Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[RedRose]

Now the board learning English is getting borning hot. what's the most important factor for this phenomenon? I guess, it's mainly due to these hot teachers.

Besides, the board isn't only serious, also funny and interesting, and that's why I am forum-addicted!

[advoca]

Yes, RedRose, you are right. This forum is getting hotter and hotter. However, it is worth remembering that the best contraceptive is a glass of cold water: not before or after, but instead.

[RedRose]

[trueblue]

RedRose:

I don't know about HOT and contraceptivies as a topic of discussion, but I am an American currently living in Shanhai. I was in Guangzhou in November staying at the Phoenix so I didn't get to see much of your city.

I can offer you assistance with your English in exchange for your help with Mandarin. Can I assume that living in Guangzhou that your usual dialect is Cantonese?

[RedRose]

[trueblue]

RedRose:

"My mother language is SiChuan dialect, not Cantonese."

One thing that is a bit difficult for Chinese People learning English is the use of the Possessive Case. When saying "My mother language", the word mother demands the usage of the possessive...in other words...My mother's language. The possessive indicates ownership. The 's is all it takes.

Tom

[RedRose]

[trueblue]

As is Chinese.

The thinking process is altogether different, but I also find the phonetic differences extremely complicated...like the ch sound for q, etc...

I have allowed my email to be accessed. Feel free to ask for help. I am happy to assist.

Tom

[RedRose]

[obelix]

You could say, "My mother tongue is Chinese" and it would be correct, so why can't you say my mother language?

[Lorikeet]

I think "my mother language" sounds okay. "My mother's language" sounds like it only refers to my mother, whereas "my mother language" sounds like "my native language."

[trueblue]

The Chinese language (dialects), as opposed to English and the Romance Languages, does not use the possessive, nor do they use articles. Their language is very reliant on context understanding, and they do not waste words.

Living here in China, I have encountered this misunderstanding of the English Language frequently.

In this particular case, I took the opportunity to introduce the possessive to a person who strongly indicates a desire to improve her English.

Tom

[advoca]

You are right, RedRose. This forum is tending to be somewhat of the panariam, and is leaning towards the lubricious.

But as you say, it isn't only serious, it is also funny and interesting.