How could I describe in a non-technical way how certain English-speakers maintain a distinction between the "w" and "wh" sound? A certain amount of technical description could help. Its for a character in a story. For example: "The beginning of his 'what' still comes from deep within his throat." I don't know if that's technically true and it sounds awesomely terrible but something like that.
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posted by pynchonesque
on Jul 13, 2012 -
19 answers
Linguistics-filter: What sort of English accent makes "brown," "sun," and "shone" all be pronounced with a similar vowel sound?
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posted by erst
on Jul 13, 2012 -
17 answers
I'm teaching a Language of Humour class to high school juniors and seniors. I need recommendations for things that are funny. And I need you to help me not fail.
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posted by guster4lovers
on Jul 7, 2012 -
32 answers
Poor understanding of grammar might cost me my job. Can anyone help an audio-typist fight back?
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posted by anonymous
on Jun 28, 2012 -
29 answers
I'm a writer - with a British English education. I've just finished a young adult novel that I'm polishing to go on submission. Should I be making sure everything is in US English?
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posted by teststrip
on Jun 13, 2012 -
29 answers
I have spoken english fluently since I was a child but I know many people that would like to learn or are trying to learn how to speak english. In my opinion the best method is full on immersion in an english speaking country. What would be the best country or place for this to happen?
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posted by mikeanegus
on Jun 8, 2012 -
17 answers
Looking for work in Japan - Have a work visa that will expire in early August. Details inside.
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posted by Kamelot123
on May 26, 2012 -
9 answers
Amazing, newer French novels that are not available in English translation?
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posted by Cwell
on May 20, 2012 -
6 answers
Sources explaining why you shouldn't put a comma after the year when a date is used as an adjective?
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posted by flod logic
on May 16, 2012 -
18 answers
When did the use of contractions become common in American English and/or when did the absence of contractions become an (accurate or not) shorthand for outdated diction?
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posted by Admiral Haddock
on May 9, 2012 -
8 answers
For android and apple mobile devices: The main page holds icons of apps. What do you call the icons within the app itself, especially if they are not links to mobile sites? Apps seems confusing. For example: ZDbox is a multi-function app for android that has, when you open it, other things you can do. Assuming that they were to look like the main page of a mobile screen, what are these things called?
posted by CodeMonkey
on May 8, 2012 -
5 answers
Have there been any American actors that have been cast as primary characters on British shows and use a British accent?
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posted by curious nu
on May 6, 2012 -
30 answers
I'm interested in translating someone's dissertation/book from Spanish to English. Is there some way I can make this happen? If so, how do I go about it?
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posted by anonymous
on Apr 30, 2012 -
9 answers
My son has become fascinated with non-standard plurals in English, and I need more examples to feed him.
Can you think of more like: Foot --> Feet; Goose --> Geese; Mouse --> Mice. What I'm
not looking for is inside:
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posted by anastasiav
on Apr 22, 2012 -
20 answers
English language friends: Why do we use the word “different” when it doesn’t appear to be necessary?
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posted by bryon
on Apr 17, 2012 -
18 answers
Please suggest interesting, engaging possible short readings related to Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness' for a high school AP English class seminar, to be facilitated by an undergraduate student with some workshop-creation experience. It should be readable in a single homework assignment and possible to cover during a single class seminar. Other than that, it can be anything (poem, short story, etc).
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posted by reenka
on Apr 9, 2012 -
12 answers
Here's my question. I am a returning non-traditional student, and would like to know of some really good books on English Composition, Language, Literature, and Research that would help me in my studies. Thanks.
posted by Lillian7
on Apr 8, 2012 -
13 answers
I need a translation of a family motto: "jouir en bien" or "joir en bien".
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posted by cda
on Apr 4, 2012 -
10 answers
When an English Premier League team gets relegated down, what does that actually mean to the players, coaches, and fans. Do salaries plummet? Contracts expire? Do top players get recruited back up? For fans is it easier/cheaper to get tickets? What is the impact?
posted by ecorrocio
on Mar 30, 2012 -
4 answers
Project based learning and interdisciplinary teaching! I'm a high school science teacher working with an enthusiastic English teacher and we're trying to find the best project ideas to use in summer school (and beyond if successful).
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posted by kinetic
on Mar 30, 2012 -
8 answers
What are some English words that contain a prefix, but the root is either not a word or is substantially unrelated to the prefixed word?
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posted by Geppp
on Mar 23, 2012 -
36 answers
E.B. White and George Orwell both suggest that short, lively Saxon words are often better than long Latin ones. This rule has helped my own writing, but my thesaurus is still full of Greek and Latin. Is there a thesaurus that includes only Anglo-Saxon synonyms? Even better, is there one sortable by origin?
posted by ecmendenhall
on Mar 3, 2012 -
2 answers
I graduated from college a few months ago with an IT degree, but my heart is not in it. I also just got a certification to teach English overseas. Should I work in IT or travel overseas?
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posted by deeba
on Feb 2, 2012 -
18 answers
I am translating a German bibliography entry to English. The entry has "21. Jg." after the periodical title. What does "Jg." mean?
posted by likeapen
on Jan 30, 2012 -
3 answers
When do you say 'going down to X' and when do you say 'going up to X' in the context of geography? Do you have a system? For example do you say going up when you going North? For example we are going up to Sydney from Melbourne. Or do you use the rough height of the places?
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posted by sien
on Jan 13, 2012 -
63 answers
I'm looking for a fully online MA program in TESOL or a related field like Applied Linguistics, that is NOT meant for K-12 public school teaching, with the aim of professionalizing myself as an English tutor. I found the New School's program
here, that would certainly cover all my bases, but I simply wouldn't be able to afford the cost. Can you help me find other options?
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posted by StrikeTheViol
on Jan 9, 2012 -
5 answers
My girlfriend and I have bought her mother an iPod Touch. At her request, we're loading it with things to help her learn to speak better English. What are the best apps, podcasts, audiofiles, etc. for a Cantonese-speaking woman who wants to improve her English by herself?
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posted by Sticherbeast
on Dec 24, 2011 -
8 answers
Where can I find a comprehensive list of words that are pronounced differently in the US and the UK?
Wikipedia is a good start, but it's not complete.
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posted by cincinnatus c
on Dec 21, 2011 -
9 answers
I'm french-speaking, possible new job needs my resume in English. Please help me pimp my resume.
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posted by Baud
on Dec 13, 2011 -
6 answers
Do immigrants need a higher level of proficiency in English to get along in the world today than our ancestors did when they immigrated?
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posted by christinetheslp
on Dec 7, 2011 -
19 answers
