Tag: language

English Invasion

On By Editor Karolyn HIn editing, projects, writingLeave a comment

language

Project quote

“The greater portion of the globe has become dependent on English for international exchanges and practical matters including business and other involvement in world activities.”  (Feng Teng, M., 2017; NMET Policy in Mainland China.)

My thoughts

I was actually surprised to learn of the prevalence of English in international business when editing the quoted article. This prevalence would not exist in local business, of course, outside English speaking countries.

I’m always amazed when people claim that immigrants shouldn’t be required to learn English when they come to the United States. If English is so necessary for international business, why on earth should anyone expect to be able to live in the US and not know the dominant language? If I ever move outside of the US, I would certainly make an effort to learn the native language of the country I’m moving to, both before and after I move. Heck, I’d probably be required to in order to become a resident. I love language, and I love diversity of culture and language. But I don’t feel that it’s reasonable for anyone to expect to move somewhere and not attempt to conform to the local society, laws and language.

Editing projects for week ending August 13, 2017
Gaming Items and Services Website, Academic Research Article
Client countries: US, China

 

Signs of life

On By Editor Karolyn HIn editing, projects, Uncategorized, writingLeave a comment

punnysign

This sign happens to be outside a gas station in Seattle, which is the city I grew up in. Apparently they put up a new punny sign every week.

Project quote

“Ferdinand de Saussure was a well-known and influential Swiss linguist of the 20th century…Saussure classified language as a system of signs.” (Albert1990, 2017)

My thoughts

Most of us, including myself, have taken language for granted. Really, language is so complex and versatile. Without it, how would we tell stories so detailed that the reader can place themselves in the moment and see it clearly? Without language, how would we explain physics or program a computer, or write a moving poem?

I know I’m not the only person who thrives on word play, puns, and strategic comedy. Just a few things that would be impossible without language. I can’t imagine having to communicate purely by speech and pictures. The book The Handmaid’s Tale portrays a disturbing society where items at the grocery store are labeled with pictures only and women are not allowed to read. There were other disturbing things in the story of course, but for some reason, the thought of my intelligence being insulted and restrained gave me the cold chills. Comparable to only being able to text using emojis and emoticons…oh the horror!

Editing projects for week ending April 23, 2017

College essay, Thesis dissertation

Client countries: US, Canada

 

Polls for Writers – #3

On By Editor Karolyn HIn editing, Uncategorized, writingLeave a comment

My clients come from all over the world and for some, English is their second or third language. What about you? Here’s the third poll in a series for writers that I’ve been posting daily. Make sure to answer all of them.

Thank you so much for participating! Click the follow blog button at the bottom of the screen to see all poll results when I post them in a couple of weeks. Remember to read all choices before voting. *Questions about editing are NOT referring to video editing or graphic design.