English linguistic question

[DarkRevenge (Luis)]

Hi all,
I haven't read all the posts, and I can't comment much as I'm not the best at english, as you might know
Anyway, here the situation is much worse. American influence has stolen us the "¿" symbol, so we're using only the "?" symbol at the end of a question... not only in chats or e-mail (which is wrong), but also in tv news, advertising... and even in newspaper articles.
We also use the "ñ" letter and accentuation (á, é, í...)... but I'm wondering how long this will last...

Cheers.

[CraigS]

There are cultures who have fought vehemently to preserve their language in its original form. Eg: Quebec, Canada .. and their version of French.

Thesedays, I understand that the folk from modern France, find the modern Quebecer's spoken language, quite strange. They can still communicate verbally with no problems, but there are differences arising from Quebec's French being isolated from European French, for as long as it has (in spite of France being the origin for it).

Both cultures go on fighting to preserve their changing languages (presumably from incursions as those mentioned in this thread).

I wonder what the long term outcome(s) of that defence might be ?

Cheers

[renormalised (Carl)]

The Quebecois are strange, in any case

[bojan]

Originally Posted by CraigS

I wonder what the long term outcome(s) of that defence might be ?

Cheers

Galactic, based on Chinese

[renormalised (Carl)]

Originally Posted by bojan

Galactic, based on Chinese

I'll be migrating to the far side of the galaxy if that happens

[Octane (Humayun)]

There's nothing wrong with that. It's been done for years. If you read epistolary books from the 1800s, initials for signing off are used throughout them as well.

I have signed my emails and letters and everything for years, with 'H'.

H

Originally Posted by bartman

Bartman
Ps:
One of the worst shortening of words/ names is when I found out that our Marketing MANAGER signs off on her emails as 'V' . I will not reveal her name, but just imagine if her name was Veronica ( not her name). How unprofessional is that???????

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by CraigS

There are cultures who have fought vehemently to preserve their language in its original form. Eg: Quebec, Canada .. and their version of French.

Thesedays, I understand that the folk from modern France, find the modern Quebecer's spoken language, quite strange. They can still communicate verbally with no problems, but there are differences arising from Quebec's French being isolated from European French, for as long as it has (in spite of France being the origin for it).

Both cultures go on fighting to preserve their changing languages (presumably from incursions as those mentioned in this thread).

I wonder what the long term outcome(s) of that defence might be ?

Cheers

Funny you've mentioned that. There are indeed a few places where the language as its root in French. Canada, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, parts of west indies, Mauritius, Guyana, etc... Some I understand quite well, some I don't have a clue what they're talking about. I think the lingo has evolved both in pronunciation and grammar and in some instances has totally deviated from what I'd call proper grammar. But hey, you can't be too precious about one's language. It's always evolving, merging with other languages. That's what's happening here with what you guys call 'americanisation'.

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by renormalised

The Quebecois are strange, in any case

That's because they are survivors. They're b1tchslappin' because of huge swarm of mozzies in summer and running away from hungry bears in winter.

[CraigS]

Originally Posted by multiweb

Funny you've mentioned that. There are indeed a few places where the language as its root in French. Canada, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, parts of west indies, Mauritius, Guyana, etc... Some I understand quite well, some I don't have a clue what they're talking about. I think the lingo has evolved both in pronunciation and grammar and in some instances has totally deviated from what I'd call proper grammar. But hey, you can't be too precious about one's language. It's always evolving, merging with other languages. That's what's happening here with what you guys call 'americanisation'.

Hi Marc;

I was actually thinking of you when I made that post .. I'm no expert in French .. great to have your input.

The linkage between culture and language is a very tight one.
Globalisation would seem to be the opposing force.

Attempting to control something which is not under one's control, would seem to be futile, eh (?)

Cheers

[multiweb (Marc)]

Originally Posted by CraigS

Hi Marc;

I was actually thinking of you when I made that post .. I'm no expert in French .. great to have your input.

The linkage between culture and language is a very tight one.
Globalisation would seem to be the opposing force.

Not so sure about that. Culture is rooted in your up-bringing. To me it defines your values, moral and the way you live, what you like, what you relate to, etc.. Language is just another mean of interaction. In my case cultural shock was massive for me when I moved from France to UK but not at all when I moved here. I use the same language but I integrated a lot better here. Then again what's not to like downunder.

Originally Posted by CraigS

Hi Marc;
Attempting to control something which is not under one's control, would seem to be futile, eh (?)

Cheers

So true. You can't keep swimming against the current. Just enjoy the ride.

[renormalised (Carl)]

Originally Posted by multiweb

That's because they are survivors. They're b1tchslappin' because of huge swarm of mozzies in summer and running away from hungry bears in winter.

Just like Daniel Boone

[avandonk]

I was trying to be pretentious. Sorry nobody noticed
Bert

[GeoffW1 (Geoff)]

Originally Posted by avandonk

I was trying to be pretentious. Sorry nobody noticed
Bert

That's because we are all so used to it

Sorry, sorry, could not resist

Cheers