Why I hate the english language.

  • Context: Lingusitics 
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    English Language
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the complexities and perceived inconsistencies of the English language, including spelling rules, pronunciation, and grammatical challenges. Participants share their frustrations and observations about English, often through examples and humorous commentary.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants highlight the rule "I before E except after C" and provide examples of exceptions, questioning its validity.
  • Homophones are discussed, with examples like "wrought - rot" and "to, too, two," indicating regional pronunciation differences.
  • One participant shares a humorous take on the word "ghoti" being pronounced as "fish," illustrating the irregularities in English spelling and pronunciation.
  • Concerns are raised about the vagueness of English, particularly in academic settings, where participants express frustration over inconsistent grading and the perceived simplicity of the language taught in schools.
  • Some participants reflect on their experiences with English compared to other languages, noting that they find English easier or more difficult based on their backgrounds.
  • There are corrections and clarifications regarding the spelling of words like "society" and "gargantuan," with some participants pointing out errors in others' posts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains multiple competing views regarding the effectiveness and consistency of English. Participants express both agreement and disagreement on various points, particularly concerning spelling rules and pronunciation, indicating that no consensus exists.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference personal experiences with English education and its impact on their academic performance, highlighting the subjective nature of language learning and teaching. The discussion reflects a range of opinions on the complexity of English without resolving the underlying issues.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in linguistics, language education, or those who have experienced challenges with English may find this discussion relevant and engaging.

  • #91
Moonbear said:
I was thinking southern, like Texas, where the e probably also spans over two syallables: a-ig.

Bahaha not that type of a sound... it's hard to explain it over the internet. It sounds exactly like the e in end with a lower sort of 'a' sound involved... nothing like 'a-ig' haha. Man typing out how thing sound to you is hard because you never know if the other make the same sounds :-p
 
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  • #92
Neo_Anderson said:
Rules like, "I before E except after C." Oh really? You mean like "foreigner?" Or, "soceity?" Or how about like half of the words that end with "E" where that "E" is pronounced, and the other half where the "E" is not pronounced.

Feel free to add to this, and post the gargantuian list of english fallibles! :)

Your gripes are really not very good. As Moonbear points out :

Neo_Anderson, I think you need a sarcasm alert added to your post.

Though, the i before e rule really only applies to words where the sound is a long e (eeeee, not eh), like thieves, deceive, chief.

The rule is really quite consistent, as in the following:

Believe, grieve, relief, tier

Or:

Receive, receipt, deceit

Then, there are the exceptions, usually lifted from other languages, like:

Diet

As far as your other gripe is concerned, remember that English derives predominantly from two languages; German (and its derivates) where the trailing “e” is pronounced, and French, where it is not (unless accented).

KM
 

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