Americans & culture...

[Decado]

Yes. We are all totally confused. As to why you found that funny.

I refer my learned colleague to my previous statement "I'm sure it totally confused our American cousins which is worth doing (and oh so easy!)."

'Nuff said I think. :wink:

[Hank]

Anker. :DMy favorite British company. (http://www.waynekerrtest.com/)

[Decado]

Right after they evolve and grow thumbs.

Oh, that'll be in the FAR future then! We need to send more missionaries to t'North. Perhaps show them how to make fire.

[satsumaruma]

Don't need thumbs.

Thumbs are for begging a lift.
Thumbs are for sticking in pies.
Thumbs are for saying when somebody should'nt be killed.

In Gods country;
we don't need to beg for a lift cos God made Yorkshire so good we don't want to go anywhere else.
we cannot afford pies cos God keeps us poor to make sure we stay humble.
and why the f*ck would we want to save the life of a Brummie:silly:

[h2o]

Thumbs are for sticking in pies.
I heard somewhere (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0163651/) that americans stick other body parts in pies though ;)

[Decado]

Don't need thumbs.

Thumbs are for begging a lift.
Thumbs are for sticking in pies.
Thumbs are for saying when somebody should'nt be killed.

In Gods country;
we don't need to beg for a lift cos God made Yorkshire so good we don't want to go anywhere else.
we cannot afford pies cos God keeps us poor to make sure we stay humble.
and why the f*ck would we want to save the life of a Brummie:silly:

Who are you calling a Brummie! They live in Birmingham (Brummagen in the old tongue) which we do not live in. We live in the Black Country! Totally different place. Or so they say. I'm from Derbyshire me'sen!

[Ignatz]

Yes. We are all totally confused. As to why you found that funny.
I got confused when I wanted to see London Bridge and got sent to Arizona.

[Manuka]

I heard somewhere (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0163651/) that americans stick other body parts in pies though ;)

hair pies ??

[kim]

And the "bangers and mash" arms, :wink: like tuck-shop ladies...:D

Otherwise known as Bingo Wings:laugh:

[ScottUK]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bingo_wings ...or...

http://www.plasmetic.com/images/brachioplasty-arm-lift.gif :shocked: ...or...

http://iamamericanperiod.com/photogallery/People/Fat%20Bikini.jpg :eek:

[Decado]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bingo_wings ...or...

http://www.plasmetic.com/images/brachioplasty-arm-lift.gif :shocked: ...or...

http://iamamericanperiod.com/photogallery/People/Fat%20Bikini.jpg :eek:

Love the pictures - yuk!

I once went out with someone who had bingo wings. She had lost loads of weight which was great but she had a 9 stone body in 20 stone skin. It was a bit of a turn off. Her's went all the way down the arm. If she'd flapped her arms I swear she could have flown!

[ScottUK]

You mean like this (http://www.squirrels-r-forever.com/P7300047_Hear_I_come_Ready_Or_Notwhizzer.jpg)?

[Decado]

You mean like this (http://www.squirrels-r-forever.com/P7300047_Hear_I_come_Ready_Or_Notwhizzer.jpg)?

Jeez! Talk about deja vu!

[satsumaruma]

Who are you calling a Brummie! They live in Birmingham (Brummagen in the old tongue) which we do not live in. We live in the Black Country! Totally different place. Or so they say. I'm from Derbyshire me'sen!

Errm.

My comment was intended for a very tall and hirsute young chappie called Scott who is a Brummie. well he is to me - apparently to Brummies he is a Yam Yam (???????) No, I have no idea why either.

[ScottUK]

My comment was intended for a very tall and hirsute young chappie called Scott who......is also not a Brummie.

[satsumaruma]

If it walks like a duck;
quacks like a duck;
has webbed feet like a duck;
has feathers like a duck;
has an uncle called Donald and another called Daffy

then it is a duck.

You are a Brummie. Don't be ashamed. Come out of the closet and embrace your new found freedom of Brumminess:beard:

[Decado]

Errm.

My comment was intended for a very tall and hirsute young chappie called Scott who is a Brummie. well he is to me - apparently to Brummies he is a Yam Yam (???????) No, I have no idea why either.

Yam yam comes from the way Black Country-speak is spoken, specifically phrases such I am, we am (are), you am (are) which sounds like Oy am, we yam and yo am - hence yam yam!

Scott, he'm definitely not a Braummie! The accent is very, very different as I was forcibly told when I first moved down here.

[Decado]

If it walks like a duck;
quacks like a duck;
has webbed feet like a duck;
has feathers like a duck;
has an uncle called Donald and another called Daffy

then it is a duck.

You are a Brummie. Don't be ashamed. Come out of the closet and embrace your new found freedom of Brumminess:beard:

Scott - didn't know you had webbed feet. No wonder your hakama is longer than anyone else's. Having webbed feet would make you a native of Norfolk surely?

[ScottUK]

Yam yam comes from the way Black Country-speak is spoken, specifically phrases such I am, we am (are), you am (are) which sounds like Oy am, we yam and yo am - hence yam yam!

Scott, he'm definitely not a Braummie! The accent is very, very different as I was forcibly told when I first moved down here.Sats,

Meet Decado, my new champion of causes and defender of all that ain't Brummie... :)

[satsumaruma]

Sats,

Meet Decado, my new champion of causes and defender of all that ain't Brummie... :)

Well, your 'defender' just said you are a Traaaacter droi-vin bump-kiiiiin from Norrrrrrrfuuuuk.

I would have stuck to being called a Brummie or a Yamyam

[ScottUK]

Not sure if he did.

I am stunned that the real purpose of this thread has slipped into localised civil war. Let us return to the fray.

(you pigeon-keeping, pork-dripping-eating, whippet-racing, inbred northern smurf)

[Kyung]

Well. Thanks for your information.
I'll stick to learning German lol

[Decado]

Well. Thanks for your information.
I'll stick to learning German lol

Sounds like a good idea to me. Stops the local civil wars!

[lucy]

Well. Thanks for your information.
I'll stick to learning German lol

Will it shock you to hear that Germans have just as many dialects, if not more? :D

[Decado]

Will it shock you to hear that Germans have just as many dialects, if not more? :D

Nein, warum? (in a Bavarian accent).

[Decado]

Will it shock you to hear that Germans have just as many dialects, if not more? :D

I know that the Bavarian accent is a bit "mushy", the Frankfurt one a bit harder and the Berlin one very different but I believe that there are more regional accents in the UK than in any other single country in the world - and in such a small island as well.

Where I live the accent changes totally within 10 miles - in all directions! And most people within our sceptered (more septic these days) isle can say the same thing! How about die Deutsche?

PS Be warned. I have German friends so I can check!

PPS I really like Germany. No-one makes a knoblauchsteak like you guys!

[lucy]

Nein, warum? (in a Bavarian accent).

:D I just wanted to inform him.

Un en betkenn Plattdüts kann ick ucke proaten... Kasse dat varstohn?

[Kyung]

Will it shock you to hear that Germans have just as many dialects, if not more? :D

I did read into that...about the consonant shift and stuff. And how high and low german dialects are different and there are many other dialects along with the dialects that do not have the 2nd consonant shift....but at least Stiefel is spelled stiefel and not stiefle. lol

[Decado]

:D I just wanted to inform him.

Un en betkenn Plattdüts kann ick ucke proaten... Kasse dat varstohn?

No. I can't understand it. :grin: That's one dialect. How many more are there? Sounds like a bit of Dutch thrown in there as well. Is it a dialect from the Dutch border?

[lucy]

IPS Be warned. I have German friends so I can check!



Hehe, I have to disappoint you, I can't speak other accents, but I understand most of them.
A friend of mine is particularly good in talking like a Saxon, though:
"Gänsefleisch ma Ihrn Koffer uff moache?"

[Kyung]

:D I just wanted to inform him.

Un en betkenn Plattdüts kann ick ucke proaten... Kasse dat varstohn?

Ich verstehe nicht...
that does look dutch a bit. I don't know too much Dutch. ik ben or something lol Huisraad.

[Decado]

Hehe, I have to disappoint you, I can't speak other accents, but I understand most of them.
A friend of mine is particularly good in talking like a Saxon, though:
"Gänsefleisch ma Ihrn Koffer uff moache?"

I'm fascinated by accents although it's difficult to tell them in foreign languages. Like you I can understand most English accents although drunken Glaswegian is an acquired taste.

This thread is getting too touchy feely - let's get back to flaming the Frogs - sorry, Americans.

[Kyung]

I was disappointed in USA at the world cup of baseball performance.

[Decado]

I was disappointed in USA at the world cup of baseball performance.

So what other countries came along to the Baseball "World Cup". USA, Canada and................?

[Kyung]

Peurto Rico, Jamaica(?), Some other countries down there, Japan, Korea, China, Chinese Taipei

[Decado]

Peurto Rico, Jamaica(?), Some other countries down there, Japan, Korea, China, Chinese Taipei

Germany, England, Russia, Australia? Anything vaguely European? Brazil, Argentina?

Not much of a World Cup I feel.

[Kyung]

Not that I saw. I think belgium was there in the pre.
You know how Americans are. They call their play off final round as 'World Championship' or something when it just involves 2 countries...USA and Canada.

[Paikea]

Germany, England, Russia, Australia? Anything vaguely European? Brazil, Argentina?

Not much of a World Cup I feel.There's a significant difference between the World Baseball Classic and the World Cup of Baseball - two entirely seperate events.

[Paikea]

Not that I saw. I think belgium was there in the pre.
You know how Americans are. They call their play off final round as 'World Championship' or something when it just involves 2 countries...USA and Canada.Big-time baseball afficionado, are you?

[Decado]

There's a significant difference between the World Baseball Classic and the World Cup of Baseball - two entirely seperate events.

But both have "World" in them thus implying countries from the rest of the world may be involved.

[Kyung]

Big-time baseball afficionado, are you?

I can sense the sarcasm in that I think. But just to be safe, I don't really like baseball. the World Cup of basball caught my attention but as stated, disappointed.

[Neil Gendzwill]

Big-time baseball afficionado, are you?Explanation here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Series#International_impact.2C_and_explanati on_of_the_term_.22World.22_Series) which debunks the "New York World" theory of the name. If you believe Wiki, that is...

I do believe I've heard NFL and NBA championship teams refer to themselves as "world champions" as well. Probably true, but still mildly annoying.

[Decado]

Explanation here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Series#International_impact.2C_and_explanati on_of_the_term_.22World.22_Series) which debunks the "New York World" theory of the name. If you believe Wiki, that is...

I do believe I've heard NFL and NBA championship teams refer to themselves as "world champions" as well. Probably true, but still mildly annoying.

It's a bit like Manchester United or Chelsea referring to themselves as world champions when they win the Football Premier League, or even the European Championships (which is a better analogy). Daft!

[Kyung]

I don't think I heard of NBA championship referred to as world championship...not that I really pay attention. But they didn't do so hot in olympics some years ago...I guess Olympics really doesn't matter though.
I used to follow hockey. There's the Stanley Cup finals, which is the NA league. Then there is World Cup of Hockey, which involves NA and Euro, and mid asian countries like Kazakhstan. And there is the Olympics hockey. None of that means anything to me now. It's all about the money

[Paikea]

Explanation here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_Series#International_impact.2C_and_explanati on_of_the_term_.22World.22_Series) which debunks the "New York World" theory of the name. If you believe Wiki, that is...

I do believe I've heard NFL and NBA championship teams refer to themselves as "world champions" as well. Probably true, but still mildly annoying.Oh yeah, but I can't stand Basketball or Football...heck, I'd rather watch a curling match than a basketball game. :cool2:

[Paikea]

But both have "World" in them thus implying countries from the rest of the world may be involved....and they are. I'm having trouble following your point.

[Paikea]

I can sense the sarcasm in that I think. But just to be safe, I don't really like baseball. the World Cup of basball caught my attention but as stated, disappointed.How can you be disappointed in something you neither understand nor care about?

[Decado]

...and they are. I'm having trouble following your point.

European teams? South American teams? African teams? Pacific Rim teams apart from China and Japan? Middle Eastern teams?

[Neil Gendzwill]

It's a bit like Manchester United or Chelsea referring to themselves as world champions when they win the Football Premier League, or even the European Championships (which is a better analogy). Daft!
Not really. The only other serious gridiron football league in the world is the CFL, and honestly the top US college teams could probably play competitively in that league. Similarly with basketball - there are some strong national teams being fielded, but serious professional teams only exist in the US and Canada. But there's professional soccer all over the world.

[Kyung]

How can you be disappointed in something you neither understand nor care about?


Well...you don't need to know a lot to distinguish win or loss...
I don't know if you watched the games or not but let's just say that you didn't have to be a connoisseur to appreciate how disappointingly they played.

[Decado]

Not really. The only other serious gridiron football league in the world is the CFL, and honestly the top US college teams could probably play competitively in that league. Similarly with basketball - there are some strong national teams being fielded, but serious professional teams only exist in the US and Canada. But there's professional soccer all over the world.

You mean professional football (we hate it being called soccer :grin: ). Otherwise point taken. So, it should be North American cup/series and not World?

[Decado]

Well...you don't need to know a lot to distinguish win or loss...
I don't know if you watched the games or not but let's just say that you didn't have to be a connoisseur to appreciate how disappointingly they played.

Bloody hell! You should have seen England play Israel at football at the weekend. It was 0-0 - and England were very lucky to get a high a score as 0!

[Paikea]

European teams? South American teams? African teams? Pacific Rim teams apart from China and Japan? Middle Eastern teams?I think you need to go to Wikipedia and look up the World Baseball Classic and World Baseball cup. Your implication that nations or regions are somehow excluded is false.

[Decado]

I think you need to go to Wikipedia and look up the World Baseball Classic and World Baseball cup. Your implication that nations or regions are somehow excluded is false.

Crikey Paikea. In no way was I implying any other nations are excluded. Just that baseball is not a "world" sport. That is, only a few nations (relatively speaking) have a national baseball team and that North America, Japan, Korea and China seem to be the major ones. I feel the same about the World Cricket Cup. Only a few nations really participate although all are invited I am sure.

For a real World sport think football (or soccer as you would say). Even a tiny country like Andorra participates in the World Cup - and even the US, who do quite well nowadays.

[Kyung]

Bloody hell! You should have seen England play Israel at football at the weekend. It was 0-0 - and England were very lucky to get a high a score as 0!

Unfortunately, US doesn't show foreign football (soccer) games. There may be some random showings here and there. And maybe if you get satellite disch or some such...
I thought England had a strong football team??

[Paikea]

Crikey Paikea. In no way was I implying any other nations are excluded. Just that baseball is not a "world" sport. That is, only a few nations (relatively speaking) have a national baseball team and that North America, Japan, Korea and China seem to be the major ones. I feel the same about the World Cricket Cup. Only a few nations really participate although all are invited I am sure.

For a real World sport think football (or soccer as you would say). Even a tiny country like Andorra participates in the World Cup - and even the US, who do quite well nowadays.Fine, thanks for the clarification. However, why is it not enough to have representation from all interested countries to label the tournament a "World" event? Could one not make the same assertion about the World Kendo Championship based on the same argument?

[Decado]

Unfortunately, US doesn't show foreign football (soccer) games. There may be some random showings here and there. And maybe if you get satellite disch or some such...
I thought England had a strong football team??

We are supposed to have a very strong football team, with guys who are counted as world class. For some reason they don't seem to play as a team. They should have slaughtered Israel if you compare the relative merits of the team members. We play Andorra on Wednesday - God help us!

[Decado]

Fine, thanks for the clarification. However, why is it not enough to have representation from all interested countries to label the tournament a "World" event? Could one not make the same assertion about the World Kendo Championship based on the same argument?

Okay, we'll beg to differ on the definition of "world". Perhaps it could be "Countries of the World who have a national baseball team Series/Cup" :grin:

Can't answer about the World Kendo Championship as I do iaido and kenjutsu so I am not sure how many countries attend the Kendo one.

[lucy]

No. I can't understand it. :grin: That's one dialect. How many more are there? Sounds like a bit of Dutch thrown in there as well. Is it a dialect from the Dutch border?

Yep, it's how the older people talk here in the "Münsterland", it's "Lower German", but just one kind of it, it changes from town to town. This is more of a second language, though. Most younger people (like me) can only understand, but not really speak it.
And I have no idea how many different dialects there are. http://www.people.ex.ac.uk/pjoyce/dialects/diagen.html

Enough language talk, though. And I have no idea of baseball, cricket, American football or anything. So sorry.
I like football (soccer), though. Germany just won against Czech Republic. :D

[Decado]

Yep, it's how the older people talk here in the "Münsterland", it's "Lower German", but just one kind of it, it changes from town to town. This is more of a second language, though. Most younger people (like me) can only understand, but not really speak it.
And I have no idea how many different dialects there are. http://www.people.ex.ac.uk/pjoyce/dialects/diagen.html

Enough language talk, though. And I have no idea of baseball, cricket, American football or anything. So sorry.
I like football (soccer), though. Germany just won against Czech Republic. :D

At least you have a half way decent football team unlike our bunch of numpties! Although people here still remember the 5-1 drubbing we gave the German team in 2001. Ah, such fond memories.

[Kyung]

lol how about them korea team in 2002. I can still hear people crying about that event.

[lucy]

At least you have a half way decent football team unlike our bunch of numpties! Although people here still remember the 5-1 drubbing we gave the German team in 2001. Ah, such fond memories.

Yeah, that's when people remember the old times... When the present isn't that nice! :D
The World Cup was a great non-stop festival over here. I'm looking forward to the Euro 2008.
And I'm sure your team will recover. Just keep Rooney in check... :silly:

[Fonsz]

I don't want to intrude here but this mellow business about languages and football is not the reason why this thread was so popular. It was about Americans and their (lack of) culture and how this phenomena is taking over the world as we know it. I think that this is a very serious matter which need to be fully and seriously addressed.
So if you would be so kind to get of the couch and stop drinking coffee and tea so that we can start again with the business at hand.
The Americans and their culture ( or the lack thereof)
Carry on.
Now please!

[Kyung]

I don't want to intrude here but this mellow business about languages and football is not the reason why this thread was so popular. It was about Americans and their (lack of) culture and how this phenomena is taking over the world as we know it. I think that this is a very serious matter which need to be fully and seriously addressed.
So if you would be so kind to get of the couch and stop drinking coffee and tea so that we can start again with the business at hand.
The Americans and their culture ( or the lack thereof)
Carry on.
Now please!

I'm really curious to know...to what extent do other people in the other countries know about other cultures? And how does that compare with US? I would like to consider myself somewhat informed about other countries. Except France. Do they know anything about US other than that people are ignorant of them?

[Ignatz]

For those ignorant folks out there (or iggorant as we sometimes say) Baseball is the absolute perfect game. It has one on one combat (pitcher versus batter) and team combat. It has a rule book that covers every single possibility. It is played in every civilized country in the western hemisphere (and some not so civilized ones) It is played all throughout the best countries in Asia (India and Pakistan still play that stupid english game).
Many foreward thinking countries in Europe play baseball (Netherlands and Italy to name a few.)
It is truly a "world game" and only a total wanker from some silly third rate, used-to-be empire would fail to recognize that.

On a related note, New York City is the center of the universe and the sooner you accept that, the better off you will be.

Finally, the US has a "culture of no culture" (sound familiar to you martial arts experts?). We chew your silly little "cultures" up and spit them out. Our government is brilliant. A bunch of Arabs blow up the world trade center and we respond by throwing all of the Mexicans out of the country and take measures to stem the tide of the Canadians streaming across the borders. This serves to confuse the terrorists so that we can get them all McDonalds franchises or 7-11s (or stop and robs as we call them)

We have a great constitution now, having gotten rid of all of the silly parts about civil liberties. We have whittled it down to 1. you can have a gun, 2. You can pray (as long as it is to the Protestant Christian god), and 3. They can't force you to let English soldiers live in your house.

Here's your culture.

[Paikea]

So if you would be so kind to get of the couch and stop drinking coffee and tea so that we can start again with the business at hand.
The Americans and their culture ( or the lack thereof)
There's to be no passing of dutchies, then?

[Fonsz]

I'm really curious to know...to what extent do other people in the other countries know about other cultures? And how does that compare with US? I would like to consider myself somewhat informed about other countries. Except France. Do they know anything about US other than that people are ignorant of them?

We (here in Europe) are highly educated (brainwashed) by that wonderful institution that's called television. We know for sure that a gun has 102 shots before it clicks. If it's used by the good guy, the bad guy gets the 10 or 12 shots that the manufacturer has intended. American cars blow up to smithereens when involved in a slight accident. (Very sharp those Swedish)
These are just some things that I can recall. But there are many more and I'm sure that others can add more to this list.

On the other hand there are people booking a holiday to Isla Margarita and were wondering why they were 8 hours in a plane when they were going to Spain. (Isla Margarita is Venezuela, South America and not the Canary Islands of the coast of Africa)

But it's strange to know that there are people out there that haven't got a clue about the rest of the World. It strikes us as very odd to say the least.

I also would like to thank the Hn Ignatz for classifying us as a forward country. I think that this is the highest praise that we can get from someone who lives in New York. (Let's go Mets! Let's go Mets! Let's go Mets!) Sorry about that.

There are no 7 11's here but too many Mc Donalds.
So what do you know about the rest of the world? Can we have that established first before we go flaming each other?
By the way the Dutch team drew a 0-0 against a country which name I already forgot. So England isn't the only one where football fans are down now......

[Fonsz]

There's to be no passing of dutchies, then?
If you can tell me what they are I'd be glad to oblige of course. If it's drug related then I'm afraid I can't help you. But other than that I wish you all the wisdom that's needed to get a hold of it.:normal:

[Paikea]

For those ignorant folks out there (or iggorant as we sometimes say) Baseball is the absolute perfect game. It has one on one combat (pitcher versus batter) and team combat. It has a rule book that covers every single possibility. It is played in every civilized country in the western hemisphere (and some not so civilized ones) It is played all throughout the best countries in Asia (India and Pakistan still play that stupid english game).
Many foreward thinking countries in Europe play baseball (Netherlands and Italy to name a few.)
It is truly a "world game" and only a total wanker from some silly third rate, used-to-be empire would fail to recognize that.

I was humming the "Battle Hymn of the Republic"...


On a related note, New York City is the center of the universe and the sooner you accept that, the better off you will be.
Right up till there.


Finally, the US has a "culture of no culture" (sound familiar to you martial arts experts?). We chew your silly little "cultures" up and spit them out. Our government is brilliant. A bunch of Arabs blow up the world trade center and we respond by throwing all of the Mexicans out of the country and take measures to stem the tide of the Canadians streaming across the borders. This serves to confuse the terrorists so that we can get them all McDonalds franchises or 7-11s (or stop and robs as we call them)
Uh-oh...


We have a great constitution now, having gotten rid of all of the silly parts about civil liberties. We have whittled it down to 1. you can have a gun, 2. You can pray (as long as it is to the Protestant Christian god), and 3. They can't force you to let English soldiers live in your house.

Here's your culture.Righteous, angry defense attorneys are the best!

[Paikea]

If you can tell me what they are I'd be glad to oblige of course. If it's drug related then I'm afraid I can't help you. But other than that I wish you all the wisdom that's needed to get a hold of it.:normal:I have no such recollection, your honor. I thought it was something like dwarf tossing.

[Kyung]

We (here in Europe) are highly educated (brainwashed) by that wonderful institution that's called television. We know for sure that a gun has 102 shots before it clicks. If it's used by the good guy, the bad guy gets the 10 or 12 shots that the manufacturer has intended. American cars blow up to smithereens when involved in a slight accident. (Very sharp those Swedish)
These are just some things that I can recall. But there are many more and I'm sure that others can add more to this list.

On the other hand there are people booking a holiday to Isla Margarita and were wondering why they were 8 hours in a plane when they were going to Spain. (Isla Margarita is Venezuela, South America and not the Canary Islands of the coast of Africa)

But it's strange to know that there are people out there that haven't got a clue about the rest of the World. It strikes us as very odd to say the least.

I also would like to thank the Hn Ignatz for classifying us as a forward country. I think that this is the highest praise that we can get from someone who lives in New York. (Let's go Mets! Let's go Mets! Let's go Mets!) Sorry about that.

There are no 7 11's here but too many Mc Donalds.
So what do you know about the rest of the world? Can we have that established first before we go flaming each other?
By the way the Dutch team drew a 0-0 against a country which name I already forgot. So England isn't the only one where football fans are down now......

I don't know but using movies to base your judgement of American culture is a bit...you know. I myself do not watch movies anymore. I'm beyond the point of buying their nonsense just for the sake of the movie with action and not much else.
We know that countries exist outside of US. But quite frankly, for normal resident of US, why should that matter? People are too busy trying to make a buck...we have different (damned and putrid) work hours than Europe.
7 11's are convenient. MacDonald's is disgusting.
And recently, there it is more apparent that in certain situations, American culture is mutating. I'm not particularly happy with Japanification of US culture (although to a limited extent), but you have more ignorant people running about claiming loyalty to Japan when they have no heritage in any way. Sorta like Tom Cruiser in Last Samurai. Maybe it's just the East Coast?
But what it all comes down to is, so long as Americans don't bother other countries other than the middle eastern, why should they care if they're ignorant or not?

[Kenzan]

And recently, there it is more apparent that in certain situations, American culture is mutating. I'm not particularly happy with Japanification of US culture

Ummmm...

HUH?
:confused:

[Paikea]

you have more ignorant people running about claiming loyalty to Japan when they have no heritage in any way. Sorta like Tom Cruiser in Last Samurai. Ummm, yeah. (help me out here guys, what the heck is she talking about?)

The Japanification of American Culture, (especially the declaration of loyalty as described) is definitely an East Coast phenomenon, confined to certain backyards in Maryland, Long Island and New Jersey. Interestingly, these all seem to have video cameras and a will to document themselves for posterity.

[pgsmith]

It was about Americans and their (lack of) culture and how this phenomena is taking over the world as we know it.
We Texans think that the Americans' lack of culture is kinda cute. They're not bad neighbors, although I think we need some tighter immigration control since so many of them are immigrating down here to Texas. We've adopted some of their professional sports and rather enjoy them. We have professional baseball, hockey, and basketball teams now. Heck, our basketball is actually pretty good. Football is still the national sport of Texas though. Friday night football is still better attended in most small Texas towns than Sunday church!

[Neil Gendzwill]

Friday night football is still better attended in most small Texas towns than Sunday church!And speaking of good American culture, Friday Night Lights is one of the best shows on TV right now.

[Decado]

Yeah, that's when people remember the old times... When the present isn't that nice! :D
The World Cup was a great non-stop festival over here. I'm looking forward to the Euro 2008.
And I'm sure your team will recover. Just keep Rooney in check... :silly:

That's strange! My friend Sonja who lives in Munich says that even she was interested in the World Cup last year - and she hates football normally.

Keeping Rooney in check - might as well try to stop an avalanche. But when he's on form he is something else!

[Decado]

I don't want to intrude here but this mellow business about languages and football is not the reason why this thread was so popular. It was about Americans and their (lack of) culture and how this phenomena is taking over the world as we know it. I think that this is a very serious matter which need to be fully and seriously addressed.
So if you would be so kind to get of the couch and stop drinking coffee and tea so that we can start again with the business at hand.
The Americans and their culture ( or the lack thereof)
Carry on.
Now please!


As I said before - Americans and culture in the same sentence is an oxymoron.

[Decado]

I don't want to intrude here but this mellow business about languages and football is not the reason why this thread was so popular.


Blame Lucy - she started it!

[Decado]

There's to be no passing of dutchies, then?

Only on the left hand side!

[Decado]

I have no such recollection, your honor. I thought it was something like dwarf tossing.

Tossing off a dwarf! Can't he do it himself? (Figure that one out if you can).

[lucy]

That's strange! My friend Sonja who lives in Munich says that even she was interested in the World Cup last year - and she hates football normally.


Yeah, suddenly everybody loved football! :D

Well, to do Alphons a favour, let's get back to topic! :D I'll leave that to you, though, I've got to study for my final exams...

[lucy]

Tossing off a dwarf! Can't he do it himself? (Figure that one out if you can).

Reminds me of LotR... ;)

[Decado]

For those ignorant folks out there (or iggorant as we sometimes say) Baseball is the absolute perfect game. It has one on one combat (pitcher versus batter) and team combat. It has a rule book that covers every single possibility. It is played in every civilized country in the western hemisphere (and some not so civilized ones) It is played all throughout the best countries in Asia (India and Pakistan still play that stupid english game).
Many foreward thinking countries in Europe play baseball (Netherlands and Italy to name a few.)
It is truly a "world game" and only a total wanker from some silly third rate, used-to-be empire would fail to recognize that.

That's strange, America used to be part of that empire so ipso factum (or some other crappy Latin saying) you have to be a wanker.

And while we are on the subject of Empires. When England ruled the world it was much safer. No-one flew 757's into buildings, no-one blew up trains in capital cities. Now you guys own the world look at the mess it's in.

[Decado]

Reminds me of LotR... ;)

You ever wondered why Gimli was so short. Stunted growth caused by too much tossing off (battlements that is :grin: )

[Decado]

For those ignorant folks out there (or iggorant as we sometimes say) Baseball is the absolute perfect game. It has one on one combat (pitcher versus batter) and team combat. It has a rule book that covers every single possibility. It is played in every civilized country in the western hemisphere (and some not so civilized ones) It is played all throughout the best countries in Asia (India and Pakistan still play that stupid english game).
Many foreward thinking countries in Europe play baseball (Netherlands and Italy to name a few.)
It is truly a "world game" and only a total wanker from some silly third rate, used-to-be empire would fail to recognize that.

On a related note, New York City is the center of the universe and the sooner you accept that, the better off you will be.

Finally, the US has a "culture of no culture" (sound familiar to you martial arts experts?). We chew your silly little "cultures" up and spit them out. Our government is brilliant. A bunch of Arabs blow up the world trade center and we respond by throwing all of the Mexicans out of the country and take measures to stem the tide of the Canadians streaming across the borders. This serves to confuse the terrorists so that we can get them all McDonalds franchises or 7-11s (or stop and robs as we call them)

We have a great constitution now, having gotten rid of all of the silly parts about civil liberties. We have whittled it down to 1. you can have a gun, 2. You can pray (as long as it is to the Protestant Christian god), and 3. They can't force you to let English soldiers live in your house.

Here's your culture.

I'm really glad Scott told me that you are one of the few Americans who understands irony and sarcasm. Perfectly illustrated above - which is ironic in itself.

[Decado]

There are no 7 11's here but too many Mc Donalds.
So what do you know about the rest of the world? Can we have that established first before we go flaming each other?

I can order beer in several different languages - does that count?

[Decado]

We Texans think that the Americans' lack of culture is kinda cute. They're not bad neighbors, although I think we need some tighter immigration control since so many of them are immigrating down here to Texas. We've adopted some of their professional sports and rather enjoy them. We have professional baseball, hockey, and basketball teams now. Heck, our basketball is actually pretty good. Football is still the national sport of Texas though. Friday night football is still better attended in most small Texas towns than Sunday church!

So, Iggie is not the only North American who understands irony. Seems like it's alive and well in Texas. You guys ever going to join the Union?

[Kyung]

Ummm, yeah. (help me out here guys, what the heck is she talking about?)

The Japanification of American Culture, (especially the declaration of loyalty as described) is definitely an East Coast phenomenon, confined to certain backyards in Maryland, Long Island and New Jersey. Interestingly, these all seem to have video cameras and a will to document themselves for posterity.

I'm a he actually...
I don't want to go into my life story about what I've mentioned, but sometimes, someone takes anime way too seriously to become an ardent Japanophile with tremendous loyalty to Japan. Japan has many things that are interesting, but I personally think they take it too far when things become like that. I've had someone argue with me that Japanese language is superior to Russian language and that I should learn Japanese instead. wth?
Maybe I'm just hanging out with the wrong crowd?

[pgsmith]

You guys ever going to join the Union?
Doubt it!
We'll continue to send them the occassional President though. Gives us all a good laugh! :)

By the way, we love McDonalds, and think there should be more all over the world! We sell them all the beef that we don't eat.

[Decado]

Doubt it!
We'll continue to send them the occassional President though. Gives us all a good laugh! :)

By the way, we love McDonalds, and think there should be more all over the world! We sell them all the beef that we don't eat.

I wondered what you do with your educationally challenged people down in Texas. Now I know! You get the rest of the States to elect them! One mistake I can forgive, but to elect him twice:scared:

People stopped buying our beef years ago due to all the mad cows we had.

[pgsmith]

People stopped buying our beef years ago due to all the mad cows we had.
We know all about that. Had a heck of a time pulling it off too!

[Paikea]

I'm a he actually...Ah. my error - sorry. Nothing meant by that.


I don't want to go into my life story about what I've mentioned, but sometimes, someone takes anime way too seriously to become an ardent Japanophile with tremendous loyalty to Japan. Japan has many things that are interesting, but I personally think they take it too far when things become like that.
A fanboy is a fanboy, is a fanboy...I'd say don't confuse affection and fad with national loyalty, down that road lies bad stuff.

I've had someone argue with me that Japanese language is superior to Russian language and that I should learn Japanese instead. wth?
Maybe I'm just hanging out with the wrong crowd?There are people full of it everywhere.

[Ignatz]

That's strange, America used to be part of that empire so ipso factum (or some other crappy Latin saying) you have to be a wanker.
Perhaps the non-Irish part but be assured, the Irish are not, never have been and never will be part of your or anyone else's empire.

[Decado]

Perhaps the non-Irish part but be assured, the Irish are not, never have been and never will be part of your or anyone else's empire.

Well, theorectically and in fact as well, the Irish were technically part of the British Empire. And what a troublesome lot they were as well! We were glad to get rid of them although some of them wanted to stay with us for some reason I've never worked out. Give them independence I say.

Only visited Ireland twice and, I know this is the Flames section, but they were a very friendly people I found. And Guiness really does taste better in Ireland. Begorrah!

[Spendius]

Keeping Rooney in check

So, the germans might try italian soccer style, i.e. bribing the opponents...

[Flamingo King]

Perhaps the non-Irish part but be assured, the Irish are not, never have been and never will be part of your or anyone else's empire.

Erm, Act of Union 1801, or does that not count for some reason?

[Ignatz]

Erm, no it doesn't count because no Irishman ever agreed to such nonsense.

[Fonsz]

I can order beer in several different languages - does that count?
Of course!
Naturalemente!
Bien sur!
Natuurlijk!
Aber naturlich!
Hai!
Now just to check:
Can I have three beer please? I'm thirsty.
Thank you very much.
Let's hear it without babelfish or something.....:rolleyes:

[Neil Gendzwill]

Kann ich drei Mädchen haben gefalle? Ich bin hornig.
Est-ce que je peux avoir trois filles satisfais ? Je suis corné.
Posso avere tre ragazze soddisfo? Sono corneo.

Hang on, something's broken with this translator...

[lucy]

Kann ich drei Mädchen haben gefalle? Ich bin hornig.
Est-ce que je peux avoir trois filles satisfais ? Je suis corné.
Posso avere tre ragazze soddisfo? Sono corneo.

Hang on, something's broken with this translator...

:eek: Awesome! :D :D :D

[Decado]

Kann ich drei Mädchen haben gefalle? Ich bin hornig.
Est-ce que je peux avoir trois filles satisfais ? Je suis corné.
Posso avere tre ragazze soddisfo? Sono corneo.

Hang on, something's broken with this translator...

Shouldn't it be "ich bin geil". Ihr Deutsch ist besser als mein Deutsch, glaube ich.

[Decado]

Of course!
Naturalemente!
Bien sur!
Natuurlijk!
Aber naturlich!
Hai!
Now just to check:
Can I have three beer please? I'm thirsty.
Thank you very much.
Let's hear it without babelfish or something.....:rolleyes:

Naturlich!

Drei Bier, bitte, ich habe Durst (or ich bin durstig)

Tres cervezas, gracias

Tres bieres, grazie

Tres bieres, et depechez-vous, j'ai soif! (Ou "je suis soif", peut-etre?)

THREE BEERS YOU IGNORANT FOREIGNER!!!! I HAVE A MOUTH LIKE THE BOTTOM OF A BUDGIE'S CAGE - ignorant English

Oh, I say old chap. Be good as to serve my friends and I three beers please. We are so terribly thirsty - cultured English (me)

THREE BEERS MATE!!! I'm as dry as a kangaroo's jockstrap - Ozzie

Greek would be something like "Treea biera, parakalo". Can't do Greek letters here.

Had to use babel for the Ozzie one I'm afraid. Only a few words of Italian and Spanish but not bad for a race that is useless at other languages!

[Decado]

Kann ich drei Mädchen haben gefalle? Ich bin hornig.
Est-ce que je peux avoir trois filles satisfais ? Je suis corné.
Posso avere tre ragazze soddisfo? Sono corneo.

Hang on, something's broken with this translator...

Oh, and one other thing Neil. You are asking for children which I do not believe was your intention. I guess you meant girls as in young women and not children. I thought I'd clear that up just in case.

[Decado]

Erm, no it doesn't count because no Irishman ever agreed to such nonsense.

Then who in Ireland did. I'm intrigued!

[Neil Gendzwill]

Oh, and one other thing Neil. You are asking for children which I do not believe was your intention. I guess you meant girls as in young women and not children. I thought I'd clear that up just in case.
Just using google translator there. I expect the various translations of "horny" were also wrong.

[Fonsz]

THREE BEERS YOU IGNORANT FOREIGNER!!!! I HAVE A MOUTH LIKE THE BOTTOM OF A BUDGIE'S CAGE - ignorant English

Oh, I say old chap. Be good as to serve my friends and I three beers please. We are so terribly thirsty - cultured English (me)

THREE BEERS MATE!!! I'm as dry as a kangaroo's jockstrap - Ozzie




I am amazed you even had the subtle differences between the English spoken in different countries just about right. But hang wasn't this thread about the Americans and their (supposedly lack of) culture? After all you're British and even though the British that one can encounter in the (very red!) flesh in say for instance Spain could be classified as ignorant English. They still are a league of their own when compared to the (supposedly) uncultured Americans.
Never the less jolly good show and now we have to find drei madel fur der Neill weil er so geil ist. Keine Freiwilligen irgendwo? Lucy vielleicht? Jemand? Halloooo! Halllllllooooo!!!!

[ScottUK]

Tres cervezas, graciasTres cerveza, POR FAVOR...?

[Decado]

Tres cerveza, POR FAVOR...?

Damn! That means that the Italian is wrong as well! Ah well, I still seem to get the beers in those countries.

[Decado]

I am amazed you even had the subtle differences between the English spoken in different countries just about right. But hang wasn't this thread about the Americans and their (supposedly lack of) culture? After all you're British and even though the British that one can encounter in the (very red!) flesh in say for instance Spain could be classified as ignorant English. They still are a league of their own when compared to the (supposedly) uncultured Americans.
Never the less jolly good show and now we have to find drei madel fur der Neill weil er so geil ist. Keine Freiwilligen irgendwo? Lucy vielleicht? Jemand? Halloooo! Halllllllooooo!!!!

Lucy perhaps? - Jeez, you are skating on thin ice there.

Back to the American flaming.

Regarding the subtle differences between English spoken in different countries. One of the things I have been amazed at is the way Americans cannot tell the difference between English as spoken properly (i.e. by the English), Australian English and South African English. To them it all sounds the same despite the fact that they are totally different.

[Decado]

I am amazed you even had the subtle differences between the English spoken in different countries just about right. But hang wasn't this thread about the Americans and their (supposedly lack of) culture? After all you're British and even though the British that one can encounter in the (very red!) flesh in say for instance Spain could be classified as ignorant English. They still are a league of their own when compared to the (supposedly) uncultured Americans.
Never the less jolly good show and now we have to find drei madel fur der Neill weil er so geil ist. Keine Freiwilligen irgendwo? Lucy vielleicht? Jemand? Halloooo! Halllllllooooo!!!!


Actually, I think Lucy is a dog owned by Svenja Elbers, nicht wahr. :shocked:

[JCM]

Tres cerveza, POR FAVOR...?

Sorry guys this is a sure way for everyone to know you are a Britton, is such a token phrase. :) This is seen over there in the same way as Manuel in faulty towers in the UK and Ireland.

Us these instead:

"Una cania" (caña), this is a glass of beer
"Una jarra" (a jug), not quite the size of a pint but close enough

[ScottUK]

Just going from experience. My folks live in Andalucia and their friends (who are local) are teaching them how to speak Spanish.

[Fonsz]

Actually, I think Lucy is a dog owned by Svenja Elbers, nicht wahr. :shocked:
Du hast vollig recht. Das war sehr dumm von mir. Also, veilleicht weisst die Svenja wo die drei Madel versteckt sind.


Regarding the subtle differences between English spoken in different countries. One of the things I have been amazed at is the way Americans cannot tell the difference between English as spoken properly (i.e. by the English), Australian English and South African English. To them it all sounds the same despite the fact that they are totally different.

I have read a book about the American Language and other stuff (I forgot the title). The book (or the writer) says that according to scientific research, American English is how English was supposed to be spoken in England in the olden days. That actually the language in the UK has evolved and not in the former colonies, because they were so isolated. The same thing goes for Afrikaans in South Africa. The language over there is archaic Dutch with some inventions of their own.
So what does this say about the American language versus the English language? Is there for instance a difference between Canadian English and American English? I know also that there is a difference between the French language in Canada and the rest of the French speaking world.

But never the less are the Americans a cultured people or chav's with a different accent?

[Paikea]

Sorry guys this is a sure way for everyone to know you are a Britton, is such a token phrase. :) This is seen over there in the same way as Manuel in faulty towers in the UK and Ireland.

Us these instead:

"Una cania" (caña), this is a glass of beer
"Una jarra" (a jug), not quite the size of a pint but close enoughJust ONE beer? Who would ever ask for just one?

Now, "un otro tortuga de Pacifico, por favor" has done wonders for my mood and my physique in times gone by.

[JCM]

Just going from experience. My folks live in Andalucia and their friends (who are local) are teaching them how to speak Spanish.

I always give this advise to my mates too, your folks are very lucky people, nowhere better to chill out and take it easy in Europe

Btw, if they can speak and understand spanish in Andalucia they will be ok anywhere else, is probably one of the thickest accents in the country


Just ONE beer? Who would ever ask for just one?

Now, "un otro tortuga de Pacifico, por favor" has done wonders for my mood and my physique in times gone by.


Very true, we are known for drinking little quantities at a time, is just one of our shortcomings as a nation :), I am working hard to evangelise the pint glass way

[Decado]

Du hast vollig recht. Das war sehr dumm von mir. Also, veilleicht weisst die Svenja wo die drei Madel versteckt sind.



I have read a book about the American Language and other stuff (I forgot the title). The book (or the writer) says that according to scientific research, American English is how English was supposed to be spoken in England in the olden days. That actually the language in the UK has evolved and not in the former colonies, because they were so isolated. The same thing goes for Afrikaans in South Africa. The language over there is archaic Dutch with some inventions of their own.
So what does this say about the American language versus the English language? Is there for instance a difference between Canadian English and American English? I know also that there is a difference between the French language in Canada and the rest of the French speaking world.

But never the less are the Americans a cultured people or chav's with a different accent?

As in fall for autumn? Fall is how we in the centre of civilisation used to refer to autumn before the French corrupted our language.

There is a difference between all types of English.

As to the last comment - just don't tell ScottUK. He likes to mow down chavs in a 4x4. The whole population of the US may take some time. Perhaps he could start with New York- the rudest city in the woild (deliberate mistake).

[Neil Gendzwill]

Is there for instance a difference between Canadian English and American English?Yes. There are regional accents, and a large number of words and phrases that are different. We also spell differently, a kind of hybrid of US and UK spellings. Colour rather than color for example.

Mostly, we're better looking. Smarter, too.

[Fonsz]

Mostly, we're better looking. Smarter, too.
So the TV series (here we go again) about the Mountie with his dog stationed in Chicago are true then? This would also mean that there is more Culture North of the US Border. The things we learn here, amazes me every time.

[Neil Gendzwill]

So the TV series (here we go again) about the Mountie with his dog stationed in Chicago are true then? Every bit of it, especially the parts about how the Mountie out-smarts all the US cops while maintaining strict politeness and a spotless uniform.

Actually that series had a lot of Canadian in-jokes. For example, his dog was named after one of our prime ministers (Diefenbaker).

[Decado]

Every bit of it, especially the parts about how the Mountie out-smarts all the US cops while maintaining strict politeness and a spotless uniform.

Actually that series had a lot of Canadian in-jokes. For example, his dog was named after one of our prime ministers (Diefenbaker).

I get an impression, not sure why, and I may be mistaken, that folks in Canada look down on the US as ignorant buffoons. May be wrong though. :smiley:

[Fonsz]

I get an impression, not sure why, and I may be mistaken, that folks in Canada look down on the US as ignorant buffoons. May be wrong though. :smiley:
I wonder why that is, must be something to do with the fact that they are still loosely connected to the UK in some way.......:rolleyes:

[Neil Gendzwill]

I get an impression, not sure why, and I may be mistaken, that folks in Canada look down on the US as ignorant buffoons. May be wrong though. :smiley:We certainly do our fair share of US-bashing. This is largely just an inferiority complex, or some sort of desire to somehow distinguish ourselves from them. Who are we as a people? Well, not Americans, dammit!

Americans, of course, largely don't care. Every once in a while one of their far-right media personalities will make a speech about crushing us like bugs or something like that (Coulter comes to mind), but for the most part we're just the pink blob to the North on the map.

Some of it is no doubt driven by political differences. Canada is distinctly left of the US - even our furthest-right politicians would probably be characterised as moderate Democrats in the US.

As the son of a US citizen who's spent a lot of time in the states, I have a little different opinion than many Canadians. After nearly 50 years in Canada though, my Dad is more Canadian than American in his views, which causes some head-shaking on his part whenever he gets together with his brothers.

[Ignatz]

This is exactly why we need to shore up the Northern border to keep those godless canadian terrorists out of the US.

p.s. How about Permiso, tres cervesa por favor.

p.s. #2 In answer to the question about the 1801 thingy, it was the Presbyterians brought in by Oliver Cromwell in about 1650, after he murdered the King that were in favor of this silly piece of legislation. Irish were not allowed to vote until 1839 and it was another hundred years or so later that anyone considered actually counting the votes.

[pgsmith]

There are regional accents, and a large number of words and phrases that are different.

Mostly, we're better looking. Smarter, too.
So, are you talking about Texans or Canadians? :)

Canadians are just too uptight about their American neighbors. OK, it's the Quebecois that are uptight, the rest of Canada is generally pretty cool. In Quebec, they try to be more French than the French. They think this means that they have to be ruder. Texas doesn't even keep an embassy in Quebec, although we do in the other provinces.

[pgsmith]

In answer to the question about the 1801 thingy, it was the Presbyterians brought in by Oliver Cromwell in about 1650, after he murdered the King that were in favor of this silly piece of legislation. Irish were not allowed to vote until 1839 and it was another hundred years or so later that anyone considered actually counting the votes.
The problem John, is that the Irish got drunk before they kicked out the English. Couldn't finish the job then. In Texas, we kicked out Mexico first, then got drunk! :)

[lucy]

Du hast vollig recht. Das war sehr dumm von mir. Also, veilleicht weisst die Svenja wo die drei Madel versteckt sind.


Hm, keine Ahnung. I'm not one of them, for sure. :silly: You should know better!! :cheeky:

[Ignatz]

The problem John, is that the Irish got drunk before they kicked out the English. Couldn't finish the job then. In Texas, we kicked out Mexico first, then got drunk! :)

I was watching Hugo Chavez giving a speech in Argentina about how the great patriots Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa invaded the US to take back the territory that the evil US took from Mexico. Man what a strange view of history. Let's see, the land in question was inhabited for a few thousand years by several Apache tribes who agreed to let the Mexicans (Spanish) live there. The indians thought it was amusing, trading land that they did not own, because one does not own land, for false promises from the Mexicans.

And back in 1812 when England France and Spain were fighting (and regularly changing sides) The English were trying to get the USA back and the French were trying to take over Mexico and Bolivar was trying to kick out the Spanish (with the help of the English)

I'm soooooo confused.

[Kyung]

Was ist denn los hier. Warum spricht jemand deutsch?

[Neil Gendzwill]

So, are you talking about Texans or Canadians? Texas gave the world Lyle Lovett and Lucinda Williams, so I'm willing to cut them some slack.

[Kyung]

Texas gave the world Lyle Lovett and Lucinda Williams, so I'm willing to cut them some slack.

Texas gave the world G. W. Bush too...
Just for consideration.

[Paikea]

Americans, of course, largely don't care. Every once in a while one of their far-right media personalities will make a speech about crushing us like bugs or something like that (Coulter comes to mind), but for the most part we're just the pink blob to the North on the map.
For the record, Ann Coulter is one twisted sister.

[Decado]

p.s. #2 In answer to the question about the 1801 thingy, it was the Presbyterians brought in by Oliver Cromwell in about 1650, after he murdered the King that were in favor of this silly piece of legislation. Irish were not allowed to vote until 1839 and it was another hundred years or so later that anyone considered actually counting the votes.

Holy shit! The Irish had it easy! Most of us here were not allowed to vote until just after 1918! And it was worse for the women.

[Decado]

So, are you talking about Texans or Canadians? :)

Canadians are just too uptight about their American neighbors. OK, it's the Quebecois that are uptight, the rest of Canada is generally pretty cool. In Quebec, they try to be more French than the French. They think this means that they have to be ruder. Texas doesn't even keep an embassy in Quebec, although we do in the other provinces.

Funny thing is, the French in Francais-land think that the French-Canadians are merde and speak very strange French, although not as strange as English-French for which I am very proud!

[Decado]

The problem John, is that the Irish got drunk before they kicked out the English. Couldn't finish the job then. In Texas, we kicked out Mexico first, then got drunk! :)

They didn't kick us out - we left of our own accord but we loved the place so much we kept a bit of it just so we could remember why we wanted to leave in the first place.

[Decado]

Was ist denn los hier. Warum spricht jemand deutsch?

Someone has to!

[h2o]

Someone has to!
Yeah, bloody small language with only 90 million speakers. I can't understand why anyone would learn it when there is swedish! :rolleyes:

[Decado]

Yeah, bloody small language with only 90 million speakers. I can't understand why anyone would learn it when there is swedish! :rolleyes:

From what my German friends tell me I'm not sure you can include the Swiss as German speakers so the number is lower.

And aren't Swedish, Danish and Norwegian basically the same language, just different types of kroner?

And based on German too I might add.

[h2o]

And aren't Swedish, Danish and Norwegian basically the same language, just different types of kroner?
And based on German too I might add.
You mean, they based german out of swedish, then yes ;)

As for the scandinavian languages they are very similar. I have no problem reading norwegian or danish, or understanding most norwegians. Spoken danish is a bit difficult though, and irritatingly embarassing since the danes seem to understand us fine while we are like "Huh?! You speak english?" (based on a true story!).
Not our fault they speak like they have a large spoon of porridge in their mouths though :D
I know linguist consider the languages to be more like dialects, but we don't care ;)

[pgsmith]

As for the scandinavian languages they are very similar. I have no problem reading norwegian or danish, or understanding most norwegians. Spoken danish is a bit difficult though, and irritatingly embarassing since the danes seem to understand us fine while we are like "Huh?! You speak english?" (based on a true story!).
Wow!
You mean all y'all have different languages? :D

[Oroshi]

Two Japanese girls once asked me what language we speak in England.

They thought English came from America.

It was a sad day.

[Kenzan]

Texas gave the world G. W. Bush too...
Just for consideration.


You can't blame the Lone Stars for that one.
Georgy Boy ain't no Texan, but rather a Gol'Dang Easterner.
Fer that one, Ya'll need to blame the good folks of Connecticut, for providing the ground for the spawn of Satan to be spat out.

In almost prophetic prose, their state motto is:

Qui transtulit sustinet
* He who transplanted still sustains.

(Cue Twilight Zone music)

[Decado]

Two Japanese girls once asked me what language we speak in England.

They thought English came from America.

It was a sad day.

Most Americans think that as well!

[Ignatz]

Most Americans think that as well!
Therein lies the real problem, people who think they know what most Americans think.

[Decado]

Therein lies the real problem, people who think they know what most Americans think.

Well, someone has to think for them! :cheeky:

[Blamps]

Therein lies the real problem, people who think they know what most Americans think.

Americans who can think? I think you're going a bit far there don't you agree?! I always thought Americans were like one of the jail guards off the Life of Brian..."what's wrong with him?" He's m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m-m--m-m-mad sir."











If anyone reading this thinks I was serious then the above really applies to you! :wink:

[JCM]

p.s. How about Permiso, tres cervesa por favor.


Sorry, I forgot to say that is the way we refer to a beer in Spain (Europe). Every Spanish speaking country has a variation. Permiso (or rather con permiso) is used in Spain as an 'Excuse me' or 'Do you mind?'. A bit like sumimasen in Japanese.

You folks in North America are more likely to learn South American Spanish, which is different like British english to American english.

Btw, Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1810, we have always been different countries.

[Blamps]

This is exactly why we need to shore up the Northern border to keep those godless canadian terrorists out of the US.

p.s. How about Permiso, tres cervesa por favor.

p.s. #2 In answer to the question about the 1801 thingy, it was the Presbyterians brought in by Oliver Cromwell in about 1650, after he murdered the King that were in favor of this silly piece of legislation. Irish were not allowed to vote until 1839 and it was another hundred years or so later that anyone considered actually counting the votes.


Wrong, the Irish were allowed to vote so long as they were Protestant , although the majority of the Irish were and still are Catholic. The same rules applied in England. Then, I think in 1828 give or take (but definitely not 1839), Catholic Emancipation was granted and Catholics from then on had the same rights as Protestants. I also believe the Duke of Wellington was PM at the time who happened to be part of the Irish-Protestant ascendancy although he was yielding to the pressure that a certain O'Connell chap put on him by standing for election and being voted in (yet not being allowed to take his seat because he was Catholic). You also have to consider that totally representative democracy was not a fact of life even in England. There were a number of Reform Acts over the 1800s that widened the vote until the 1870s.

Technically, Cromwell did not murder the king as well as he had a trial, although it was clearly a show trial. However, I do not wish to elaborate further on positive approaches to jurisprudence cos its not necessary. Sorry for being pedantic.:wink:

[Decado]

Sorry, I forgot to say that is the way we refer to a beer in Spain (Europe). Every Spanish speaking country has a variation. Permiso (or rather con permiso) is used in Spain as an 'Excuse me' or 'Do you mind?'. A bit like sumimasen in Japanese.

You folks in North America are more likely to learn South American Spanish, which is different like British english to American english.

Or, as some of my fellow Brits say when they visit the more salubrious parts of the Costa del Sol "Just give us the f***king beers, pal". The men are even worse!

[Blamps]

Also, it was less than a hundred years before the votes were considered as 'counted' as the Home Rule Act was passed in 1918 or 1919.

[Blamps]

Or, as some of my fellow Brits say when they visit the more salubrious parts of the Costa del Sol "Just give us the f***king beers, pal". The men are even worse!

I remember my great grandmother telling me about English people visiting Jersey back in the day when most people spoke jerais and she said they would do exactly the same sort of thing saying things like 'le half chicken' with a French accent on the 'chicken' for good measure. Its not exactly hard to say 'un demi poulet' but I suppose old habits die hard.

[JCM]

Or, as some of my fellow Brits say when they visit the more salubrious parts of the Costa del Sol "Just give us the f***king beers, pal". The men are even worse!


Well, you'll find itdiots everywhere. I have noticed that things are changing, tourists seem to be more and more cultured. Once they discover that Brit pubs are way more expensive and the food is not as good as those nice little spanish restaurants and pubs they usually turn.

Sorry for the plug but you will find fantastic food and drink for a fraction of the money if you go local. Food is what I miss the most, last time I went for Tapas with my brother in the country side were paying €1.50 for two beers and the food to go with them, you can't beat that!. I mean, do any of you remeber getting frunk for less than €10 (or punds) in the last 6 years?

[JCM]

Errr, sorry guys, never spell checked the above, is brutal. :eek:

[Decado]

Well, you'll find itdiots everywhere. I have noticed that things are changing, tourists seem to be more and more cultured. Once they discover that Brit pubs are way more expensive and the food is not as good as those nice little spanish restaurants and pubs they usually turn.

Sorry for the plug but you will find fantastic food and drink for a fraction of the money if you go local. Food is what I miss the most, last time I went for Tapas with my brother in the country side were paying €1.50 for two beers and the food to go with them, you can't beat that!. I mean, do any of you remeber getting frunk for less than €10 (or punds) in the last 6 years?

I often get frunk after a few beers.

Never understood why people pay good money to go to a foreign country and then want to eat the same food as at home. May as well go to Blackpool!

[Kyung]

From what my German friends tell me I'm not sure you can include the Swiss as German speakers so the number is lower.

And aren't Swedish, Danish and Norwegian basically the same language, just different types of kroner?

And based on German too I might add.

Root is Germanic from Indo European Language Tree, but I find it too much different for me to relate to it (understand it). Intonation of swedish was something that discouraged me from learning it. Too difficult to reason out by just reading books. From what I remember there is no verbal conjugation in Swedish? and Jag is pronounced 'ja'. I looked at it over all and said ...'Deutsch?' I wouldn't mind learning Dutch though. They have diphthongs that aren't too conventional lol

[Decado]

Root is Germanic from Indo European Language Tree, but I find it too much different for me to relate to it (understand it). Intonation of swedish was something that discouraged me from learning it. Too difficult to reason out by just reading books. From what I remember there is no verbal conjugation in Swedish? and Jag is pronounced 'ja'. I looked at it over all and said ...'Deutsch?' I wouldn't mind learning Dutch though. They have diphthongs that aren't too conventional lol

I believe the Dutch smoke them in their cafes in Amsterdam!

[Kyung]

What don't they smoke in those cafes lol
Harold and Kumar 2 in Amsterdam woohoo

[h2o]

Root is Germanic from Indo European Language Tree, but I find it too much different for me to relate to it (understand it). Intonation of swedish was something that discouraged me from learning it. Too difficult to reason out by just reading books. From what I remember there is no verbal conjugation in Swedish? and Jag is pronounced 'ja'. I looked at it over all and said ...'Deutsch?' I wouldn't mind learning Dutch though. They have diphthongs that aren't too conventional lol
There is verbal conjugation in swedish, unless I totally misunderstood what you meant by it.
"Jag" is pronounced "jag", but pronounciation might vary regarding to your dialect or if you just speak sloppy ;)
Our words are a mix of words from mostly old nordic languages, german, french and english.

[Fonsz]

Eleven pages and counting.....
Thanks for all the information and the laughter in this thread. Who would have known that the (lack of) culture of the Americans can be so highly entertaining. History lessons, language lessons and all this on forum that was meant for Kendo. It's a miracle that the weirdo Sharp Phil hasn't joined in to add insult to the entertainment value.
Carry on old chaps...

[Kyung]

There is verbal conjugation in swedish, unless I totally misunderstood what you meant by it.
"Jag" is pronounced "jag", but pronounciation might vary regarding to your dialect or if you just speak sloppy ;)
Our words are a mix of words from mostly old nordic languages, german, french and english.

Maybe I'm confusing languages...Maybe I was thinking about Danish?
I don't remember a whole bunch, but I remember that Jag har with the circle on a remained same for first, second, and third person conjugation including plural.
I actually read it in a tutorial book. They said there is only a slight sound of 'g' in Jag and sometimes no 'g' sound at all...I guess it is dependent on dialect like you said.

[h2o]

Maybe I'm confusing languages...Maybe I was thinking about Danish?
I don't remember a whole bunch, but I remember that Jag har with the circle on a remained same for first, second, and third person conjugation including plural.
I actually read it in a tutorial book. They said there is only a slight sound of 'g' in Jag and sometimes no 'g' sound at all...I guess it is dependent on dialect like you said.
"Circle on a", you mean like 'å'? Then you are confusing languages because "jag hår" means literally "I hair", which is probably not what you meant.
But yes, it is true that verbs do not conjugate regarding to who is performing the action. They do however conjugate with regard to tempus.
If we take "simma" (to swim) as our example it is conjugated as "simma","simmar","simmade" and "simmat" (swim, is swimming, swam, swum).

[Solinde]

"Circle on a", you mean like 'å'? Then you are confusing languages because "jag hår" means literally "I hair", which is probably not what you meant.

Maybe he's been watching too much "Stargåte". ;) Or maybe he meant "jag hoar" (which means...ehrm, is there even a word like this in English? it means "I'm making the sound that owls make"...:o ). Or maybe he just learnt it off someone with a really bad accent? :silly:

And seriously...noone really pronounces the "g" in "jag". Just like everyone pronounces "mig" as "may" instead of "meeg", unless they're very old and very posh. But still, to be a native English speaker and mock another language's illogical spellings...that's just plain stupid... :wink:

[Kyung]

Maybe he's been watching too much "Stargåte". ;) Or maybe he meant "jag hoar" (which means...ehrm, is there even a word like this in English? it means "I'm making the sound that owls make"...:o ). Or maybe he just learnt it off someone with a really bad accent? :silly:

And seriously...noone really pronounces the "g" in "jag". Just like everyone pronounces "mig" as "may" instead of "meeg", unless they're very old and very posh. But still, to be a native English speaker and mock another language's illogical spellings...that's just plain stupid... :wink:

LOL stargate hahaha I love that one. I didn't even recognize that circle thing until now
I think I meant sar. with the circle thing.
I'm not a native English speaker hehe :wink:

[satsumaruma]

We know you are not a native English speaker - you are American after all:silly: :silly:

[Kyung]

We know you are not a native English speaker - you are American after all:silly: :silly:

Sadly, I may have to move in the future because I don't speak Spanish.
I decided in high school that I did not want to learn Spanish. And I really don't like the fact that I can get shunned for not speaking Spanish. I'm going to move to Antarctica where I can speak penguinese

[satsumaruma]

Ah but can you tap dance?

If not you will be shunned by penguins who sound like someone who used to be Mork.

[pgsmith]

Sadly, I may have to move in the future because I don't speak Spanish.
That's our retaliation! So many of you Americans keep moving down here to Texas that we have to send a lot of our Mexicans up there to make room. If y'all would just stay where you belong instead of coming down here, we wouldn't be sending so many up there! :D

[Obulco]

Sadly, I may have to move in the future because I don't speak Spanish.
I decided in high school that I did not want to learn Spanish. And I really don't like the fact that I can get shunned for not speaking Spanish. I'm going to move to Antarctica where I can speak penguinese

Just be aware that Kendoka_han_solo has announced his intention to open a kendonutsu dojo in Antarctica.

http://www.kendo-world.com/forum/showthread.php?p=242416#post242416

[Kyung]

Just be aware that Kendoka_han_solo has announced his intention to open a kendonutsu dojo in Antarctica.

http://www.kendo-world.com/forum/showthread.php?p=242416#post242416

I will make the International Antarctica Kendo Federation and chellenge his dojo. Once he is beaten I will rule the world.

As for tap dancing...Penguins will understand that I have Tapdancingitis which is an uncurable disease.

[h2o]

As for tap dancing...Penguins will understand that I have Tapdancingitis which is an uncurable disease.Yeah, but they will still mock you and only give you all the bad fish :rolleyes:

[Solinde]

Yeah, but they will still mock you and only give you all the bad fish :rolleyes:

Yes, and just like in that TV commercial (Viasat? Canal Digital?) they will just stand there and wait until he steps right through the ice. And mock him later.

Kyung: sorry about the native English bit, just guessed from your flag. Hmm..."sår" means wound. Maybe you're thinking of "får" (be allowed to)?

[Kenzan]

hEY HEY HEY!
Leave us not to forget the purpose of this thread?

Now,..to re-rail this thread..where were we? Oh yes,

America is an blinding, brilliant, bastion of effervescent galactic supremeness.
In a million lifetimes, all of the lowly, writhing, mucus encrusted hordes (Non-Americans) can only hope to dream of one day being lucky enough to be born on our platinum-lined, dazzlingly-bejeweled and sparkling-golden shores.

Attention all lesser beings: Please go immediately to the nearest boat-docks, or lack of better words, those strange, funny sounding things by the sea that your jabbering, glutteral voices can make in your own "languages", and proceed to fling your money (washed first) into the big gun boat, where it will be picked up by American citizens (which you must not deign to gaze upon.) This will serve for the betterment of your glorious Over-Lords.

Back to you Kent....
:D

[Decado]

hEY HEY HEY!
Leave us not to forget the purpose of this thread?

Now,..to re-rail this thread..where were we? Oh yes,

America is an blinding, brilliant, bastion of effervescent galactic supremeness.
In a million lifetimes, all of the lowly, writhing, mucus encrusted hordes (Non-Americans) can only hope to dream of one day being lucky enough to be born on our platinum-lined, dazzlingly-bejeweled and sparkling-golden shores.

Attention all lesser beings: Please go immediately to the nearest boat-docks, or lack of better words, those strange, funny sounding things by the sea that your jabbering, glutteral voices can make in your own "languages", and proceed to fling your money (washed first) into the big gun boat, where it will be picked up by American citizens (which you must not deign to gaze upon.) This will serve for the betterment of your glorious Over-Lords.

Back to you Kent....
:D

I say old chap. Are you denigrating the beautiful and most erudite way that we English chappies speak the Queen's English by referring to us as "jabbering"? Considering the mangled mess that Americans make of such a beautiful language it's sort of the pot calling the kettle black.

To think that the language that gave birth to the splendid works of Shakespeare has been reduced to such phrases as Hi, y'all, how y'all doing there? And as for the spelling - one shudders when one sees color, honor and aluminum.

Perhaps you could use the money obtained by the devious inveiglement described in the quote above to buy some proper dictionaries from England.

[ScottUK]

As much as I love the American wilderness, its cities, (some of) its cars and (a handful of) its citizens, I can't forgive their crimes against our language.

I also like the old saying: wanna see how similar the English and the Aussies are? Stick an American in the room with them.

[Kenzan]

Perhaps you could use the money obtained by the devious inveiglement described in the quote above to buy some proper dictionaries from England.


Do try to take the shit outta yer mouth befer ya'll start talkin', m'kay boy?

This is we: Ahem..."Do reiiii meee faaa soooo laaaa teeeee dooooooo!" (Angels swoon)

This is you: (makes feline hawking sound followed by copious amounts of drooling.)
:silly:

[Decado]

As much as I love the American wilderness, its cities, (some of) its cars and (a handful of) its citizens, I can't forgive their crimes against our language.

I also like the old saying: wanna see how similar the English and the Aussies are? Stick an American in the room with them.

Funny that, I think we do have more similarities to the Ozzies than we do to the Americans. Never really thought of that before. Perhaps it's because we both have the same Queen (the keeper and leading exponent of the dearly beloved English language) and we both understand what they are saying in Neighbours. Well, the Queen doesn't as she doesn't watch such rubbish. Good old Liz!

[Kenzan]

As much as I love the American wilderness, its cities, (some of) its cars and (a handful of) its citizens, I can't forgive their crimes against our language.


That's what the Romans said about ya'll!

HAH!
:silly: :D

[Decado]

Do try to take the shit outta yer mouth befer ya'll start talkin', m'kay boy?

This is we: Ahem..."Do reiiii meee faaa soooo laaaa teeeee dooooooo!" (Angels swoon)

This is you: (makes feline hawking sound followed by copious amounts of drooling.)
:silly:

Yes, angels swoon, dogs run for cover, children cry and strong men flee and glass shatters. :cheeky:

You didn't quite finish off the impression of the music that spills from the lips of the English when they deign to speak to the lower orders that inhabit the arid plains (linguistically speaking) that are the US of A. I'm afraid you only got as far as clearing the bullshit from your mouth. :laugh:

[Decado]

That's what the Romans said about ya'll!

HAH!
:silly: :D

Don't recall the ancient Britons having cars when the Romans invaded. Perhaps we need to include some history books with those dictionaries. The Americans can then become more "eddicated" as they would say in that rather strange language that they profess to be English.

[ScottUK]

That's what the Romans said about ya'll!You should invite them over for a lesson in civilisation. Note the spelling...

[Decado]

You should invite them over for a lesson in civilisation. Note the spelling...

They'll need a proper dictionary for that! Their language has far more z's in it than is deemed necessary and proper for a civilised language. Note the spelling as well, you American chaps.

[Kenzan]

Duddn't matter knowhow.
Ya'll butts 'twere kicked by'uhn our past kin in the late 17 huneds.
And STAY OUT, ya'll curleh-wig-wearing, fancy velveteh shortpants havin', snuff snortin' tea-toadlers!
We ain't cottin'nin to no Kings, Queen, er other Nancy-boy ways!
By gum!
:pirate:

[ScottUK]

Independance blah I was counting the posts until that comment came up... :sleeping:

Honestly Kenz, I could sit here all day and rip the piss out of you, your country and your culture (or lack thereof). It is only out of respect for a few people on here (they know who they are) who share your nationality that I don't enter into such a one-sided melee.

Fortunately, the few KW's I am talking about don't fit the embarrassing mould that America has shaped for itself.

You DO know the world is laughing, don't you?

[Kenzan]

I was counting the posts until that comment came up... :sleeping:


And yet....It stands as fact!
Muahahahhahah! :evil:



You DO know the world is laughing, don't you?
[/QUOTE]

Yes..and when I see them laughing I simply turn to one side, blast one out, grab another handful of Tortilla chips, and a swig of beer, and then change the channel.

[Ignatz]

Wrong, the Irish were allowed to vote so long as they were Protestant . . .
Sorry sweet potato, the protestants are descendants of the folks Cromwell brought in. You can live in Ireland for four hundred years but that don't make you Irish. Catholics could not vote and the Irish are Catholics, ergo, the Irish could not vote.

As for the US learning south american spanish I must say that I lisp with the best of them, just like the king. I think that most American schools (at least the Catholic ones) teach Castilian but most native spanish speakers here speak Mexican spanish or Puerto Rican spanish (or spanglish as we call it). Central Americans have a different kind of spanish but I think that in most non-barrio South American areas you will find Castilian spoken. Of course the Cubans think they speak the best as do the Venezuelans as do the Argentines etc. etc.

[ScottUK]

Yes..and when I see them laughing I simply turn to one side, blast one out, grab another handful of Tortilla chips, and a swig of beer, and then change the channel.The defence rests.

[Solinde]

You can live in Ireland for four hundred years but that don't make you Irish.

Only an American can say this and fully believe it. :cheeky:

[Decado]

Only an American can say this and fully believe it. :cheeky:

Like Solinde I was utterly amazed at Ignatz's comments re four hundred years in Ireland doesn't make you Irish. Amazing! He's an American and can count to four hundred. Wow! :cheerful:

[Decado]

Sorry sweet potato, the protestants are descendants of the folks Cromwell brought in. You can live in Ireland for four hundred years but that don't make you Irish.



And I think you will find it's doesn't make you Irish rather than don't. We really do need to get those proper dictionaries shipped over the Pond. It's obvious there is a desperate need.:wink:

[JCM]

Sorry sweet potato, the protestants are descendants of the folks Cromwell brought in. You can live in Ireland for four hundred years but that don't make you Irish. Catholics could not vote and the Irish are Catholics, ergo, the Irish could not vote.

As for the US learning south american spanish I must say that I lisp with the best of them, just like the king.

Answering either one of this will get me in the shit, so I won't. You obviously are educated (I am surprised you knew about the King to be honest), but be careful of oversimplifing or romanticising. things actually get very complex...

[Ignatz]

Only an American can say this and fully believe it. :cheeky:
If a group of Irish were transplanted to Sweden and lived together, not mingling with the natives, or perhaps aborigines would be a better term, never learned the language and never took any steps to integrate with the natives and continued for four hundred years I don't think that anyone would consider them to be big dumb swedes.
One of the best things about America is that everyone is an American. There are approximately 256 languages spoken in NYC and as many cultures to go with them, yet you silly little people make sweeping comments about Americans. It is especially galling to hear it from a country that hasn't been relevant since Peter the Great crushed them like bugs.
One thing you will never hear in NYC (or anywhere for that matter) is "Honey, let's go out for some English food tonight"
Go ahead, keep your silly little "cultures", see where they have gotten you thus far.
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[Kenzan]

Waahahahahahhahah!

(Takes notes, and another large bite of Chilidog)

[Kyung]

As much as I love the American wilderness, its cities, (some of) its cars and (a handful of) its citizens, I can't forgive their crimes against our language.

I also like the old saying: wanna see how similar the English and the Aussies are? Stick an American in the room with them.

You like US cars? Even Americans don't like American cars anymore. All you see are Honda and Toyota on the road. If not that the big ugly box cars they call SUV. I intend to get a German car in the future but never American

[Decado]

If a group of Irish were transplanted to Sweden and lived together, not mingling with the natives, or perhaps aborigines would be a better term, never learned the language and never took any steps to integrate with the natives and continued for four hundred years I don't think that anyone would consider them to be big dumb swedes.
One of the best things about America is that everyone is an American. There are approximately 256 languages spoken in NYC and as many cultures to go with them, yet you silly little people make sweeping comments about Americans. It is especially galling to hear it from a country that hasn't been relevant since Peter the Great crushed them like bugs.
One thing you will never hear in NYC (or anywhere for that matter) is "Honey, let's go out for some English food tonight"
Go ahead, keep your silly little "cultures", see where they have gotten you thus far.
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

I think we've hit a nerve somewhere! On the other hand, you don't hear anyone say "Let's go out for some English food (or American)" here either. Much rather have an Indian or Chinese (meal that is, before anyone goes off at the deep end).

[lucy]

On the other hand, you don't hear anyone say "Let's go out for some English food (or American)" here either. Much rather have an Indian or Chinese (meal that is, before anyone goes off at the deep end).

Strange, we have that here. Loads of guys love to go to the "Ribhouse" which they consider to be American. There they only serve enormous plates full of meat... :gasmask: Horrible.

I prefer Italian, Chinese or Thai restaurants. :)

[Decado]

Strange, we have that here. Loads of guys love to go to the "Ribhouse" which they consider to be American. There they only serve enormous plates full of meat... :gasmask: Horrible.

I prefer Italian, Chinese or Thai restaurants. :)

I've had ribs in loads of places, including Germany. I suppose if we think of American food we tend to think of McDonalds (tasteless pap) or Tex-Mex (chilli, tachos, fajitas, etc). Or steaks the size of half a cow. Better as a knoblauchsteak I think.

[Decado]

Although I've heard of something called "grits" which is supposed to be an American delicacy. Anyone out enlighten me?

[Kyung]

Come to think of it I really never heard of any English restaurants...hmmm do they exist in US east coast?

[Paikea]

Although I've heard of something called "grits" which is supposed to be an American delicacy. Anyone out enlighten me?Yes, but then I'd have to kill you. So sorry.

[Decado]

Yes, but then I'd have to kill you. So sorry.

Same result as eating grits from what I can gather!

[Decado]

Come to think of it I really never heard of any English restaurants...hmmm do they exist in US east coast?

We don't even have English restaurants in England. Who'd want to eat English food? It's nearly as bad as American!

[Paikea]

Same result as eating grits from what I can gather!Then, don't.

May I suggest that while this little discussion started off as a lark, it has become the domain of one or two posters, become repetitive and has degenerated into a third-rate insult contest? I should think we all could do better than to tear each other down like this...

[pgsmith]

I should think we all could do better than to tear each other down like this...
I agree! Lets at least make the insults interesting and thoughtful, therefore revealing a modicum of comedic value. It seems to have degenerated into tediously repetitive bouts of "y'all suck!, No, y'all suck more! No, y'all suck most!"

Actually quite revealing given those doing most of the posting! :D

[Solinde]

It is especially galling to hear it from a country that hasn't been relevant since Peter the Great crushed them like bugs.
Relevant? RELEVANT!? Says someone from the great nation who goes to war every now and then just to get attention? :silly:


One thing you will never hear in NYC (or anywhere for that matter) is "Honey, let's go out for some English food tonight"
Oh, come on! This may be a thread for teasing posted in the Flames section, but noone ever said Americans are THAT stupid. :eek:

[h2o]

Relevant? RELEVANT!? Says someone from the great nation who goes to war every now and then just to get attention? :silly:But only because that (irrelevant) swede Hans Blixt could not see that that darned Saddam really had nucular weapons hidden in the desert. :rolleyes:

[Kenzan]

Then, don't.

May I suggest that while this little discussion started off as a lark, it has become the domain of one or two posters, become repetitive and has degenerated into a third-rate insult contest? I should think we all could do better than to tear each other down like this...

Yeah....It's all fun and games until someone loses their sovereignty.
On that note,
Look out! I'm a crazy power-drunk American! and I'm running with Scissssoorrrrs! (http://www.tech2.com/media/images/img_672_postal.jpg)
:D

[Ignatz]

I see from my rep point thingy that Sweden has not yet discovered the concept of humo(u)r. Relax he says. If I were anymore relaxed they would be checking my pulse.

p.s. to our Irish/Spanish friend, everybody in the U.S. knows that the king had a lisp, we all laugh about it.

[pgsmith]

If I were anymore relaxed they would be checking my pulse.
Not yet we hope! Even though you're a New Yorker (eeewwwwww!!!), we're still not ready to give up on you yet. Besides, Irish yankees get a break. :)

[Kenzan]

For the record:
Truth told, though I love and admire Europeans.

Especially Brits: I think it's no secret that I often narrate my life in my head using a British accent. I'm sort of insane that way. Of course, I also talk to trees.

The English language, as the English speak it, is a most sublime language, especially if spoken on a BBC Television show.
(Which has some of the best programs ever recorded)
Your beer is bitter mostly, but can be distinctly delicious at times. I love the way you all look in suits. I also love the way you are stalwart and steadfast to the bitter end with your friends, and deliciously merciless with your enemies.

There. That's as close as any olive twig as you'll get from me to date.
Now sod off, you pasty-faced scone-dippers.
:D

[Kyung]

England has no cuisine? Hmm What's the regular 3 meal course in England?

[Nakura]

you are stalwart and steadfast to the bitter end with your friends, and deliciously merciless with your enemies.

So you haven't been over here again in the last 50yrs?


England has no cuisine? Hmm What's the regular 3 meal course in England?

Course 1: Chips

Course 2: Fish

Course 3: Fish AND Chips!

[michaelm]

OK, haven't read the over 450 posts on this thread, but I'll chime in with brief tidbits of my own Brit vs. Yank experience--all in good humor, of course.

My wife is British, and we go to visit my in-laws every year or so.


Food:
Everything is either boiled for about 5 hours until you get a glutinous grey mush, or you can have everything battered and deep-fried so it tastes like fish n' chips, or heaven help me, both. Deep-fried laverbread, anyone?

Drink:
Lager (http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?sourceid=Mozilla-search&va=lager) is a subset of Beer. They aren't two separate things!
(Speaking from experience, I suggest not even starting this argument with and already sauced Welshman.)

Spoken accent:
Yes, on the television, the accent of presenters and in narration of fine educational programming can be quite charming.
My brother-in-law, however, is a Jordy from Newcastle whose accent has the comparable gratings of Fran Drescher's Queens, NY accent.

Fashion:
I finally figured out that I could probably blend in easier if my wife and I just bought some matching velour track-suits, vintage circa 1987.

Television:
My first night hanging out with my soon-to-be mother-in-law, I found myself downstairs stumbling across a show called "Euro Trash". Half an hour later, I went upstairs and informed my fiancé that her mother and I just enjoyed some after dinner tea and biscuits with our complementary soft porn.

Culture:
- "So Michael, do you speak Chinese or Japanese?"
- "I'm Filipino, but I grew up in the US, and unfortunately don't speak my mother's native tongue."
- "Oh...umm..so does your mother speak Chinese or Japanese?"

[Fonsz]

Although I've heard of something called "grits" which is supposed to be an American delicacy. Anyone out enlighten me?
I know what it is but I never ate it. It's porridge made from corn flour. People from the US on this forum were so kind to enlighten me on this culinary specialty from the Deep South of the USA. It is also known as pollenta in Europe.
All the useful things that I learn here are amazing.
So let's get back to the regular program and compare the different cultures and which one is the best and state your reasons.

[Kenzan]

Ya'll tain't nevuh lived 'til ya'll ate some good 'ol fashion Corn Pone. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corn_pone)
:D

[Kyung]

Culture:
- "So Michael, do you speak Chinese or Japanese?"
- "I'm Filipino, but I grew up in the US, and unfortunately don't speak my mother's native tongue."
- "Oh...umm..so does your mother speak Chinese or Japanese?"






[/QUOTE]

Tagalog. Had to google for spelling.
I'm more cultured than English woooooooooooooooo WIN!
j/k

[Nakura]

Culture:
- "So Michael, do you speak Chinese or Japanese?"
- "I'm Filipino, but I grew up in the US, and unfortunately don't speak my mother's native tongue."
- "Oh...umm..so does your mother speak Chinese or Japanese?"








Tagalog. Had to google for spelling.
I'm more cultured than English woooooooooooooooo WIN!
j/k[/QUOTE]

My brother, on one of his last trips to the good ol' US of A was asked : "so do you speak English, where you come from?" And he speaks English like any other 19-year-old English kid...

[Neil Gendzwill]

They take their grits seriously in the south. It's just bland crap to me.

[Kenzan]

Fact:
Canadians eat Snow and Maple leaves.
:silly:

[ScottUK]

May I suggest that while this little discussion started off as a lark, it has become the domain of one or two posters, become repetitive and has degenerated into a third-rate insult contest? I should think we all could do better than to tear each other down like this...OK, rather than running down each other's great nations, lets try a little game:

Brit: We have football. The greatest game to grace the planet. Footballers are skilled, athletic, blah beautiful game blah blah.

Yankee Pigdog: Ah! But we have (American) football. Armour, violence, tactics, cunning, John Horseface Elway. My turn: We have the Grand Canyon... etc

I as joking about the pigdog bit. Let it go... :)

Anyway - you get the idea?

I'll start:

England has the most beautiful villages - something that America could never match. A lovely summer day in Stratford eating scones and drinking tea. Very English and very relaxing...

Anything in America beat that for a lovely Sunday?

[Paikea]

Anything in America beat that for a lovely Sunday?Nope, nothing. England wins.

[Neil Gendzwill]

Anything in America beat that for a lovely Sunday?Dunno about the US. In Canada:

http://www.paradiselodge.com/galhirez/images/Lake%20Louise%20Canoeing%20TB_jpg.jpg

[ScottUK]

OK, America's turn. What is truly, truly great in the USA that we couldn't hope to match?

[Decado]

For the record:
Truth told, though I love and admire Europeans.

Especially Brits: I think it's no secret that I often narrate my life in my head using a British accent. I'm sort of insane that way. Of course, I also talk to trees.

The English language, as the English speak it, is a most sublime language, especially if spoken on a BBC Television show.
(Which has some of the best programs ever recorded)
Your beer is bitter mostly, but can be distinctly delicious at times. I love the way you all look in suits. I also love the way you are stalwart and steadfast to the bitter end with your friends, and deliciously merciless with your enemies.

There. That's as close as any olive twig as you'll get from me to date.
Now sod off, you pasty-faced scone-dippers.
:D

Well, the heir to our throne also talks to trees and is married to a horse, sorry, Camilla, so you are in good company, except maybe being married to Camilla.

BBC has some of the best programs ever recorded! I think your statement "I'm sort of insane that way" sums up that fatuous statement.

On the other hand hand Americans are some of the friendliest people on the earth, always willing to share their culture whether you are willing or not (sort of an olive branch with thorns), but in a nice, unassuming way that makes it seem so discourteous to try. Maybe "I'm sort of insane that way" as well. :silly:

[Nakura]

England has the most beautiful villages - something that America could never match. A lovely summer day in Stratford eating scones and drinking tea. Very English and very relaxing...

If you manage to catch England on its one and only sunny day of the year...

[Decado]

England has no cuisine? Hmm What's the regular 3 meal course in England?

1. Lamb samosa
2. Chicken Bhuna with rice
3. Something sticky and sweet but by then you don't care as you've had loads of lager and even that ugly bird in the corner, you know the one with squinty eyes and bad skin, is starting to look strangely attractive.

All good English food!

[Decado]

OK, haven't read the over 450 posts on this thread, but I'll chime in with brief tidbits of my own Brit vs. Yank experience--all in good humor, of course.

My wife is British, and we go to visit my in-laws every year or so.


Food:
Everything is either boiled for about 5 hours until you get a glutinous grey mush, or you can have everything battered and deep-fried so it tastes like fish n' chips, or heaven help me, both. Deep-fried laverbread, anyone?

Drink:
Lager (http://www.m-w.com/cgi-bin/dictionary?sourceid=Mozilla-search&va=lager) is a subset of Beer. They aren't two separate things!
(Speaking from experience, I suggest not even starting this argument with and already sauced Welshman.)

Spoken accent:
Yes, on the television, the accent of presenters and in narration of fine educational programming can be quite charming.
My brother-in-law, however, is a Jordy from Newcastle whose accent has the comparable gratings of Fran Drescher's Queens, NY accent.

Fashion:
I finally figured out that I could probably blend in easier if my wife and I just bought some matching velour track-suits, vintage circa 1987.

Television:
My first night hanging out with my soon-to-be mother-in-law, I found myself downstairs stumbling across a show called "Euro Trash". Half an hour later, I went upstairs and informed my fiancé that her mother and I just enjoyed some after dinner tea and biscuits with our complementary soft porn.

Culture:
- "So Michael, do you speak Chinese or Japanese?"
- "I'm Filipino, but I grew up in the US, and unfortunately don't speak my mother's native tongue."
- "Oh...umm..so does your mother speak Chinese or Japanese?"








You know us so well! Except it's Geordies. I think Jordy is a character on telly. Otherwise perfect!

[Decado]

They take their grits seriously in the south. It's just bland crap to me.

Please don't mention grits. I did, once, and got hammered!

[Nige]

Food:
Everything is either boiled for about 5 hours until you get a glutinous grey mush, or you can have everything battered and deep-fried so it tastes like fish n' chips, or heaven help me, both. Deep-fried laverbread, anyone?

you haven't lived until you've eaten a battered mars bar :happy:

[Ignatz]

OK, America's turn. What is truly, truly great in the USA that we couldn't hope to match?

How about this?
www.roadtripamerica.com/places/havasu.htm

And just up the road a piece you will find this:

www.nps.gov/grca/photosmultimedia/photogallery%2Ehtm?eid=128398&root_aId=108#e_128398

Take a hard right and you will run into this:

www.nps.gov/pefo/

keep going and you will discover this:

www.santafe.org/

And then a couple thousand miles further and you find this:

www.nycvisit.com/home/index.cfm

If you start now it would probably take you the rest of your life to see the USA

[pgsmith]

Anything in America beat that for a lovely Sunday?
Hmmmm ... I was thinking of waking up early on a Sunday morning and standing with cup of coffee in hand looking at the Rockies in Colorado ... http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y161/pgsmith/MysticIslandLake.jpg
or perhaps rain forests on the west coast is more enjoyable ... http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y161/pgsmith/Wlog.jpg
maybe you're more of a tropical type of guy ... http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y161/pgsmith/Hawaii20Beach.jpg

I dunno, I think we've got a few things worth being interested in, especially in Texas! ... http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y161/pgsmith/blonde.jpg

[Decado]

How about this?
www.roadtripamerica.com/places/havasu.htm

And just up the road a piece you will find this:

www.nps.gov/grca/photosmultimedia/photogallery%2Ehtm?eid=128398&root_aId=108#e_128398

Take a hard right and you will run into this:

www.nps.gov/pefo/

keep going and you will discover this:

www.santafe.org/

And then a couple thousand miles further and you find this:

www.nycvisit.com/home/index.cfm

If you start now it would probably take you the rest of your life to see the USA

They also have Phil Elmore, master swordsman and head wanker. Who do we have that could possibly match Grandmaster Phil?

[ScottUK]

I will concede to America's slice of nature. Some beautiful country you have there. One of my favourite places in the world is Joshua Tree N.P. Keys View and all that. Stunning.

However, I need the package - the view just ain't enough...

[Kenzan]

Sitting beneath a massive and solitary, centuries old California Oak, which rests a top a grassy hill which lives among other shorter rolls and gullies, drinking home-made lemonade while a gentle northern breeze, warm and scented of sage, creates undulating waves in the fields of golden wild wheat, and they terminate at the lip of an azure sea. The red, immense figure of sun, on the horizon; which then sets it all a fire.

[ScottUK]

Sorry, HANSOKU.

That is just sitting outside, appreciating something that was there before Americans arrived.

See my post - all BRITISH-made.

[Ignatz]

. . .However, I need the package - the view just ain't enough...
You mean like Opera, Ballet, Theater, Libraries, Art, Universities? That kind of stuff? Nah, us dumb Americans don't have any of that junk.
Oh, you want little seaside villages? Quaint little towns nestled in the mountains? Nope none of them either.
Guess you all have to stay home.
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA:eek:

[ScottUK]

OK, that's one to us. Your go. Sell me (not literally) something great about America?

[michaelm]

You know us so well! Except it's Geordies. I think Jordy is a character on telly. Otherwise perfect!
"Geordies" is it then. My apologies. I had to slip up somewhere, you know. If I knew you too well, it might imply a shallowness of culture that any boorish American lout could understand and acquire in less than a decade and a handful of holidays. :wink:

Cheers
-Michael

[Kenzan]

OK, that's one to us. Your go. Sell me (not literally) something great about America?

The fact that America is the great experiment of humanity.
America is a place where anyone, from anywhere, from the poorest to the richest, can become, or do almost anything their heart desires, provided they are willing to work for it.
Because we are a nation of immigrants from all over the world, we bring together all sorts of far flung native cultures, the good and the bad, but overwhelmingly good. The parts we liked, we adopted as our own. This primarily extends to cuisine, but also includes other cultural developments as well. and We've improved on many of them, and then given back to the world these things.
Believe it or not, Americans value the freedom of others as fully as much as we value our own.
If you truly think that America could not conquer the world if it really wanted to, think again:
We have refrained from conquering the world because we believe that conquering it would be wrong. Which is only a valid point, since our citizenry is made up of people from all the nations of the earth.

America is like the Mos Eisely of planet Earth.

...Only with more Aliens.
:D

Western Movies: Clint Eastwood and John Wayne are Gods. Deal with it. :D

Religious Freedom: You won't see any forced female circumcisions, Jihads, Honor Killings or Religious oppressions allowed.
What you WILL see are Christian Cable TV shows and people allowed to practice whatever myth one can think of.


The board game Monoploy: The greatest game ever invented. The whole world knows by now the phrase: "Do not pass go, do not collect $200." and if you don't, please play a game with me..Yes..Never mind what the card says..those purple properties all special and allowed to charge more rent blue ones..heh..


Freedom:
Did I mention Freedom?
Oh..and did I mention that our particular form of freedom, which most of the civilized world now enjoys..Owes a heaping help of thanks to the U.S.Of A?

Oh..and Babes..yeah..about that...um..we got lots of 'em!
:D

[Kenzan]

Darn..I spelled "Monopoly" wrong.

Monoploy?
Freudian Slip?
:D

[Sparv]

Oh..and did I mention that our particular form of freedom, which most of the civilized world now enjoys..Owes a heaping help of thanks to the U.S.Of A?


I love the way you mix it with Martial arts and Rock'n Roll

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGuhZvO1DKg

Isn't the hakama a little outdated?

[Kenzan]

I love the way you mix it with Martial arts and Rock'n Roll

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGuhZvO1DKg
Hell..! We are so free that Gary Coleman (http://www.lacitybeat.com/article.php?id=171&IssueNum=10) and other assorted Freak-a-zoids can run for all sorts of public offices!

[Hank]

I've got one. How about the US of A's lack of passive aggressiveness? Nope, you know what you're getting with us. There's no "I insult you. But I'm only kidding, so everything's OK!" Can GB beat that?

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHAHAHHA!

Heh, just kidding guys.

[Kenzan]

See, what Europeans don't get about Americans is that we LOVE you guys!
I mean, what with your cute little mushroom villages, charming accents, Berets and ancient ways..historical landmarks where, you know..stuff happened.

If a European wants to treated like a rock star and be on the receiving end of warm, crushing, bear-hugs, and have their gullet stuffed with Hot Apple pie and Fudge Cake, all you have to do is visit an American home.
You know what happens when a European visits us?
We call all our friends and invite them over to have a look at you.
Then we feed you, and steal your recipes.
Who's more gregarious, over-the-top, and wanting to be a friend to the world more than us Americans!
They don't call us the Good Guys for nothing you know!
Sure, our President is a Jackass and misanthrope.
But most of us voted for the other guy!

You want a lesson in sophistication and culture, call a European.

You want a big hearty handshake, a slap on the back, and someone to not understand your dry insults but still likes you anyway?
Call an American.
:)

[Ignatz]

OK, that's one to us. Your go. Sell me (not literally) something great about America?
A guy can come from some foreign country like India or such with $1.37 in his pocket, put himself through school working as a bag boy in the Piglly Wiggly and get a PhD in Astrophysics and get a job as the night manager of the Quicky Mart. Why? Because Astrophysicists are a dime a dozen over here.
Please stay home and practice queuing up for whatever it is that might be on the other end while telling each other how superior you are. We are full up here. Nothing for you hombres. Telling you about freedom is just a waste of time, you wouldn't know what to do with it.
This does not apply to Mexicans or Canadians because we love you guys.

[Decado]

"Geordies" is it then. My apologies. I had to slip up somewhere, you know. If I knew you too well, it might imply a shallowness of culture that any boorish American lout could understand and acquire in less than a decade and a handful of holidays. :wink:

Cheers
-Michael



Nice one! Whi-aye, as the Geordie's say. :smiley:

[Decado]

See, what Europeans don't get about Americans is that we LOVE you guys!
I mean, what with your cute little mushroom villages, charming accents, Berets and ancient ways..historical landmarks where, you know..stuff happened.

If a European wants to treated like a rock star and be on the receiving end of warm, crushing, bear-hugs, and have their gullet stuffed with Hot Apple pie and Fudge Cake, all you have to do is visit an American home.
You know what happens when a European visits us?
We call all our friends and invite them over to have a look at you.
Then we feed you, and steal your recipes.
Who's more gregarious, over-the-top, and wanting to be a friend to the world more than us Americans!
They don't call us the Good Guys for nothing you know!
Sure, our President is a Jackass and misanthrope.
But most of us voted for the other guy!

You want a lesson in sophistication and culture, call a European.

You want a big hearty handshake, a slap on the back, and someone to not understand your dry insults but still likes you anyway?
Call an American.
:)

Scarily, I find myself agreeing with most of that, except for the mushroom villages and berets.

But if most of you voted for the other guy, htf did you end up with HIM!! Oh, hang on a moment, it's all those hanging chads. :laugh:

[Ignatz]

Here is one of those dumb americans.

video.stumbleupon.com/#p=9hgkd7em50

(cut and paste it)

[Fonsz]

OK, that's one to us. Your go. Sell me (not literally) something great about America?
I don't know but the US is way much bigger than what we call Europe. There are dry deserts, prairies, rain forests, tropical islands, swamps, high mountains and other natural habitats which I don't know the names of.

There are hick towns with just a grocery store and two barns and there are cities in some ways more sophisticated than say Milan.
There are weirdo's abundance and your regular Joe's Statistically there should be more weirdo's because the population is much bigger than Europe (I presume)
It is so big that you have three (or more) Kendo Federations representing one country, and not because of political reasons.

There are three time zones, we only have two.

Modern culture as we know was invented in the US or otherwise honed to perfection. (Internet, computer stuff, Hard Core Porn, lots of fashion that we take for granted)

I could go on and on like an immigrant applying for a Green Card.
Whether we like it or not there's more than meets the eye. Lots of events that are occurring now in Europe are old news in the New World.
I think that because of all the above reasons, plus the fact that the whole civilized world hates your President and everything he stands for is why there are so many ambivalent feelings surrounding the US of A.
I think I have made enough sense for today or the weekend, and do carry on with finding reasons why I am wrong.:rolleyes:

[Fonsz]

Here is one of those dumb americans.

video.stumbleupon.com/#p=9hgkd7em50

(cut and paste it)
I think he's onto something there and lots of technical know how can get lost easily. May I remind the IT folk about ancient programming codes.
I don't think he's dumb too bad that its an American from the prairie instead of an eccentric Briton.:rolleyes:

[Sparv]

Here is one of those dumb americans.

video.stumbleupon.com/#p=9hgkd7em50

(cut and paste it)

I think he use not dumb at all. It's really interesting.
We wave sticks and it ourselves with it, and then speak in an unreadable/unspeakable foreign language while wearing ridiculous trousers. We all are the dumb of somebody. ( we are Phil Elmore's ).

;)

[Fonsz]

I think he use not dumb at all. It's really interesting.
We wave sticks and it ourselves with it, and then speak in an unreadable/unspeakable foreign language while wearing ridiculous trousers. We all are the dumb of somebody. ( we are Phil Elmore's ).

;)Not ridiculous trousers, heaven forbid! According to my daughter they are fighting skirts. We kendoka are very strict with the nomenclature you know.:D