And Another Pair of Words
Jun 20, 2021 07:20:19 #
I watch a lot of foreign TV, and I've noticed something about the use of two words.
English speakers from other countries use "floor" in place of "ground" in most cases. "I was in the field, about to launch my drone, when I dropped the controller on the floor." This is almost universal among English speakers outside the USA.
Another universal use is of "foot," rather than "feet." I don't recall ever hearing a non-American use "feet" in describing a length or height. It's always, "That guy was over seven foot tall." Or, "He threw that chair over ten foot." I would use "foot" as an adjective: "That's a seven-foot pole."
I realize that many Americans also prefer "foot" to "feet," but it seems to be universal among non-Americans. Please don't think that this is intended as any kind of criticism. The differences among people fascinate me - how they look, how they act, and how they speak.
English speakers from other countries use "floor" in place of "ground" in most cases. "I was in the field, about to launch my drone, when I dropped the controller on the floor." This is almost universal among English speakers outside the USA.
Another universal use is of "foot," rather than "feet." I don't recall ever hearing a non-American use "feet" in describing a length or height. It's always, "That guy was over seven foot tall." Or, "He threw that chair over ten foot." I would use "foot" as an adjective: "That's a seven-foot pole."
I realize that many Americans also prefer "foot" to "feet," but it seems to be universal among non-Americans. Please don't think that this is intended as any kind of criticism. The differences among people fascinate me - how they look, how they act, and how they speak.
Jun 20, 2021 07:25:02 #
twosummers
Loc: Melbourne Australia or Lincolnshire England
How do American pilots describe their flying altitude? Example - we are cruising at 20,00 FEET
Jun 20, 2021 07:44:22 #
twosummers wrote:
How do American pilots describe their flying altitude? Example - we are cruising at 20,00 FEET
Correct, and I think all pilots use that term.
However, English pilots refer to a "head up display," while Americans say, "heads up display." English sailors say they are going to the "heads," while Americans say they are going to the "head." English kids go to "maths" class, while Americans go to "math" class. "Maths" is an abbreviation for "mathematics," which ends in "s."
EDIT: Until recently, the displays in Russian planes were different from all other planes, and that led to at least one crash. If there's one area where we need standardization, it's in flying.
Jun 20, 2021 07:56:09 #
Jun 20, 2021 07:57:56 #
jaymatt wrote:
These posts are killing the old English teacher. 
Sorry
Jun 20, 2021 07:58:34 #
Jun 20, 2021 08:10:35 #
Jun 20, 2021 08:10:36 #
jerryc41 wrote:
I watch a lot of foreign TV, and I've noticed some... (show quote)
It depends on how these people learn their English. "Foot" is a measurement when referring to distances. I.e., a twelve *foot* ruler. Or the ruler is of twelve *foot* lengths. Also, a lot has to do with how they use measurements in their base language. In my ears, either statement, with context needs no further explanation. I understand what is being said. I "mastered" English (American) when I turned Nine.
The divergent issues are usually the usage of idioms in a language.
Now, Contronyms. That's more than enough to drive someone crazy. "The FAST boat was FAST to the dock, so we could break our FAST." 1. "Speedy". 2. "Tied and Stopped". 3. "Not Eating". = "Fast"
And then, there is "Ground Floor"!
Jun 20, 2021 08:16:20 #
jerryc41 wrote:
I watch a lot of foreign TV, and I've noticed some... (show quote)
Well Jerry I believe it is because they were lazy and didn't pay attention in English class,I don't claim to be an expert on our language, but the younger generations just starting talking with out engaging their brains.
inside a building : its floor not ground, the ground is outside , another is plurals: leaf=leaves, life=lives and so on.The problem is it is not just uneducated people, it's supposably well educated.
This just goes on and on!!! Okay I'M off my bitch box now.
Jun 20, 2021 08:23:10 #
medphotog
Loc: Witness protection land
twosummers wrote:
How do American pilots describe their flying altitude? Example - we are cruising at 20,00 FEET
20,00 feet? Angels 20
Jun 20, 2021 09:01:53 #
Stephan G wrote:
...
...
And then, there is "Ground Floor"!
...
And then, there is "Ground Floor"!
I'd rather have my floor sliced.
Jun 20, 2021 09:06:56 #
twosummers wrote:
How do American pilots describe their flying altitude? Example - we are cruising at 20,00 FEET
If feet is plural does that mean if you are flying at 20,000 feet you are actually at 40,000 foot?
Jun 20, 2021 09:08:34 #
Stephan G wrote:
It depends on how these people learn their English... (show quote)
Right, but I'm referring to native English speakers.
Yes, the floors of a building are named differently here and across the Atlantic.
Jun 20, 2021 09:09:43 #
cedymock wrote:
If feet is plural does that mean if you are flying at 20,000 feet you are actually at 40,000 foot?
Right! That's why we have to standardize flying terminology.
Jun 20, 2021 09:12:10 #
Manglesphoto wrote:
Well Jerry I believe it is because they were lazy ... (show quote)
Don't read any Shakespeare in original form. Jus' sayin'....
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