Ruphus -> RE: We Wuz Robbed!! (Dec. 5 2010 14:57:36)
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German does have its formal way too, but such has vastly vanished these days. ( What formal salutation is concerned, there even was a time when youngster were obligate to adress their parents per "sie", which equals "madam / sir".) Not that much ago like the madam / sir-age, until ~ 30 years ago there was quite a difference to educated speech compared with today. As in fact correct use of the language has vansihed, even literally, how could formal speech not. For it being the most concise language ( therefore first in line internationally for technical description ), contemporary average will not wholy understand you anymore, should you speak in a refined way. ( You will have to stretch through incorrect grammar, if you want to be understood immediately.) The dilution has gone so far even that colloquial and simpified / blurred speech and grammar have been integrated into the "Duden" ( ruling dictionary ), which was an untold pity, as specialities of the language, hence conciseness and precision got lost that way. A cultural loss, instigated by a print- and publishing branch which realized turnover by re-editions and reprints. Another example of profane cash-in backgrounds and corruption regardlessly. A reform yet welcomned by pupils and students, whose abilities of focus and comprehension has decreased so much over the past decades that lots of text had to be taken out from didactical literature and to be replaced by graphs and pictures, for graduates to get along. For whom likes to get a notion of colloqial, yet well pronounced, differenciating and logical German language of the past: Check out corresponding productions like for instance the TV serial "Tadellöser & Wolf". - Very interesting to me what you say, Ron. My impression is that Americans though less ornate than the British, are still being very subtle. ( At least, who understands himself distinguished / sophisticated, so it seems.) So much that none-natives like me need to be quite awake to sense negatition at times. As it could be sounding rather indifferent or even positive what actually might be rejection. ( In the opposite to German ways, which while to many cultures appearing rude / impertinent, often times being meant matey.) - What humour is concerned I absolutely adore the British way to interact, with the American humorous style second internationally. Such a great way to come along and brighten up! :O) When I asked around long ago, how come the British were so outstanding in this regard, I was told the humour there to be a result of historical hardship on the island. That the people, due to find a way to overcome chronically depressing situation, in the end had done so in their own remarkabe way. Would that be a somewhat correct explanation? Ruphus
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