How can I tell whose currently on the board and posting?

[Melusine]

Originally posted by Fljotsdale: Really? You always seem pretty clear to me, Melusine! Anyway, isn't English a universal second language in the Netherlands? Silver Cheetah lived in Amsterdam or near for well over a year and and I don't think she ever had to learn a word of dutch!

F, yes, in a way you're right that in Amsterdam, English is heard more frequently than Dutch even, but to say it is a second national language would be a bit overenthusiastic.
You see, the Dutch *like* to think that they are all these language geniuses, but in fact, the language skills of most Hollanders is pretty poor. They *think* they know English from watching the telly, but as a matter of fact I know very few people who can manage a convincing accent or even grammar (which should be especially surprising considering that fact that I'm a student of English and therefore frequently in contact with other students...I remember so well when I first arrived at University, thrilled at the prospect of finally meeting likeminded people who'd share my love for literature and reading, when I found out most of them started studying English because: "well, Econometry didn't work out quite so well after all, and well uh...I thought English would be much easier, you know..."). It's the same for German and French in most cases, so the next time a Dutch tells you the language skills of their country are so marvelous, ask them to prove it!


BTW Yorick: Edited it, happy now?


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Melusine, Sultry Elflet, High Queen of Fluffies, Archbabe of the OHF, LH and HADB

Your voice is ambrosia
Amy Brown Fantasy Art

[This message has been edited by Melusine (edited 09-18-2001).]

[Fljotsdale]

Originally posted by Silver Cheetah: Aha, aha, I did it! And it says where everyone is. Majorly cool!! Fljotsdale, what are you doing up at this hour, you mad bat you... Thanks all, for your advice. Melusine, your English is stunning!

Well, I went to bed early last night.... well before 2am!

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[Avatar]

Does this mean I don't need my Dutch Dictionary when I come to Holland??

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[Silver Cheetah]

Originally posted by Fljotsdale: Really? You always seem pretty clear to me, Melusine! Anyway, isn't English a universal second language in the Netherlands? Silver Cheetah lived in Amsterdam or near for well over a year and and I don't think she ever had to learn a word of Dutch!

Two years, akshurly, Fljotsdale,(nyah nyah), and the reason I didn't learn Dutch (well, I did learn some!) is cos I worked in an company where English was the corporate language, and all my Dutch friends laughed at me when I tried to speak Dutch. Also, they liked to have the opportunity to speak English.

The reason I make these points is cos I don't want to come over as one of those English people who refuse to learn another language because everyone speaks theirs! When I lived in Italy, I learned the language no worries - completely different situation. Languages are cool and I love 'em, I do.



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[Silver Cheetah]

Originally posted by Melusine: F, yes, in a way you're right that in Amsterdam, English is heard more frequently than Dutch even, but to say it is a second national language would be a bit overenthusiastic. You see, the Dutch *like* to think that they are all these language geniuses, but in fact, the language skills of most Hollanders is pretty poor. They *think* they know English from watching the telly, but as a matter of fact I know very little people who can manage a convincing accent or even grammar (which should be especially surprising considering that fact that I'm a student of English and therefore frequently in contact with other students...I remember so well when I first arrived at University, thrilled at the prospect of finally meeting likeminded people who'd share my love for literature and reading, when I fuond out most of them started studying English because: "well, Econometry didn't workout quite so well after all, and well uh...I thought English would be much easier, you know..."). It's the same for German and French in most cases, so the next time a Dutch tells you the language skills of their country are so marvelous, ask them to prove it! BTW Yorick:

Actually, I did find that most of the Dutch people I worked with had great English. However, like I said, it was an English language using company. But I was impressed with the English speaking skills of the Amsterdammers in general, at least the ones that I personally bumped into!


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[Yorick]

Oh boy oh boy oh boy... A MISTAKE! hehehehehehe I get to pick up on a rae mistake in Mels English!!!!

*coughs and regains composure*


"but as a matter of fact I know very little people who can manage a convincing accent or even grammar"

Substitute "little" for "few" to remain true to the character of the English language.



Do you know how rare an opportunity this is?

Avatar, you'll only need your Dutch dictionary when talking to Rikard.

Joking of course Rikard.....


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I am the walrus!.... er, no hang on....

A fair dinkum laughing Hyena!

[Melusine]

Originally posted by Yorick: Oh boy oh boy oh boy... A MISTAKE! hehehehehehe I get to pick up on a rae mistake in Mels English!!!! *coughs and regains composure* "but as a matter of fact I know very little people who can manage a convincing accent or even grammar" Substitute "little" for "few" to remain true to the character of the English language. Do you know how rare an opportunity this is? Avatar, you'll only need your Dutch dictionary when talking to Rikard. Joking of course Rikard.....

Yah-hah... what about all those spelling and spatial mistakes? Honey if I'd post all my stuff unedited there'd be thrice as much mistakes in it... get rid of the stupid notion that my English is good!



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Melusine, Sultry Elflet, High Queen of Fluffies, Archbabe of the OHF, LH and HADB

Your voice is ambrosia
Amy Brown Fantasy Art

[Avatar]

Originally posted by Melusine: Yah-hah... what about all those spelling and spatial mistakes? Honey if I'd post all my stuff unedited there'd be thrice as much mistakes in it... get rid of the stupid notion that my English is good!

Don't you do a degree in English??? Could be my memory suffering interference.
I remember someone saying that in my: get to know everyone better post.



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• Creator and Diamond Arch-Mage of ALSB
  
  
• Winner of EPSRC 2000 Science Website is @
  http://www.epsrc-sciencerace.net/schools2000/534121/
  
• My own Forgotten Realms Website is @
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[Melusine]

Originally posted by Avatar: Don't you do a degree in English??? Could be my memory suffering interference. I remember someone saying that in my: get to know everyone better post.

yep, that's me. Temporarily postponed studying due to illness though, which is also the reason for my increased/increasing mistake-rate (the illness, not the postponement). Still, I'd say my English's better than that of most of my friends.



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Melusine, Sultry Elflet, High Queen of Fluffies, Archbabe of the OHF, LH and HADB

Your voice is ambrosia
Amy Brown Fantasy Art

[Avatar]

Originally posted by Melusine: yep, that's me. Temporarily postponed studying due to illness though, which is also the reason for my increased/increasing mistake-rate (the illness, not the postponement). Still, I'd say my English's better than that of most of my friends.

So I haven't lost my marbles...



------------------

• Creator and Diamond Arch-Mage of ALSB
  
  
• Winner of EPSRC 2000 Science Website is @
  http://www.epsrc-sciencerace.net/schools2000/534121/
  
• My own Forgotten Realms Website is @
  http://www.forgottenrealms.main-page.com[/list]