As the love child of about 3 other languages, English is very funny. I like it very much and right now I find myself in a very interesting position. I am a native English speaker(duh, Ruby) in a foreign land (why did I state that fact?) and for some reason, when anyone finds out that I speak English, they start jabbering away in whatever level of English they know. On one hand, its annoying because I am here to speak French -BUT- it provides me with hours of entertainment every week.
French accents are really funny. Of course, some people's are much worse than others. For example, last night, I met this girl who had a PERFECT English accent. She was like, 17 years old and spoke to us in French, realized French was our second language and then promptly switched over to "Do you speak English" and I genuinely thought that this girl was from Britain. It was one of the most incredible things I've heard. Another thing about Frenchies speaking English, they all learn British english so not only do they have French accents, they have British accents as well. I find it really amusing and I love listening to them talk. On the other end of the spectrum, some people have the funniest, stereotypically French accents. The T's turn into Z's (The becomes Zee) And the E's are very strong EEEEEE's. Like Eeek! I don't know. I am not a liguistic...lingual...studier...person. But I get a kick out of just listening.
Now that I have the ability to really look back on the English language, I am discovering how many silly words we have. Today while eating lunch with my family, I became very amused by the word "Crunchy". Crunch...y...Crunchy crunchy crunchy. CRUNCHY!!!! I was thinking these things to myself at the table and then I just started laughing. It became a little awkward because I then had to explain to my family why I just busted out laughing for no apparent reason. Well, they all learned what the word "crunchy" meant and also probably think I am crazy. After the subject finally changed, I had some time to sink back into my brain and think about words. That is when I discovered what the best part of the English language is. THE greatest thing. WHY I LOVE SPEAKING ENGLISH. The KEYSTONE as to why I can express myself so well in English.
It's the letter Y.
I can put the letter Y at the end of any noun I want and it automatically creates an adjective. Sure it might not create a real word EVERY time but I guarantee that you'll get the gist in a much more creative and descriptive way. Here are some real words that I like:
Crunchy
Spicy
Cheesy
(the first three make me think of Taco Bell)
Blustery
Chunky
Goofy
Bubbly
And the list goes on and on. The letter Y is like an all-purpose, one-stop-shopping, easy-to-use, money-back-guarantee, new word maker. I would also like to point out that without it, 7 Dwarfs would have been named Sleep, Dope, Grump, Happ, Sneez, Doc and Bashful. I don't know about you but I wouldn't want my child watching a cartoon dwarf named Dope.
But the real reason I love this letter is for the made-up words. Like "Crumpley" "Wintery" "high schooly" "poopy" "smunchy" "jungley" "Britney Spearsy" "Suburbany". You all probably think I am an idiot because none of these words make sense but they really do. In context. The next time you can't think of a word, but you have an idea, just put a Y at the end of your idea, and you've made a word. Works like a charm.
You cannot do this in French and I have a very hard time expressing myself correctly due to my lack of vocabulary. I wish I could but if no one understands when I do this in English, I do NOT think it will go over well in France. Especially in my classes. Sigh....I love you Y.
Well, enough language speak. This weekend was eventful. France lost to England in Rugby. I watched it with a bunch of new friends who happened to be from England so they were stoked on life. I decided to join in on their merriment despite the loss. I ended up making some cool new friends. A bunch of people from Mexico actually. And this dude named Med who speaks French English Spanish and Arabic. He's really into Barack Obama right now. I am amazed at his knowledge of American politics. All in all, it was a very multi cultural weekend.
On friday I went to a bunch of contemporary art galleries with my Contemporary Art class (naturally). We saw some weird stuff and some cool stuff and I also got a chance to talk with a galleriste which was great because that is something I would like to do one day. After I make my first million, of course. He started out as a dentist. And hated it. And now he and his buddy own a gallery. So basically, anyone can do it. Nice.
I would also like to wish my little sister a happy birthday (October 12th). I cannot believe you are 16!! WHAT THE HELL!?!?!
I read online that the Ducks killed Wazzu and that OSU beat Cal. Nice one beavers. Thanks for that. Also, How about them Rockies? I hope is the Sox and the Rockies in the world series. Of course that means nothing to me because I will not get to watch ANY OF IT.
Well, time for bed. I will sign out of this blog tonight with, what are probably the two best examples of why Y is the best thing to happen to the English language.
NightY-night!
~rubY
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