English is a crazy language...

**CorbinKale** · January 6th, 2009

English is fun. I'm glad I learned that first, because when I study other languages, I feel that I have the hard one out of the way, already!

Why do we park on a driveway and drive on a parkway?

**aussiewonder** · January 6th, 2009

Wow you said a mouthful Srbo, and you are exactly right!

**Susielikesit** · January 6th, 2009

In grade 10 my English teacher gave us the paperback, Everything you wanted to know about Grammer but were afraid to ask... Did wonder's for me! English is crazy though...totally bastardized.

**Agincourt Concierge** · January 6th, 2009

I know people that have a hard time learning English as their primary language!!!!

Come to rural Virginia.....They murder the King's English....When I first moved here I could have sworn some folks were speaking with marbles in their mouths....

**Kim L.** · January 6th, 2009

Originally Posted by Srbo

English muffins were not invented in England .

They weren't? Another illusion dashed.

**SKfan2006** · January 6th, 2009

you know what's really messed up. when you translate another language into english you have to rearange the words just to see it make sense at all.

**Gelata** · January 7th, 2009

Great thread, Srbo.
As some of you now, I learnt English as a second language. Well, in fact, I never say 'I speak English', I don't dare to say that. I consider myself as an eternal English student, mostly because I love it. It's true that English language has so many paradoxes and sometimes it may seem 'crazy', though this happens in other languages too, Spanish, for instance. However, I think English is funnier, I don't know why. It allows more playing with words.
I love that kind of things, because it makes you think how complex a languages are; how long it takes to develope and evolve, and how much magic is in them. You can play with words in so many ways, and the fun never ends.

**Gelata** · January 7th, 2009

Ah, what about this:

If you write write write, you write write right; but if you write write right, you write write wrong.

**MrsSmeej** · January 7th, 2009

English is a pain... Fluency is hard to gain.
As clear to foreign speakers as a dirty window pane.
It isn't just the same words that can stand for different things
But homonyms that sound the same, yet different spelling brings

A headache. Why, we have 3 words that sound like number 2;
To, too, two or - link them up - a fluffy white tutu
And let us not forget that there is their and they're and there
(Even native speakers get them wrong, so don't despair.)

But, like the rest, I stand in awe of those who've learned to speak
A second different language. My own language skills are weak.
The only things that I can say in languages not mine
Are; Point me to the bathroom... Please and thank you... Pass the wine.

Or the wine's equivalent. It doesn't do to whine
Any drink my host puts out is sure to do me fine.
But, Srbo, Volic, Draga and you others 'cross the globe?
I'm sorry learning English rivals all the trials of Job.

**skaddict1978** · January 7th, 2009

wow...thats some great stuff...looks like some of the SK board members should do comedy. I loved it. and btw speedy George Carlin is my all time favorite Comedian.