English language or dictionary is full of words having more then two meanings e.g.
some sentences like
He became a math teacher due to some prime factors.
The constipated mathematician worked it out with a pencil
She thought her nose was running but its not
The optician got caught in the lens grinder and nearly made a spectacle of himself
He's blunt but he has a point.
I bought a wooden whistle but it wooden whistle.
I bought a steel whistle but it steel wooden whistle.
I bought a tin whistle, and now I tin whistle.
2007-03-19 20:29:36 · 10 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Primary & Secondary Education
Do you know Russian? I don't, but my wife does, and what I know of it, it in ways reminds me of English. They are both languages that have lots of mixing from many different cultures. So as a result if you are looking for simple rules you are not going to find them, because as woulds and phrases are added they take on some of that cultures rules, and English keeps adding words. I'm very glad I brought up speaking English, because I'm terrible at languages, and doubt I could learn it if it wasn't my native language.
So I would say that the main disadvantage of the English language is that it is hard to learn. But I think I can say the same of any language with lots of depth of culture and history. One thing that has always dawned on me is that teaching English, especially to non-native speakers is a bit of lie. They try to talk about grammar and syntax and such, but the truth is mostly grammar and syntax rules are created to explain what people were already doing (speaking).
But the disadvantages of the language are far out stripped by its advantages. I'm an expert on certain kinds of languages, but they all happen to be computer languages! And they are very structured, very little is repeated, but would I want that for my speaking language? No more then I would like to only one kind of food to eat for the rest of my life.
2007-03-19 20:49:08 · answer #1 · answered by Bulk O 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The things you mentioned are almost an advantage...by observing both connotative and denotative meanings, and reversing word order, the same words can say so many things. One disadvantage I can think of (though it is also an advantage in a way) is that English is a hybrid language, always adopting new words (be they slang or foreign). Also, exact spellings were only adopted recently (by linguistic standards).
2007-03-19 20:34:25 · answer #2 · answered by benjilove 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most language has plenty words which has several meanings, not just English. ( I learn 3 language )
The problems which faced by those who learn English as foreign language is the tenses. Most language doesn't have Past and Future tense. Just simply put a date or a few words to state that it had happened.
2007-03-19 20:43:01 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should try Spanish,french,Japanese or Chinese. According to them we Americans speak backwards for instance in Spanish: Casa Bonita translates as: House Beautiful. Where as here we say: Beautiful House. The English language is the hardest to learn because we have so different meanings in our phrases (mostly slang) like for instance: whats happening?
We can mean anything from how are you doing? to What are you up to? or simply what happened? It is very confusing to people from other countries. But then again they have single words that have several meanings depending on how you say them. Like when I pronounce my name in Spanish it translates to: Whore House...I know funny. In Germany my name means: Of one house. 3 words for 1 name...Go figure?
Quotes foreigners are completely lost on:
His elevator doesn't go all the way to the top floor.
Built like a brick s___t house.
Now that's phat. or That's the bomb (I know old) but still used.
Cool (A classic) They think we mean cold....
There are Lot's more examples but........
Hate to see me go but love to watch me leave....LOL
2007-03-19 20:53:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It happens not only in English but in every language.
2007-03-19 20:35:21 · answer #5 · answered by vanpandy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is no disadvantage to the english language. remember that other languages with several words to desribe one item are equally difficult to learn for foreigners. difficult is not the same as disadvantage.
2007-03-19 20:35:11 · answer #6 · answered by tom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is NO downside to the English language.
Any "imperfections" are disallowed. As they must be.
If you have a problem with our language...deal with it. (respectfully - it will only be to your benefit).
2007-03-19 20:33:49 · answer #7 · answered by Debi in LA 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
leave the technical part.....................i hate this language cuzz it dont hav feelings and emotions , which HINDI has...........................compare the difference in sentances..................I LOVE YOU[ IN ENG].....MAIN TUMSE PYAR KARTA HU.[ IN HINDI]
2007-03-19 20:40:04 · answer #8 · answered by cuz he will die soon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
idiots like you speak it. LOLS!!
2007-03-19 20:31:36 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it has too many rules,and they all hav exceptions!!
2007-03-19 20:52:33 · answer #10 · answered by slins 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋