Quote:
Originally Posted by JD001
I just feel sorry for the poor service staff working for a minimum wage......
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As I mentioned "I have often
considered going into a tirade of......" I appreciate they do not want to get into a discourse with a stupid customer who has too much time on his hands.
I get the gist of your post but.......my view of the world says that language is supposed to convey meaning. The base units of language are words. For us to be able to convey meaning we have to agree on what the words symbolise/mean. When I say "look at the dog" you immediately think the symbol for generic dog. When you look across the street towards what I am pointing at when I say "dog" you don't know what kind of dog you will see but you know a dog when you see one regardless of whether it is a corgi, alsatian or dachshund. You do not expect to see a cat because I hadn't said so.
I am suggesting that people whose use sloppy English cannot accurately convey what it is they are thinking because they don't have the tools to do so. I can't but help listening to other people's conversation. It amazes me sometimes how often someone will use "you know" in their talk. Sure, it makes them sound like they are talking even though there is no meaning.
My wife, whose first language is not English, is amazed at the vagaries of the English language. I pity anyone trying to learn English.
In the example above if my wife is asked "What was your name?" she would answer with her maiden name. I mean, why wouldn't she?
I work part time in a bottle shop. I am often asked for a bottle of Champagne when what the customer is asking is for a bottle of sparkling. I am not being pedantic; there is a difference even though the customer may not be aware of it.
Umm... ok, rant over.