Languages

My English is not your English

Is ‘disorientated’ a word? Ask someone from the USA, and they are likely to say no. But it’s absolutely correct in British English.

Languages change constantly and English is no exception. That causes confusion sometimes, and not just if you’re learning English as a foreign language. The variations of English which have developed in the USA, Canada and Australia have been around for some time. But other world regions have also developed their own brand of English. There are regional variations of English within the UK itself. Singlish, Hinglish, Chinglish and others are all becoming more commonly heard. When two non-native speakers communicate in English, they are likely to use a kind of ‘International’ or ‘Global’ English.

English is sometimes described as ‘the world’s second language’, and the ability of people in many different parts of the world to communicate using (International) English undoubtedly helps global trade and communications. And as global interaction increases, so does the use of English as lingua franca.

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Thailand: work is play?

The cultural expertise quiz is back, after a break last week to make room for our weddings around the word series.

This week, we’re talking about Thailand. Here’s the question:

Thailand is one place in the world where you can truly say that “work is play.”

True or False?

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A Portuguese Lovers’ Tradition

“Lenços dos Namorados” (Sweetheart Handkerchiefs or Fiancée Handkerchiefs) are handkerchiefs made of linen or cotton and embroidered with several related love patterns. This piece of handcraft is part of the typical clothing from Minho province (in Northern Portugal) and used by women of marrying age.

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The meaning of Weltverbesserungswahn

Test your cultural expertise with our weekly quiz question.

Last week we talked about how to address an Indian colleague. This was an interesting discussion and we’d still like to hear your comments if you have experienced how this works in practice. Here’s the answer:

Although he is junior to you, he is older and hence you should address him as Mr. Mehta to show him the respect due to his being older. You would also address an older, though junior, female colleague by her title and family name.

The next question is about Germany:

Which of the following German behaviors might be attributed to a national Weltverbesserungswahn:

A. A passion for recycling waste products.
B. The high number of Bioladen (natural food stores).
C. Both A and B
D. None of the above.

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A Conversation with Joan

Genevieve is our newest contributor. Here’s her first post from the island of Roatan, Honduras.

There is certainly something to be said for living on a Caribbean Island. The weather is always glorious, well; rainy season has begun so it is a tad cool for me. I’m actually wearing long pants instead of shorts, and a t-shirt instead of a tank top. However, back in Canada where I’m originally from they are breaking out the scarves and mittens now, so I really can’t complain about rainy season.

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Twelve reasons to love Kyrgyzstan

I have many foreign friends, and one of them wrote this letter to his friends from all over the world, describing why he loves Kyrgyzstan. I read it and understood that there are so many things that I don’t even notice, simply because it’s my country and many things are too obvious to me. So with his permission I am presenting you the following essay.

Why do I love Kyrgyzstan?

By Frieder Shlecht from Germany.

Photo credit

Many people ask: Why Kyrgyzstan? When I arrived, I had only three answers

• The love for the Russian language
• The love for mountains
• The love for Chingiz Aitmatov’s books

Now I could write thousands of pages about why I love this country and in particular its people. Here is an utterly incomplete document with some colorful aspects. I promise I didn’t exaggerate:

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