[PLUG] OT Re: Baby killing Linux

guy1656 guy1656 at ados.com
Thu Jun 19 15:30:03 UTC 2003


Jeme A Brelin wrote:
: On Thu, 19 Jun 2003, Richard Williamson wrote:
: > Ain't English great. I'm not multilingual. Can phrases can be
: > interpreted in different ways so easily in other languages?

: Yes.  Actually, it even seems that things like "garden path" sentences
: exist in every language.

In Japanese, where individual syllables can be represented by many characters 
(about 34 characters are pronounced 'sei,' for example)  many two-character 
words have unrelated homophones. Thus there is a habit of tracing the 
characters, using the right hand as if writing on the palm of the left, in 
spots where confusion might occur. This habit can become so autonomic that 
you can see people doing it while on the phone. 

: Two of my personal favorites:
:
: The old man the boat.
: The horse ran past the barn fell.

Reminds me of Penn-Dutch country, where you can hear gems like: "Throw the 
horse over the fence some hay."

You can also have fun with mixed modifiers, such as the 'giant tire sale.'

GLL




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