Why do they do this?
Jan 28th 2009, 2:25 pm
#17
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Re: Why do they do this?
Agreed....but my comment wasn't solely based on a couple of responses in this thread only. People here have (mostly) accepted massive differences in climate, bureaucracy, lifestyle, work conditions, health provision, shopping etc.
For heaven's sake why can't someone pine for a little comfort of 'home' without being told they should get over it or that they are 'whining' about something?
For heaven's sake why can't someone pine for a little comfort of 'home' without being told they should get over it or that they are 'whining' about something?
Because they are whining about something?Like I said, you have to take the rough with the smooth, that goes for internet fora too to some extent. Post something a bit stupid, and you have to expect a few stupid responses....especially as we are in the Maple Leaf where there is more casual banter and the like.
I dont think anyone said they couldnt do it... I just answered the question...it is a foreign country and language has evolved to be a bit different here!
Jan 28th 2009, 2:33 pm
#18
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Jan 28th 2009, 2:48 pm
#19
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Re: Why do they do this?
I guess we'll agree to differ. I don't think wanting something liked and maybe asking where it can be obtained or just regreting its passing, for example, is the same as Whining. To utter a plaintive, high-pitched, protracted sound, as in pain, fear, supplication, or complaint.
2. To complain or protest in a childish fashion.
3. To produce a sustained noise of relatively high pitch
Perhaps I'm too sensitive (my wife thinks so
) but it's like when politcians try to disparage what others say, not by addressing the comments themselves but by saying they are 'bleating' about something.
It's just so negative. Whining is the child stamping his foot and saying "Why can't I go out dadeeeeeeee?"
That's a long way from expressing a wish for 'proper' bacon or whatever - especially when one has grown accustomed to far more and far bigger changes in the new life.
<retires to corner to lick wounds>
2. To complain or protest in a childish fashion.
3. To produce a sustained noise of relatively high pitch
Perhaps I'm too sensitive (my wife thinks so
) but it's like when politcians try to disparage what others say, not by addressing the comments themselves but by saying they are 'bleating' about something.It's just so negative. Whining is the child stamping his foot and saying "Why can't I go out dadeeeeeeee?"
That's a long way from expressing a wish for 'proper' bacon or whatever - especially when one has grown accustomed to far more and far bigger changes in the new life.
<retires to corner to lick wounds>
Jan 28th 2009, 2:54 pm
#20
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Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Upstate South Carolina
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Re: Why do they do this?
Thats the thing though, it seems so trivial compared to the major changes that really matter.
Im not saying its right that people should jump all over this sort of post, but it is going to happen, thats just human nature, and in this sub forum at least as long as people are not overly agressive / abusive, its just part of the give and take.
Im not saying its right that people should jump all over this sort of post, but it is going to happen, thats just human nature, and in this sub forum at least as long as people are not overly agressive / abusive, its just part of the give and take.
Jan 28th 2009, 3:17 pm
#21
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Re: Why do they do this?
To my Canadian ears, 'So, how was the gig last night?' sounds more friendly and genuine than, 'How was the gig last night?' which sounds more formal and distant.
I'm sure there are other interpretations but that's mine, one coffee down and one more to go.
Jan 28th 2009, 3:20 pm
#23
Banned
Joined: Dec 2006
Location: Beautiful BC
Posts: 1,106
Re: Why do they do this?
Why do so many Brits use the word "of" in place of "have" - sounds so stupid. As in "I would of done so and so" instead of "I would have....." I've even seen it used that way in newspapers there for crissakes.
Jan 28th 2009, 3:27 pm
#26
Joined: Dec 1969
Posts: 2,484
Re: Why do they do this?
I'm Canadian and I'm sitting here trying to think of why I say 'so' at the beginning of a sentence. I think it depends on the context but generally I think it's meant as 'friendly cushion' - if that makes sense.
To my Canadian ears, 'So, how was the gig last night?' sounds more friendly and genuine than, 'How was the gig last night?' which sounds more formal and distant.
I'm sure there are other interpretations but that's mine, one coffee down and one more to go.
To my Canadian ears, 'So, how was the gig last night?' sounds more friendly and genuine than, 'How was the gig last night?' which sounds more formal and distant.
I'm sure there are other interpretations but that's mine, one coffee down and one more to go.
I think it sounds very friendly, now what is annoying is when you drop the kids at school and you get teachers saying "bet you don't get snow like this in the uk" or "is that tea for you, your english"
No the snow in england is a real funny colour, totally different from here and yeah i drink tea, as long as it has a heap of coffee in it
It works both ways, some of the moms here crack me up with some of there stuff, but i come home and scream REAL LOUD..haha
One thing i have learnt is that i don't judge them, some even call immagrants...then quickly turn round and say "O not you"
I just turn round and say "well i am one" and....love watching them get out of that one, as most of there parents or grandparents are english haha
Jan 28th 2009, 3:35 pm
#28
Settled.
Joined: Jul 2006
Location: St. Albert. AB.
Posts: 3,286
Re: Why do they do this?
Never really occurred to me, but "whatever" at the end, start and the middle of most sentences, seems to illustrate a lack of vocabulary. Still, better than, "at the end of the day" which i never hear anymore, and was used more than all the "so and whatevers" put together.
Jan 28th 2009, 5:15 pm
#29
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Re: Why do they do this?
"So" indicates that the sentence is going to be a question, and hints to a prior conversation or shared experience.
It gives the listener a a cue and therefore a chance to hear the question more clearly.
They don't say, "So, the weather is nice today."
They'll say, "So, does your wife hate me?" (The unspoken and shared experience being, since you rolled home pissed as a newt after drinking with me.)
So is better than some Briitshisms - I hate gobsmacked, innit, I would of...
It gives the listener a a cue and therefore a chance to hear the question more clearly.
They don't say, "So, the weather is nice today."
They'll say, "So, does your wife hate me?" (The unspoken and shared experience being, since you rolled home pissed as a newt after drinking with me.)
So is better than some Briitshisms - I hate gobsmacked, innit, I would of...
Jan 28th 2009, 11:06 pm
#30
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Re: Why do they do this?
I'm Canadian and I'm sitting here trying to think of why I say 'so' at the beginning of a sentence. I think it depends on the context but generally I think it's meant as 'friendly cushion' - if that makes sense.
To my Canadian ears, 'So, how was the gig last night?' sounds more friendly and genuine than, 'How was the gig last night?' which sounds more formal and distant.
I'm sure there are other interpretations but that's mine, one coffee down and one more to go.
To my Canadian ears, 'So, how was the gig last night?' sounds more friendly and genuine than, 'How was the gig last night?' which sounds more formal and distant.
I'm sure there are other interpretations but that's mine, one coffee down and one more to go.