A Bit Of An Explanation

I am not a professional. Not anywhere near it. But I like to think that some little observations I have about language and the social construction of it are worthwhile.

Some of these notes were originally written for acquaintances with no linguistic experience whatsoever, so please be patient through the explanations of basic concepts, and the simplistic tone.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Yes, Another Linguist Reblogging This...

...Because it's just too perfect not to spread it around as much as possible. I am, of course, talking about this quote from a chat. Ahem:

<%kiwibonga> Je ne donne pas un merde - I don't give a shit 
<%kiwibonga> THAT MAKES NO SENSE
<%kiwibonga> you cannot give a shit to someone
<%kiwibonga> in french
<%kiwibonga> that sounds like "I'm taking a shit in my hands and I'm keeping it for myself"


Y'know, I could make a long post about cultural context and how idioms and metaphors are a huge thing that we lose through lingual assimilation and English-domination, but my mind just doesn't feel up to it, now. So, I would recommend you read the Linguistic Mystic's take on the subject.


I will write that post later, I swear.

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