When we hear the phrase "learn a foreign language", some of us break out in hives, perspiration, or just have an unpleasant taste in our mouths. Unless you're among the few like myself who actually think it's FUN, it might just sound like hard work. I get it. My eyes roll back in my head at the mention of the words computer programming or accounting.
But have you ever talked with a non-English speaker who was learning our mother tongue? It's at times like those that we realize just how good we have it. The truth is that English is one of the most difficult languages in the world -- and yet millions upon millions of people are learning it. In fact, did you know that as we speak, there are more people studying English in China than the entire US population?
So the next time you're tempted to complain about the fact that the French apparently don't care about spelling a word anything like it's pronounced; or that we have to worry about formal vs. familiar in just about any language other than English; just remember we could have it much worse: we could be learning English as a second language.
For example, when we "throw out an idea", are we suggesting it or rejecting it?
When you "consult", are you giving or seeking advice?
Why "comb" but "tomb"?
"Car" vs. "war"? "Work" vs. "fork"? "Full" vs. "hull"?
Can we sing the "refrain" of a song without "refraining"?
You know I could go on. Our language is chock-full of irregularities and contradictions.
It can be mastered through tough, thorough thought, though (he said, coughing while sitting on a bough).
Oh the things we take for granted.
Have a grate weak.