Author Topic: English for beginners... (Read 5823 times)

lengro · « **on:** September 13, 2007, 10:54:48 AM »

Yesterday, ghosth kindly pointed out too me, that it is offensive to refer to a 'japanese plane' - when I only type the first 3 letters of 'japanese'.

It came as a big surprise for me - and made me wonder if us non-native english speakers often sounds ignorant or offensive on text-radio or vox without knowing it?

I guess its also the reason that I use too many smiley's when I write - my way of saying "hey, if I offended you it was not my intend"

My point is - I appreciate people tells me if I sound offensive - (because I am a nice guy - really

) - instead of silence.

Thank you, ghosth!

Now, carry on

Latrobe · « **Reply #1 on:** September 13, 2007, 11:06:39 AM »

I was in the TA and the first thing in the text was "lengro: TY for the enlish leesons " (or something like that). It got me wondering "School on AH2?" So that's what it was all about huh. I respect people who are always willing to help out fellow members rather than just 'flame' them. ~~Ghosth!~~

1redrum · « **Reply #2 on:** September 13, 2007, 11:08:58 AM »

See Rule #5

Skuzzy · « **Reply #3 on:** September 13, 2007, 11:14:38 AM »

Calm down redrum. This has nothing to do with being "PC". I detest that term as well. It has everything to do with being respectful and mindful of being part of an international community.

Vudak · « **Reply #4 on:** September 13, 2007, 11:38:26 AM »

It's not the place to discuss it here and possibly foul up this thread, but if someone who is Japanese could kindly PM me and explain just why that is offensive, and what the preferred shorthand is, I'd appreciate it, as that's always blown my mind as well.

Or if a non-Japanese person knows the clear cut answer, that'd work too.

Anyway, if you didn't know about it, don't worry about it if you don't do it again

SKJohn · « **Reply #5 on:** September 13, 2007, 11:44:04 AM »

If you simply put a period after the 3 letter word in queston, it makes it an abbreviation.

toonces3 · « **Reply #6 on:** September 13, 2007, 11:46:43 AM »

Does that make the term 'Brit' offensive as well?

2bighorn · « **Reply #7 on:** September 13, 2007, 11:56:08 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by toonces3
Does that make the term 'Brit' offensive as well?

No, but Limey can be offensive to some.

2bighorn · « **Reply #8 on:** September 13, 2007, 12:09:59 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Vudak
It's not the place to discuss it here and possibly foul up this thread, but if someone who is Japanese could kindly PM me and explain just why that is offensive, and what the preferred shorthand is, I'd appreciate it, as that's always blown my mind as well.

It's all in context and not how the term was (technically) coined.

Before, during and after the WWII, Japanese were considered lesser race, subhumans, etc and abbreviated word was widely used in that context including in all the gov war propaganda.

Vudak · « **Reply #9 on:** September 13, 2007, 12:16:26 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by 2bighorn
It's all in context and not how the term was (technically) coined.

Before, during and after the WWII, Japanese were considered lesser race, subhumans, etc and abbreviated word was widely used in that context including in all the gov war propaganda.

So it's one of those things that probably wouldn't be a problem being used in real life with the proper voice inflection making it clear that you're not using it in a derogatory way? Which of course text can't get across?

Am I following correctly?

Scca · « **Reply #10 on:** September 13, 2007, 12:19:50 PM »

It's kind of like cuss words. It's not the "word" that's bad, it's how the listener feels about the word.

I have no issue with using that term to decribe someone from Japan, but since THEY might, I refrain from it's use.

Kermit de frog · « **Reply #11 on:** September 13, 2007, 12:24:08 PM »

I do not find it offensive. I use it because it's easier than to type out the whole word. "Jap" and "Japanese" are the same to me.

I'm not japanese. Does that mean I can't be offended too when someone abbreviates a word?

Latrobe · « **Reply #12 on:** September 13, 2007, 12:25:03 PM »

Skuzzy's back! YAY!

Very well put Scca

Solar10 · « **Reply #13 on:** September 13, 2007, 12:28:06 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by toonces3
Does that make the term 'Brit' offensive as well?

The term 'Brit' can be offensive depending who is using it and in one context.

Just look at the Irish troubles.

Ack-Ack · « **Reply #14 on:** September 13, 2007, 12:39:58 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Kermit de frog
I do not find it offensive. I use it because it's easier than to type out the whole word. "Jap" and "Japanese" are the same to me.

I'm not japanese. Does that mean I can't be offended too when someone abbreviates a word?

Regardless if you're Japanese or not, how you use the term or what "inflection" you use when saying it, it's offensive to them. Why is that so hard to understand?

ack-ack