[Archived] RANT

[jim mk2]

You are speaking a version of OUR language, not vice-versa. Not anymore.

Americans with an inflated sense of self-worth and who have some very strange interpretations of history.

Add to that redneck Americans who think the world ends at the US border.

[Paul]

Actually, at this point there are more of us than there are of you. You are speaking a version of OUR language, not vice-versa. Not anymore.

I do hope this is a joke?

[Steve Moss]

I do hope this is a joke?

Yes, of course.

But let's play devil's advocate. What if I weren't?

Exactly how do you lay claim to own a language, per Norbert? Is it because you happen to be inhabiting the dirt it originated from? Does an Englishman lose his right to claim "ownership" when he immigrates? If not, then what about his descendants? What happens if migrating Englishmen establish a country which eventually reaches 314 million in population as compared to the motherland's mere 64 million? And more, what happens when "Americanisms" start infecting the way English is spoken in the motherland?

Actually, if it is logically possible to claim ownership of a language (it isn't), I think a serious case could be made for it being more our's than your's.

[Stuart]

Yes, of course.

But let's play devil's advocate. What if I weren't?

Exactly how do you lay claim to own a language, per Norbert? Is it because you happen to be inhabiting the dirt it originated from? Does an Englishman lose his right to claim "ownership" when he immigrates? If not, then what about his descendants? What happens if migrating Englishmen establish a country which eventually reaches 314 million in population as compared to the motherland's mere 64 million? And more, what happens when "Americanisms" start infecting the way English is spoken in the motherland?

Actually, if it is logically possible to claim ownership of a language (it isn't), I think a serious case could be made for it being more our's than your's.

Good grief. Are you THAT bored?

[Paul]

Good grief. Are you THAT bored?

Seems like it.

I think the point is English is now a universal language with wide and diverse use. It will always though be English and have its roots here. Just as French is for France, German for Germany etc.

[ultrablue]

African Americans ?? You are American, full stop. You are no more African than I am Irish, (My Grandad was Irish, I was born in Blackburn, all be it to Irish nuns)

I'm going to cut them some slack, as none of them really wanted to be American in the first place.

[jim mk2]

Ye

Actually, if it is logically possible to claim ownership of a language (it isn't), I think a serious case could be made for it being more our's than your's.

Steve Moss, specialist subject twisted logic. I really think you have a screw loose.

[Steve Kean's Hypnotoad]

Isn't the gun law debate the America-bashing thread? America and England, the 2 countries in the world it seems to be ok, even fashionable, to openly display ugly prejudice against. You'd think we'd actually stick together having that in common.

[Guest Norbert]

Yes, of course.

But let's play devil's advocate. What if I weren't?

Exactly how do you lay claim to own a language, per Norbert? Is it because you happen to be inhabiting the dirt it originated from? Does an Englishman lose his right to claim "ownership" when he immigrates? If not, then what about his descendants? What happens if migrating Englishmen establish a country which eventually reaches 314 million in population as compared to the motherland's mere 64 million? And more, what happens when "Americanisms" start infecting the way English is spoken in the motherland?

Actually, if it is logically possible to claim ownership of a language (it isn't), I think a serious case could be made for it being more our's than your's.

American English has of course has had a big influence since the early 20th Century, but the language is ultimately ENGLISH. The population numbers are entirely irrelevant, and your argument is as laughable as FOX 'News' claiming to be Fair and Balanced. There is no such language as American, just a form of another language like Austrian and Swiss German.

You remind me of that Goodness Gracious Me character who claims everything is Indian.

[Steve Moss]

But why do you think English is "yours"? Did you invent it? I think not.

And if it is a matter of ancestry, there are more people of English ancestry outside of England than Englishmen in England. And there is the small matter that many within England are immigrants or children of immigrants themselves, so they have no more claim to it than I would.

Claiming to own a language is laughable. One might as well claim to own the color "blue".

[Al]

But why do you think English is "yours"? Did you invent it? I think not.

And if it is a matter of ancestry, there are more people of English ancestry outside of England than Englishmen in England. And there is the small matter that many within England are immigrants or children of immigrants themselves, so they have no more claim to it than I would.

Claiming to own a language is laughable. One might as well claim to own the color "blue".

You are now just attention seeking. The language is English. We are English. We were born and bred in England. The language is ours. Ancestry is irrelevant.

[T.J.Newton]

What does being "English" mean/represent/stand for? other than just being a technicality.

[Mike E]

People who tell you how to do your job, when they've never done it.

[Rover95]

People who insist on telling you a very long version of a dream they had the previous night. Don't bother . It's very boring .

[jim mk2]

But why do you think English is "yours"?

The clue is in the word.

Other awful Americanisms: go figure, gain traction, level playing field, going forward, meet "with", boots on the ground, holidays (Christmas), bathroom (loo), do the math.... and many others.

[Sandiway Blue]

The clue is in the word.

Other awful Americanisms: go figure, gain traction, level playing field, going forward, meet "with", boots on the ground, holidays (Christmas), bathroom (loo), do the math.... and many others.

You can add "Football" to that when what they really mean is a very soft version of rugby that has lots of breaks in between 10 seconds of play.....

[adopted scouser]

Not comfortable with this America bashing, I have friends in Atlanta who are just a bit marvellous, and as a country I'm pleased we are best mates with the biggest kid in the playground.

Stand by my 'African American' position though, absolutely ridiculous.'None of them really wanted to be American in the first place', good grief - they were born in Denver or Pittsburgh or something, grow up.

Any road up, back to the rant from earlier. The thousands who are given free money every week in this country, (and free everything else come to that). Some want to work of course, and find it difficult to get a job, but the vast majority on benefit accept it as a lifestyle choice. The welfare state is supposed to be a safety net after all, not an excuse to avoid work.

Why is it so wrong for a politician to suggest they contribute to society in return ? Clean up the parks, help the old folks with their shopping or some community work ? Gain some self respect by giving something back, and not complain despite being handed stuff on a plate while silly sods like me get up at 4.45am every day to go out and graft.

Grrrrrrr

[jim mk2]

Good topic.

One of my pet dislikes is people who keep perpetuating and believe the myths about the supposed benefits culture.

This website explodes the myths and gives the reality.

http://www.redpepper.org.uk/mythbuster-welfare-reform/

[perthblue02]

Claiming to own a language is laughable. One might as well claim to own the color "blue".

Possible - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiffany_Blue , there are other blue's that are trademark protected by pantone.

Edit : btw it's coloUr

Anyway all this about language would have been solved if you had voted to adopt French as a tribute to your little froggy friends that helped you out in 1776 when you cried over the tax on tea.

Must admit though impressed that you have an amendment in your bill of rights that gives you the right to wear short sleeved t-shirts

[broadsword]

pas d'impôt sans la représentation

[Steve Moss]

Anyway all this about language would have been solved if you had voted to adopt French as a tribute to your little froggy friends that helped you out in 1776 when you cried over the tax on tea.

Must admit though impressed that you have an amendment in your bill of rights that gives you the right to wear short sleeved t-shirts

I confess I haven't been able to figure out the t-shirt reference.

And the French were of great help during the Revolutionary War, for which we are very grateful.

Though I'm greatly amused that you use "colour" as an example of English, when you get the word for the French.

[T.J.Newton]

dirty @#/?s and skanks

[perthblue02]

I confess I haven't been able to figure out the t-shirt reference.

And the French were of great help during the Revolutionary War, for which we are very grateful.

Though I'm greatly amused that you use "colour" as an example of English, when you get the word for the French.

Was said in jest - and a play on the words bear / bare

[Steve Moss]

Was said in jest - and a play on the words bear / bare

Very good! +1

[SouthAussieRover]

People who refer to the day they receive their benefits as pay day. WTF?