Why I hate the english language.

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SUMMARY

This discussion highlights the complexities and inconsistencies of the English language, particularly focusing on the "I before E except after C" rule, which is often misapplied. Participants point out numerous exceptions, such as "foreigner" and "society," and discuss the challenges posed by homophones like "to, too, two" and "wrought, rot." The conversation also touches on the frustrations of learning English grammar in educational settings, especially for those pursuing technical fields like Electrical Engineering.

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  • Understanding of English phonetics and pronunciation rules
  • Familiarity with common English spelling rules and exceptions
  • Knowledge of homophones and their implications in language
  • Awareness of the challenges faced by non-native English speakers
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the various exceptions to English spelling rules, particularly "I before E"
  • Explore the concept of homophones and their usage in English
  • Study the impact of language inconsistencies on learning and communication
  • Investigate technical communication standards in engineering education
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Language learners, educators, linguists, and professionals in technical fields seeking to improve their understanding of English language intricacies and communication standards.

  • #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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