quote from: Truman Overby link ---
>
> I'm always curious to hear what others sound like. Maybe we
all can post audio clips of ourselves.
>
--- End Quote ---
I am curious too! It'd be great if we could
#Post#: 612--------------------------------------------------
Re: Foreigners speaking English
DIR By: Chizuko hanji
Date: May 10, 2018, 12:20 am
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@Allie @Truman
Language geeks are creepy.
Let me in.
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