Tag Archives: language
Asymmetrical verbs
Two verbs that Dutch people have a problem translating into English are lenen and leren. In Dutch both verbs can be done by someone and to someone. I’ve heard many Dutch people say ‘He borrowed me it’ (Hij leende mij het) … Continue reading
Common Dutch English Mistakes
Despite (or rather because of) being very good English speakers, I’ve noticed many Dutch people making the following mistakes: price versus prize: While both things are represented by the word prijs in Dutch, they have separate words in English. You … Continue reading
A Turn of Phrase
capitalism’s equivalent of a soldier of fortune I thought a solider of fortune was capitalism’s equivalent of soldier of fortune. via Baghdad Nights Glitter, Behind Shatterproof Glass – NYTimes.com.
Intellectuals have a different type of ammunition, but ammunition just the same
The Revenge of Karl Marx – The Atlantic (April 2009) A few of us kept a bit of powder dry, just in case the times should turn dialectical again.
Omnipotence
“I will cause strawberries to be brought to you,†she said.
An Alternate Explanation of Hella
There aren’t significant differences between northern and southern California, so naturally we fixate on the little things: we hate that they call the freeway “the 101″, while our dedication to the word hella is looked down upon. For those who … Continue reading