Speak English

[Ghery]

My dad sent me this. I cannot vouch for it (and it probably isn't true), but enjoy!



WHY IS IT THAT WE HAVE TO SPEAK ENGLISH?

A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a Naval conference that included admirals from the U.S., English, Canadian, Australian and French Navies. At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a group of half dozen or so officers that included personnel from most of the countries.

Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a French admiral suddenly complained that, whereas Europeans learn many Languages, Americans learn only English. He then asked:

"Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French?"

Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied: "Maybe it's because the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you wouldn't have to speak German."

 

[Armageddon Aviator]

The French are convinced that they liberated the country by themselves - the 200 soldiers of General De Gaulle did it...

Vive la France (soon to be renamed: Al Jumuria Al Islamia A Francia)

 

[judypilot]

French very nearly became the international language of trade, culture, even aviation, and then World War II happened. The French have never gotten over the fact that after that war, English became the common language, partly for the reasons the American Admiral cited. But it wasn't just the war. India adopted English as its official language when gained independence because everyone had had to learn English under the British raj, and the Indians realized that to make English the official language would put all peoples in the country at an equal disadvantage in internal business, rather than giving a natural advantage to one group.

Another reason is that, bizarre spelling/pronunciation rules notwithstanding, English is quite a simple and flexible language. Anyone who has learned Spanish or some similar language knows what I mean. English verb tenses are few and easily constructed. Finally, you can butcher English pretty badly and still make yourself understood. Contrast that with Chinese, which requires very subtle variations in tone. In a way, it's understandable why English became the international language even without factoring in the war.

Judy

 

[Skip Miller]

India adopted English as its official language when gained independence because everyone had had to learn English under the British raj, and the Indians realized that to make English the official language would put all peoples in the country at an equal disadvantage in internal business, rather than giving a natural advantage to one group.

Also because English was the only language in India that was close to being spoken in all of its states. Thanks to the Brits, they at least had one language with which to talk to each other.

-Skip

 

[Anthony]

French very nearly became the international language of trade, culture, even aviation, and then World War II happened. The French have never gotten over the fact that after that war, English became the common language, partly for the reasons the American Admiral cited.

That's very true. French used to be the international language of business. English replaced it as Elizabeth indicated and they've never gotten over it. Oh well. Chilean wines are good too.

 

[ScottM]

Finally, you can butcher English pretty badly and still make yourself understood. Contrast that with Chinese, which requires very subtle variations in tone.

FYI while tone variation can change meaning pretty quickly in all the dialects of Chinese, the language has one advantage over English and that is in the area of grammer. Basically the Chinese dialects have almost no grammer, tense is pretty different too.

 

[mgkdrgn]

Overheard at the Berlin Airport .... German pilot to the tower ...

"I am a German pilot, flying a German airplane, out of and to a German airport! Why must I speak English!"

and over the airwaves, in an impecable proper British accent ...

"Because you lost the bloody war."

My dad sent me this. I cannot vouch for it (and it probably isn't true), but enjoy!



WHY IS IT THAT WE HAVE TO SPEAK ENGLISH?

A U.S. Navy Admiral was attending a Naval conference that included admirals from the U.S., English, Canadian, Australian and French Navies. At a cocktail reception, he found himself standing with a group of half dozen or so officers that included personnel from most of the countries.

Everyone was chatting away in English as they sipped their drinks but a French admiral suddenly complained that, whereas Europeans learn many Languages, Americans learn only English. He then asked:

"Why is it that we always have to speak English in these conferences rather than speaking French?"

Without hesitating, the American Admiral replied: "Maybe it's because the Brits, Canadians, Aussies and Americans arranged it so you wouldn't have to speak German."

 

[judypilot]

Also because English was the only language in India that was close to being spoken in all of its states. Thanks to the Brits, they at least had one language with which to talk to each other.

-Skip

I believe that was my point.

Judy

 

[Dave Krall CFII]

It's often spoken because besides being precise when desired, it's the language of the most dominant, influential and widely spoken country that has ever walked this earth.

 

[SkyHog]

You know - when I lived in Italy, I had to learn Italian to be able to do business in small cities, same with my dad (Army). We never complained about having to learn the local language. It was different in Germany, where everyone spoke English regardless of what you were doing, but in Italy, I had to speak Italian.

In an international conference, a common language is needed. Latin is dead, so English is the business language that is still used. People need to learn it to do international business.

In France, doing local business, I expect you to speak French. In Italy, doing local business, I expect you to speak Italian. In America, doing local business, I expect you to speak English. Don't like it? Don't go to those countries, and stay home.

 

[ScottM]

It's often spoken because besides being precise when desired, it's the language of the most dominant, influential and widely spoken country that has ever walked this earth.

In the past 5 or so years I have noticed that Mandarin is becoming more and more excepted language in Asia. Even walking around hong Kong and Schenzhen I hear it spoken in the streets. If that is an indication of the future I don't know, but one thing in undeniable, and that is the PRC is becoming a greater and greater trend setter for business.

 

[Frank Browne]

The French are convinced that they liberated the country by themselves - the 200 soldiers of General De Gaulle did it...

Vive la France (soon to be renamed: Al Jumuria Al Islamia A Francia)

The only thing the French know how to liberate, is the cork from a wine bottle.

 

[flyingcheesehead]

The only thing the French know how to liberate, is the cork from a wine bottle.

Heh...

Q: What's wrong with the French flag?

A: The red stripe and the blue stripe.

 

[EdFred]

We can't forget the French Army Knife

 

[judypilot]

We can't forget the French Army Knife

Love it!

Judy

 

[Frank Browne]

Love it!

Judy

I do too! That's great!