It is said that the English language is a difficult one to learn and is arguably the largest language by the number of words.
Many English names and phrases don't mean exactly what they first suggest. Here are a few examples:
- 'Baby oil' is not made out of babies and its usefulness is not restricted to babies.
- The 'cold war' was not a war.
- 'Political science' is not a science.
- 'American football' only occasionally uses the foot to contact the ball.
- A 'boxing ring' is actually square.
- The purpose of a 'wet suit' is to keep you dry.
- A 'bulldog' is not a bull and some people think its not much of a dog either :)
- Try explaining 'friendly fire' or 'missionary position' to a person new to the English language!
No wonder we end up with situations such as Chinglish and signs lost in translation! For a few examples of what are commonly called oxymorons, click here. If you are interested in the Oxford English Dictionary, click here to read about a man who read it through word by word in one year - all 21,730 pages!
Let’s be very patient with those who try to learn one of the most difficult languages in the world ... English.
No comments:
Post a Comment