OK, so English is not my first language, but I enjoy spending a lot of my time reading books and I enjoy watching "quality TV" (documentaries especially on animals) because it is interesting. I hate idiotic, stupid, offensive shows. But anyway, since I read a lot I pick up a lot of new words and they NATURALLY become part of my vocabulary. Then, when I happen to talk to my husband he always tells me that I am making up words because he has never heard the ones I use. I do not do it to sound smart as he says, it is just that I have NO WAY of knowing if a word is "fancy" or not (I read it in books or hear it on TV and assume it is correct to use). So, when this happens I go get the vocabulary and show my husband that I am not making up words! How would this make you feel? For example, have you ever heard the word "conciliate"? How about "diurnal"? "Crepuscular"? Do you have to look these words up? Any thoughts, suggestions? Thank you!
2007-11-17 14:41:17 · 7 answers · asked by sharon 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
So, as a consequence, now I am a little self-conscious because I know I will express myself in this way to strangers, coworkers... Will they think I am making up words, or that they do not know that one word I said, or that I am trying to put them down with my "big vocab" : (
2007-11-17 15:27:31 · update #1
My husband's first language is English.
2007-11-17 16:19:11 · update #2
Can't say I've heard conciliate used in conversation but I imagine it has something to do with getting along well with someone? (REconcile being to make up with someone that you once got along with.) But i do know crepuscular - "crepusculo" in Spanish is twilight and Spanish was my 1st language so that's how I know that one. Diurnal is the opposite of nocturnal--that one's pretty easy. Tell your hubby to read more. ;-)
2007-11-17 14:51:16 · answer #1 · answered by neni 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
There's one thing you didn't mention is whether your husband's first language is English or not... If it is, then as the others say, you should buy your husband a dictionary, or tell him to watch those tv programs with you. But if it isn't, maybe you should limit the use of those words in front of him, just to ensure your relationship.
Personally, English is not my first language and my English is at a conversational level only, I can vaguely understand "conciliate" but "diurnal" and "crepuscular" are beyond my knowledge. I'd probably only see that kind of words in the SAT ~.~ It's hard to imagine in which situation do you use those words in everyday life... If you can't feel that you're using strange words... do you think you're lacking some kind of common sense?
2007-11-17 16:09:32 · answer #2 · answered by Kokonoka 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think your husband should try to be more understanding!
I know 'conciliate' and 'diurnal,' but not 'crepuscular.' 'Conciliate' is a good word to know. The others, you could live without. None of them are words we use in informal conversation. Maybe you should watch fewer nature shows? Just kidding!
What you're doing is fantastic, and I'd shake your hand if I could. Meanwhile, how about asking your husband's opinion about words? That should satisfy his ego!
2007-11-17 14:51:55 · answer #3 · answered by Diana 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your husband needs to read more. Many of those words are often used in writing, but not as often spoken. I probably wouldn't say "look at the crepuscular sky!" I'd probably just say, " Cool! Look at the sky!" and let whomever draw their own conclusions. Unfortunately, most people have a poor and limited vocabulary. You're husband shouldn't put you down because of your desire to learn. Find a friend who shares your interest in vocabulary and can advise you. There are lots of us "word-o-philes" out there. Buy your husband a dictionary!!
2007-11-17 14:57:08 · answer #4 · answered by Helen DDS 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I know what "conciliate" "diurnal" and "Crepuscular" mean, but I wouldn't expect the average person to know. "Conciliate," probably. Maybe "diurnal". But the only use I've heard of "Crepuscular" is Theleonius Monk's "Crepuscle With Nellie."
2007-11-17 14:53:39 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
One way for your husband to learn more vocabulary is to do crossword puzzles. When I first started, there were many, many words that I didn't know. Get of book of crosswords to start and don't "be afraid" to look up the answer(s) if you don't know the clues (definitions). Fill in all the answers you know, both across and down, then go back to the ones missed. You will be surprized at how much you really know.
2007-11-17 14:56:27 · answer #6 · answered by rnwallace07 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.languageguide.org/
http://www.babelnation.com/
http://www.livemocha.com/
http://www.mylanguageexchange.com/
http://www.sharedtalk.com/index.aspx
http://www.mangolanguages.com/
http://www.babylon.com
2007-11-18 00:12:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋