Job Discussion Forums

Sashadroogie · Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2013 7:42 pm Post subject:

Dear Johntpartee

I am sad to say that I think I'd be nervous to be on your side. I am excited to explain the 'why' to learners, and to learn it myself. Some posters are very shy to ask, but not me. I am confident to ask others here. Are you frightened to ask?

Sincere to be yours

Sasha

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

johnslat · Posted: Wed Jan 30, 2013 8:38 pm Post subject:

Dear johntpartee,

So, Chomsky's explanation was to Noah Vale - or was it to you? Very Happy

Regards,
John

johntpartee · Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 3258

I am Noah Vale. That's right, his explanation to me WAS to Noah Vale.

cmp45 · Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 1475 Location: KSA

This topic seems to be skirting round the argument of accuracy versus comprehension.

While an ESL student may not always get the 'formal' grammar correct , I would like to think that the student should be rewarded for attempting to speak at all and perhaps over time learn from mistakes made.

After all there are so many grammar points to learn that even native speakers don't get them all right or even understand why they use them, so would think 2nd language learners should be 'cut some slack'.

For the most part, a native English speaker would be able to assess the meaning of what was said and... if the listener was knowledgeable enough, could offer some guidance on how to improve any misstep with grammar. If not, at least the meaning would be interpreted and understood...no?
Onward and upward...
It is after all an on going process...

Sashadroogie · Posted: Tue Feb 05, 2013 6:06 am Post subject:

No skirting around accuracy versus comprehension at all. It is simply not the topic. The original post asked if other contributors thought the examples were acceptable to them or not. To my own ear, they are decidedly odd. They are also an interesting example of language change, as far as I can see.

No mention was made of second language learners.

Ixchel · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 5:59 pm Post subject: Re: Grammar question

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

"If I would have known..."

...oh, wait, that's for (and from) the Peeves thread.

Bored of fits there too. On the Peeves, thread, and on the 7th. circle of hell, so far as I'm concerned.

johnslat · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 6:30 pm Post subject:

Dear sporal78,

And yet - "If I could have done it, I would have." is pretty common in spoken English, at least.

Regards,
John

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Dear John:

So long as 'if' and 'would' are separated by a comma, except in the case of 'If you would only do as I say...."

...and it ain't 'of' but 'have'

I'm content. Laughing

Best,
spiral

Sashadroogie · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 7:02 pm Post subject:

Dear Ixchel

Kindly be advised that several burly members of the Language Security Dept are en route to your location right now for a vigorous re-education intervention.

Sasha

Hic!

johnslat · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 7:12 pm Post subject:

Dear spiral78,

"...and it ain't 'of' but 'have' "

or even worse "woulda" or "coulda." Very Happy

Regards,
John

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Dear John:

Waddaya got?
Jes' a reduction.
I'm generally more forgiving of reductions than outright egregious errors.

cau
spiral

Sashadroogie · Posted: Wed Feb 06, 2013 7:41 pm Post subject:

Dear Spiral

Are you forgiving to hear reductions? Are you unforgiving to hear egregiousness?

Sasha