Job Discussion Forums

Grendal · Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 12:42 pm Post subject:

ouch!!!!!

G

Grendal · Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 12:50 pm Post subject:

OK I'm at a gas station and I see the tanker full of gas rolling in, but before it fills the underground depots there is this long pole-like wooden apparatus used to measure the amount of fuel left in the reservoirs. What's that called again?

Then the gas station attendant opens my hood and checks the oil level in my engine. He uses this long thin metal thing. What's that called again?

Grendal

Mia Xanthi · Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 2:15 pm Post subject:

I know, I know! (raises her hand, waving it wildly in the air)

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

No No... me sir... I know I know...

VS

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 3:09 pm Post subject:

NCTBA

Linguist · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 202

Dear Stephen,

To clarify what I said about BBC English, please read the information below.

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

The Queen's English and BBC English refer to language variants not just accents.

Still the fact that the misinformation came from a British Council site, and the fact the British Council is dripping with Oxbridge graduates (though probably not in its EFL centre) does little to improve the two universities prestige.

I do suspect, Linguist, that you have a limited acquaintance with Oxbridge graduates.

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 4:58 pm Post subject:

"Accent" is not a term that is looked kindly upon by the denizens of the British Isles. As SJ reveals, "variant' is much preferred.

(A perosnal note: potato vs. potatoe, but if potato vs. potatoe interupts the communication, educate yerself and say 'potatoe"...not a slight, jes' a way to keep communication flowing. When it comes to the sounds emanating from both sides of "the pond", I am endeared to "variety"...I have been yet to be called down for its usage...

NCTBA

johnslat · Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 5:41 pm Post subject:

Dear NCTBA<
OK, now I'm puzzled. How does the pronunciation of "potato" differ from the misspelled "potatoe?"
I Quayle in anticipation of your answer.
Regards,
John
P.S. Hmm, are you, perhaps, referring to this?

"You like potato and I like potahto
You like tomato and I like tomahto
Potato, potahto, Tomato, tomahto.
Let's call the whole thing off"

http://www.lyricspond.com/lets-call-the-whole-thing-off-lyrics-fred-astaire.html

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Tue Aug 25, 2009 5:51 pm Post subject:

As usual, John...you are correct. I wuz hopin' that those involved would realize the difference in pronunciation and understand how futile it is to further engage in a discussion where the word "accent" is so shunned. This will only lead to a cessation of "communication" and enter into childish diatribe being exchanged.

I'm all growed up, ain't I? Very Happy

NCTBA

P.s.- My Skype is blocked again! Evil or Very Mad

Stephen Jones · Joined: 21 Feb 2003 Posts: 4124

Linguist · Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 202

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 2:45 pm Post subject: