A Complicated Language

There’s nothing like learning a language to broaden your horizons, not just from a traveling point of view but also because with a second language – or third for some – it is possible to access a wealth of other things not usually available. For me the second language is clearly German, which makes a lot of sense since I now live here, for others it might be French or even Spanish – especially useful for Canadians and Americans! Suddenly we have a wider range of countries we can visit and where we can make ourselves understood – talking louder in English doesn’t work, believe me – as well as original literature which either hasn’t yet made it into the English language, or will never be translated.

The only problem: other languages are so complicated! Why, some English speakers will undoubtedly ask themselves and their tutors, is there a formal and a friendly way of addressing people in so many foreign languages? Why do we have to change so many verbs not just because of their context – normal in English – but also according to the person we are speaking to and our relationship with them?

Don’t imagine, those of you faced with such problems, that the English speakers are the only ones faced with such problems. Even the professionals, those paid for their use of language, have problems. As we can see, above, problems arise even for those in the thick of news reporting when it comes to other foreign languages, when an otherwise unknown town or city suddenly hits the news and becomes important, has to be reported on.

One city in the Ukraine which has hit the news, as forces battle one against another – despite a ceasefire – for control has clearly thrown the editors from three major news outlets in Germany out of kilt. Perhaps they ought to have consulted a local map before composing their Tweets, or perhaps it’s easier for their readers to assume phonetic spelling to know what is going on. Fine, the English-language AP had a fourth spelling and, no, I am not going to chance my arm and say which one is right!

Love & Kisses, Viki.

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