If I was to take a trip to Russia

svar45,

We are reaching miscommunications in certain ideas and words. "Fuzzy"... I do not understand.

This is a common problem for translators/interpreters...

If you say to an American that s/he is "dumb", in the way you wrote it, this is highly offensive, your intent is to purposely hurt or disrespect the person you are communicating with. Do you understand? So... I'm trying to reach a common communication level in English that will help us understand each other better. I do this very often with my Spanish/English students. I'm a professional English, and law teacher.

So, please... consider me an idiot in English, keep your English easy, but please do not use words of disrespect toward America, me, my culture, politics, life here... You are certainly intelligent, absolutely... but your current level of English vocabulary is limited, and some of it is with words and phrases that show serious anger toward America/Americans. But your level of English is not able to help most Americans decide whether you are truly angry with most, or all Americans... do Americans truly not please you... OR... to decide if you want to have thought/debate about ideas and problems.

Many Americans will not understand your intent, purpose.

This is an important fact to know and understand about Americans... in discussions as our's... Americans will often think (because of your vocabulary and tone) do you want to hurt me, injure me... they will not think ...do you want to discuss and debate ideas with me. Do you understand the difference?

I will talk politics, politicians, cultures, art, literature, etc... but it is not pleasing when some of your very first words are "All Americans are dumb." This is not a good beginning to a good conversation. Either this is a vocabulary misunderstanding... perhaps an attempt for humor... or it shows that you are close-minded, opposed to other thoughts and opinions.

Do you understand my meaning, and the how I interpret your words?

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Originally Posted by Dobry

I will talk politics, politicians, cultures, art, literature, etc... but it is not pleasing when some of your very first words are "All Americans are dumb." This is not a good beginning to a good conversation.

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+1

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Originally Posted by svar45

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You are missing a fundamental point in all good literature, art and film... does your interpretation of Stalker, for example speak for all Ukrainians?... Or for yourself alone?

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Certainly, I speak from myself. No one can speak for all Ukrainians etc…it’s nonsense… when I say “we”, I mean ppl that share my view. Even statistics says that equal education, equal environment will born a lot of ppl that share views.

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Then, SAY this, WRITE this, and don't speak in broad, sweeping generalizations.
(referring back to your "all Americans are..." generalizations)

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Originally Posted by svar45

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I should avoid 'your' literature because you are "inside the bottle", and I am "outside"? What is the "bottle"... Russia/Ukraine?... Or being mortally human?

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Wrong! “Avoid” it’s wrong word. You should, if you want follow my advice, do not put these books on the top of query for reading! That’s all!

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Again, you are making broad conclusions, of the books I read... I read from many cultures, times, and authors... I noted a few Russian authors that are important to me, and you narrowed your opinion of me :roll: ... but those aren't the only books I read. Greek plays, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Harper Lee are some of my favorites... Homer, Mark Salzman, Mark Helprin, Thomas Pynchon to name a few more.

Don't judge people so quickly.

svar45,

Here is my conundrum... now I am not clear, not understanding whether you want to be joking, playful, satirical, in debate with me... which is O.K., of course! :wink: ... or if you trying to offend me, which is not O.K.

Dobry,

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We are reaching miscommunications in certain ideas and words. "Fuzzy"... I do not understand. [/qoute]

Fuzzy - "пушистый", "Пушистик", "зверек", "симпатичное животное покрытое мехом". В переносном смысле, "относительно глупая но симпатичная личность, которую приятно погладить по голове". :)
fuzzy words, fuzzy language - some sort of trivial(childish) language, like Fuzzies speaks in StarWars.

This is a common problem for translators/interpreters...

Hmm, I thought it's not a problem for you at all. Such meanings was even
on TV's, I saw it first time in age of ten on "BВС: English for children".
Mazzy is big green and Fuzzy!!! Hmm, maybe you are so cunning that learn our children wrong English, and themselves speak right one....
I would know it!! Besides, we doing same things with you. :):)

[quote:36na9i0v]If you say to an American that s/he is "dumb", in the way you wrote it

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Where I said that? I said that all ppl is "dumb" when speaks foreign languages!
Americans, Russians, Swedish, Papuas etc...
And I'm expressing my opinions clear in this topic why that has place on the Earth! Don't be so suspicious...
As you see, I’m now writing on English - it’s my turn to be “dumb”! :)

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I'm a professional English, and law teacher.

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I'm glad to see you. I'm а mathematician by the education, and who knows who by the work.

....skeeping your words....
You are very patriotic man, I’ll consider it in future.
Don't be so suspicious, try to see where was joke (do we love jokes on American\Russian relations?), and where was my translation problem.
I'll NEVER want to HURT you in my speech! It's nonsense!
I'm lives for Confucius : high-minded man do not even talk to other man, if he does not have respect (consideration) to him. And having such consideration inside oneself he has moral rights to say any things to such person.

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This is an important fact to know and understand about Americans... in discussions as ours, we often think do you want to hurt me... or do you want to discuss and debate ideas with me.

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Second ones, "discuss and debate ideas", trying to force you to understand me, and ppl that shares my views.

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Do you understand my meaning, and the how I interpret your words?

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[/quote:36na9i0v]

Yes! But I'm just have to hope that you do the same (see language and point oft view(POV) problems).

svar45,

Please read my last post... just edited.

Yes, you did call Americans dumb, including joking about Bush.

Jokes, satire are O.K. with me, but sometimes they go too far... "over the edge" (off the edge of a cliff), we sometimes say here.

I appreciate your thoughts on what you think I should be reading... but your opinion became too strong... this is a difference in our general cultures... if you were my professor I would listen closely... but...

... as two strangers in an art gallery, would you listen to me if I say "Svar, stop looking at this painting, it's dumb! (a painting that pleases you very much, gives you joy or understanding)... Svar, you must go look at this other painting!"

How would you think?

This is my main meaning, for how I interpreted your messages. I did not see your messages as recommendations... I saw them as demands. Your style of English. I'm not criticizing, but giving you my thoughts...as 2 men sharing thoughts over that open bottle. :wink:

svar45, Trotsky look-alike :lol:

I think the whole thing is just a plain misunderstanding. I'm afraid svar45 was just translating his thoughts in Russian into English literally. Which ALMOST ALWAYS will cause misunerstading.

Before get offended one should just ask a question to clarify what's benn heard or read

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I did not see your messages as recommendations... I saw them as demands.

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I think it was just his

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style of English

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I'm not criticizing, but giving you my thoughts...as 2 men sharing thoughts over that open bottle.

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:thumbs:

My apology for interferring your conversation.


IMHO
:bouncy:

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Originally Posted by svar45

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This is an important fact to know and understand about Americans... in discussions as ours, we often think do you want to hurt me... or do you want to discuss and debate ideas with me.

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Second ones, "discuss and debate ideas", trying to force you to understand me, and ppl that shares my views.

[quote:jexrmrp1]Do you understand my meaning, and the how I interpret your words?

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Yes! But I'm just have to hope that you do the same (see language and point oft view(POV) problems).[/quote:jexrmrp1]

I understand you much better now, good.

Again, part of the difficulty are the words you use. This is nothing wrong... I understand the limit of your English vocabulary... only a possible misunderstanding in vocabulary, and how some words can become another meaning, depending on the stuation.

"Force"..."force you to understand me, and ppl that share my views"... Some Americans, Canadians, Brits, Aussies, may consider your words too aggressive... for example, your wish or thought to start a physical fight in a bar or pub, especially when alcohol is used. "Force" is the word that is a problem. Easy word for misunderstanding, and could start a fight.

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Originally Posted by Alware

svar45, Trotsky look-alike :lol:

I think the whole thing is just a plain misunderstanding. I'm afraid svar45 was just translating his thoughts in Russian into English literally. Which ALMOST ALWAYS will cause misunerstading.

Before get offended one should just ask a question to clarify what's benn heard or read

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I did not see your messages as recommendations... I saw them as demands.

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I think it was just his [quote:8rar65qs] style of English

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IMHO
:bouncy:[/quote:8rar65qs]

Good advice. But questions were asked, trying to clarify the questions and answers.

We have both been trying to understand each other's opinions over the last few posts, and whether there was simply a misunderstanding... read my 2 posts above... part of the problem I think is vocabulary misunderstanding and Svar attempting to write in colloquial English... there was also a tone I felt of anger... I could not see if it was anger or satire.... be aware, I've been working with the English language for a long time in many different cultures, so I know the difficulties, problems... and tricks. :wink:

Again, I'll accept this as a language misunderstanding.

So, no problem.

Hmmm...I'm definitely don't want to be or look offensive…
I’m can be in high dudgeon, that’s true, but not offensive or aggressive.

maybe, all my thoughts look offensive for you? :)

Maybe, I'm use too many of "i'ms", which responds in you mind to "I'm Overlord of the Universe, but you dirt on my feet?". :)
In Russian if using too many "Я" it's look offensive and haughty too.
Also I’m use “you” as opposite side, and you can interpret this as “тыканье”. Who knows…

About drawing, books... yes, if you'll say that to me, my thoughts will be :
"We are just different kinds of people". Someone love Kandinsky "Black square", but most of us don’t.
I’m don’t like his works, becouse I can’t see “a work” in his painting.
But all “love” Italian Renaissance masters. :)
I’m prefer sculptures (big and small works) then drawings. They just “play on shadows”, but sculpture is real! Benvenuto Cellini “Persey” is the best for me.
It's just question of taste. But!

I'm want to say that's look weird, when all Western ppl, who have interest in Russian culture reads one-two-three writers. Is it be weird if we all Russians just reads Shakespeare and no more? Do you agree with me? What do you feels as American if Russians, says “American writer? Ar know, know, Shakespeare, yes?”
Either, he was Englishman in 16-17th centuries, and USA doesn’t exists in his times. Now you can understand my view of reading “classics” and trying to reach “Russian soul”? :)


BWT, Russians says jokes all-time. It’s can be silly jokes, dark jokes, but it’s defensive tactic to hide our incompetence. :)

adding...

heh! NO! I don’t call Americans dumb! But now I can clear say, then you are “over-suspicion”! And let the heavens fall on me! :)

I said that you(Americans) have more stable state, then Russian’s medieval society, and you don’t care if your president are dumb person like Bush! It's don't mean that all Americans are dumb, just they have other priorities on politics, and that case look weird for Russians.
History of Russia says - if rulers are dumb or coward it’s splits to the parts and destroy many lives of ordinary ppl so Russians loves strong rulers subconsciously! And bad ones like Stalin using this knowledge for gain superpower! That i said!

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Originally Posted by svar45

Hmmm...I'm definitely don't want to be or look offensive…
I’m can be in high dudgeon, that’s true, but not offensive or aggressive.

maybe, all my thoughts look offensive for you? :)

Maybe, I'm use too many of "i'ms", which responds in you mind to "I'm Overlord of the Universe, but you dirt on my feet?". :)
In Russian if using too many "Я" it's look offensive and haughty too.
Also I’m use “you” as opposite side, and you can interpret this as “тыканье”. Who knows…

About drawing, books... yes, if you'll say that to me, my thoughts will be :
"We are just different kinds of people". Someone love Kandinsky "Black square", but most of us don’t.
I’m don’t like his works, becouse I can’t see “a work” in his painting.
But all “love” Italian Renaissance masters. :)
I’m prefer sculptures (big and small works) then drawings. They just “play on shadows”, but sculpture is real! Benvenuto Cellini “Persey” is the best for me.
It's just question of taste. But!

I'm want to say that's look weird, when all Western ppl, who have interest in Russian culture reads one-two-three writers. Is it be weird if we all Russians just reads Shakespeare and no more? Do you agree with me? What do you feels as American if Russians, says “American writer? Ar know, know, Shakespeare, yes?”
Either, he was Englishman in 16-17th centuries, and USA doesn’t exists it his times. Now you can understand my view of reading “classics” and trying to reach “Russian soul”? :)

BWT, Russians says jokes all-time. It’s can be silly jokes, dark jokes, but it’s defensive tactic to hide our incompetence. :)

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:lol:
Svar,
Yes, you are "clear as good crystal". Большое спасибо. And, you are correct... I would not give someone only Shakespeare to understand English. I understand your point.

I've been educated in several languages, many cultures, art, literature... my father's wish that I become an "educated" man. :dunno: :lol: My original post meaning was that there is value for each of us in all cultures, literature, art, etc. It is especially important for Americans to start thinking more of the "world"... and stop hiding behind American borders. I'm not saying 'business'... I'm saying learning and understanding other countries. This was an important reason I chose to leave the U.S., and moved to Europe.

I think this returns us to our original discussion... can Americans be arrogant, annoying assholes? :roll: Yes, of course. Same as many people from most countries. But sometimes Americans are lost and desperately need help also... metro, train, street... same as anyone from anywhere... and some of us are very good people, who just need a small amount of help as we are traveling and trying to reach our next place of safety.

Many Americans are very kind and good people, just lost and trying to find their way. Please remember this... for the next person you meet who is lost and scared.

Svar45, you made good points. :wink:

Certainly, I will help on streets any foreigner ppl, and American ones,
you can spend yours assurances (that you are good fuzzy ppl that needs help) to other millions of rude Russians. :):):)

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В переносном смысле, "относительно глупая но симпатичная личность, которую приятно погладить по голове". Smile
fuzzy words, fuzzy language - some sort of trivial(childish) language, like Fuzzies speaks in StarWars.

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"Fuzzy" - это либо "мягкий, пушистый (только в прямом смысле)", либо "неясный, нечеткий, неопределенный, размытый, расплывчатый".

Одно другому не мешает. Дети и Пушистики говорят неразборчивым языком (сюсюкают) и мысли их весьма расплывчаты.

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you can spend yours assurances (that you are good fuzzy ppl that needs help) to other millions of rude Russians.

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Ну а здесь уже ни то, ни другое. Здесь получается "мягкий, пушистый (в переносном смысле)". Буквальный перевод с русского. Боюсь, Dobry опять не поймет :wink:

svr: I think it would do much good for you if you didn't try using quite so many words whose exact meaning you are not sure about :) your stuff is rather hard to read as it is :)

Dobry: Note that svr didn't say anything about Chehov or Bulgakov, he was talking specifically about Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky... I definitely agree with him about those two. That's just me, of course :) But I think however much substance you have, you can't really be called a great writer if you do not have style (the inverse is possible though). And, at least with Dostoyevsky, there are major issues with substance as well.
And I do think we can call Pelevin a modern classic of Russian literature already. Just like we can call smo. like Gaiman a modern classic of English literature.

Thinking about it, a few years back I saw a horrendous avant-garde Russian movie about a guy walking through the Hermitage. I think it was probably the worst, most stupid, boring and stereotypical movie I've seen in my life. But after that I've talked to an American lady who was actually quite impressed and excited about it showing Russian soul and all...

I think it happens quite often that things that are not that popular at home appeal greatly to foreigners. e.g. Patricia Kaas, a French singer who was rather obscure at home, was a cultural phenomenon in Russia at one time. I personally like Japanese 演歌 music (think Kill Bill), that most Japanese of my age and below find utterly boring...

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Originally Posted by svar45

Одно другому не мешает. Дети и Пушистики говорят неразборчивым языком (сюсюкают) и мысли их весьма расплывчаты.

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Well, you see, it does not work like that. This word does not have a 2nd meaning that you are trying to invoke. Just because something looks like a good word to you doesn't mean it actually is one :)

Also, whenever a word has a 2nd meaning in Russian, you should *ALWAYS* assume it does NOT have it in English unless you *know* otherwise (i.e. from reading authentic texts).

I can't get...:)
There are warm-and-fuzzy = белый и пушистый, and many examples when "fuzzy" means good, helpless, not aggressive animal kiddy or human been child. You wants say that fuzzy means in English something bad and ugly?! Try to read H Beam Piper "Fuzzy Sapiens" it is not Russian by origin book. :)

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Originally Posted by svar45

I can't get...:)
There are warm-and-fuzzy = белый и пушистый, and many examples when "fuzzy" means good, helpless, not aggressive animal kiddy or human been child. You wants say that fuzzy means in English something bad and ugly?! Try to read H Beam Piper "Fuzzy Sapiens" it is not Russian by origin book. :)

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Practice is the only criterion here. If people are telling you it does not work, it simply means it does not work.
BTW, warm-and-fuzzy != белый и пушистый. It describes a certain feeling, rather than a person.
I'd have absolutely NO idea what a "fuzzy person" would be; perhaps I'd take a guess that it means that he is not able to express himself clearly. sim. fuzzy logic == nechetkaja logika.

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There are warm-and-fuzzy = белый и пушистый, and many examples when "fuzzy" means good, helpless, not aggressive animal kiddy or human been child.

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Maybe you just interpreted it your way :wink: Show me these examples and then we'll see.

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You wants say that fuzzy means in English something bad and ugly?!

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I already said what it means in English.

I think svar45 is rather fuzzy

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Originally Posted by laxxy

I think svar45 is rather fuzzy

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What's wrong with making up your own language?????

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Originally Posted by Alware

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Originally Posted by laxxy

I think svar45 is rather fuzzy

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What's wrong with making up your own language?????

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kumbai hahum. duvh bhup zeebabushlabibim.　ね？

I googled "warm and fuzzy". It means "affectionate", and not "good, helpless, not aggressive animal kiddy or human been child".

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Originally Posted by laxxy

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Originally Posted by Alware

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Originally Posted by laxxy

I think svar45 is rather fuzzy

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What's wrong with making up your own language?????

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kumbai hahum. duvh bhup zeebabushlabibim.　ね？

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:lol: That's what I meant, it's fun

Fuzzy Sapiens most likely refers to their body hair. fuzzy alone is a texture, like fuzzy felts (a fuzzy sticker game for kids)

Vadim84, shame on you...you don't read what I said.

warm-and-fuzzy = белый и пушистый = affectionate, amatory, fond, tender, devoted etc...

sorry, but ppl who lives and tougths by vocabulareis are very narrow...

"fuzzy words" = “нечеткие слова”,"путаные слова", "неясная речь", "детская речь" = gibberish, jabber, ribble-rabble, such words are deep context dependent, their meaning depends on the query they have been used. If You are not deep in context, father or mother of child, you can't understand them. They will have no sense for you.
Also it's such words is a half-terms in science, if you are non in context you don't understands when two mathematics speaks their language, but they speaks and understand each other speaking. It's not a slang! It's words that not born yet and possible they die tomorrow in that state! You can’t writes or reads it’s in vocabulary! In vocabulary is only “stable” words!
All diplomats always speaks fuzzy, using their fuzzy lingvo. American diplomats all known by their fuzzy words, example "we send a strong massage" it's can means - "now we will bomb your country, dude" or opposite "we must say something to you, please, hear us", it’s depends of political situation.

Shame on ...someone... that I must express this too you! Who are linguists in that forum?! You are or me?!

Lt. Columbo, you can't understands what’s means “Fuzzy Sapiens”, if not read the book. Because it's another fuzzy word that author used for describe thinking species. You can't get sense by googling it or just watch it in dictionary.

C'mon, svar45, the native speakers tell you they don't understand that word the way you do. Why are you insisting? :lol:

Imagine a foreigner takes some stupid word like "табурет" and tries to persuade you that's a slang term for "honest or desent man" just because he feels that way! And when you try to tell him nobody will understand what he means he'll begin to argue and use in his posts "inventions" like "табуретные люди", "табуретные слова", etc. :wink:

I'm give up! I can't speak English!

Word semantics is gaining increasing
interest within linguistics in view of
both, more adequate representational
structures of the semantic system and
methods and procedures to analyse it
empirically. Due to the fact formal and
operational means have been devised to
describe and represent word connotation
and/or denotation, this paper discusses
some of the empirical problems connected
with natural languages' varying and
vague meanings, how these can be analysed
statistically from discourse data,
and represented formally as fuzzy system
of vocabulary mappings.

all text in English:


FUZZY WORD MEANING ANALYSIS AND REPRESENTATION IN LINGUISTIC

OK, what's about "fluffy"? Will it work like russian "белый и пушистый"? Because I've heard people saying "fluffy stories", "fluffy feelings", etc.

I’ts strong synonym too “fuzzy” in English? But my personal means is some kind of “пьяный”=“drunk” or “взбитый” about bed, pillow, cover… “from fluffy liquid we getting foam”, maybe. That this word means to me.

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Vadim84, shame on you...you don't read what I said.

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Svar, have you read what I and other speakers said to you?

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sorry, but ppl who lives and tougths by vocabulareis are very narrow...

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First, I don't live that way. Second, ppl who live using their own language are the ones who are narrow-minded because they can't be understood by other ppl who speak the accepted language.
Speakers of different languages think differently. English speakers think differently than you. Can't you understand this simple truth? What is obvious to you isn't obvious to them. They can't deduce what you mean since they have different connotations of words.
If you don't follow the rules which are set in dictionaries you won't be understood properly. It's that simple.

" Fuzzy Wuzzy was a bear,
but Fuzzy Wuzzy had no hair!
Fuzzy Wuzzy wasn't fuzzy, was he?" :roll:

Yea I personally use 'fluffy' for 'pushistyi", I've never been too certain of this choice.

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Originally Posted by laxxy

svr: I think it would do much good for you if you didn't try using quite so many words whose exact meaning you are not sure about :) your stuff is rather hard to read as it is :)

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Laxxy, good advice. If I were Svar's English professor, I would strongly limit his use of some vocabulary, until he developed context understanding, and how to use words in different situations.

Svar, I speak sincerely now, to try to help you with English-speakers... some of your vocabulary and your context could easily start arguments, maybe fights, in some situations. I've had similar problems when I lived in Moscow and Petersburg. Also trying to translate "word-for-word" between languages is very bad... many misunderstandings.

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Originally Posted by laxxy

Dobry: Note that svr didn't say anything about Chehov or Bulgakov, he was talking specifically about Tolstoy and Dostoyevsky... I definitely agree with him about those two. That's just me, of course :) But I think however much substance you have, you can't really be called a great writer if you do not have style (the inverse is possible though). And, at least with Dostoyevsky, there are major issues with substance as well.
And I do think we can call Pelevin a modern classic of Russian literature already. Just like we can call smo. like Gaiman a modern classic of English literature.

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Yes, I agree. Again, I was not limiting good Russian writers to only a few. My idea is that for each person... each of us... there are writers who will speak to some of us in their writings... and there are writers who will not speak to some of us in their writings. Personally, I don't like Tolstoy's writings... but Dostoevsky has taught me very much about humanity, and myself.

I felt...believed that Svar was saying I should not read many Russian writers,because I was not Russian, and therefore I could never know what the writers were saying... or who the good writers are. This I felt was offensive to my intelligence.

This was my first understanding of Svar's posts. I believe now this was a mistake, and misunderstanding.

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Originally Posted by laxxy

Thinking about it, a few years back I saw a horrendous avant-garde Russian movie about a guy walking through the Hermitage. I think it was probably the worst, most stupid, boring and stereotypical movie I've seen in my life. But after that I've talked to an American lady who was actually quite impressed and excited about it showing Russian soul and all...

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Here, this movie is named, "The Arc"... very famous and popular here. Funny... I thought it was a good movie, and my ex-wife (Belarussian), it pleased her very much. I have spent MANY hours and days in the Hermitage, and this movie gives me good memories.

Some people like potatoes... others like carrots.

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Originally Posted by laxxy

I think it happens quite often that things that are not that popular at home appeal greatly to foreigners. e.g. Patricia Kaas, a French singer who was rather obscure at home, was a cultural phenomenon in Russia at one time. I personally like Japanese 演歌 music (think Kill Bill), that most Japanese of my age and below find utterly boring...

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This reminds me of "Konstantine"... an American movie with Keanu Reeves that was very popular in Europe... I do not understand... not a good movie.

But one of the best American movies is "The Shawshank Redemption"... with Timothy Robbins, and Morgan Freeman...about a man wrongfully sent to prison, his life in prison, and then his escape.

Many of my my Russian friends only think of this movie, for the escape, and the cleverness of the escape... but for many Americans it is a symbol, a metaphor, for the hope and freedom we keep in our souls, during very bad and difficult times. "Hope may be the best of things." Vey much part of the "American Spirit."

But whatever culture or country, each of us gain something from the art of each other. Good art, literature, music, or poetry contain universal gifts, truths for everyone... from all languages and cultures.

A poem from Walt Whitman... one of America's most famous poets... I know it may be difficult for non-native English speakers... but very important, powerful, strong...

O ME! O life!... of the questions of these recurring;
Of the endless trains of the faithless—of cities fill’d with the foolish;
Of myself forever reproaching myself, (for who more foolish than I, and who more faithless?)
Of eyes that vainly crave the light—of the objects mean—of the struggle ever renew’d;
Of the poor results of all—of the plodding and sordid crowds I see around me;
Of the empty and useless years of the rest—with the rest me intertwined;
The question, O me! so sad, recurring—What good amid these, O me, O life?

Answer.

That you are here—that life exists, and identity;
That the powerful play goes on, and you will contribute a verse.

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Originally Posted by Dobry

I felt...believed that Svar was saying I should not read many Russian writers,because I was not Russian, and therefore I could not ever know what the writers were saying... or who the good writers are. This I felt was offensive to my intelligence.

This was my first understanding of Svar's posts. I believe now this was a mistake, and misunderstanding.

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right, I don't think that is what he meant at all.

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Here, this movie is named, "The Arc"... very famous and popular here. Funny... I thought it was a good movie, and my ex-wife (Belarussian), it pleased her very much. I have spent MANY hours in the Hermitage, and this movie gives me good memories.

Some people like potatoes... others like carrots.

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yup. which is good.

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Originally Posted by laxxy

I think it happens quite often that things that are not that popular at home appeal greatly to foreigners. e.g. Patricia Kaas, a French singer who was rather obscure at home, was a cultural phenomenon in Russia at one time. I personally like Japanese 演歌 music (think Kill Bill), that most Japanese of my age and below find utterly boring...

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This reminds me of "Konstantine"... an American movie with Keanu Reeves that was very popular in Europe... I do not understand... not a good movie.

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Was it the one based on the Hellblazer comic series? I wanted to see it for some time (I think it is a pretty good series), but never actually got to it. The comic book setting is very British, I wonder if they kept that in the movie. If they did, I can see how it could appeal more to people in Europe.

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But whatever culture or country, we each gain something from the art of each other.

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True... and the things that appeal most to foreigners with a different background, etc, can never be the same that appeal most at home...
Foreigners will not be quite as annoyed at the local culture stereotypes since they haven't been overexposed to them, and they won't see fake parts so easily. Stereotypes might be even good, since they can make it easier to understand. On the other hand they won't understand many local jokes, implied references, etc., which make many movies/books/etc much more attractive...

Also we all have some set beliefs about what looks right and what doesn't... e.g. for me a poem is something that both has a regular rhythm (not sure that is the word, Russian is "razmer", but I think you know what I am talking about), and rhymes. If it doesn't, it does not mean it's bad, I liked the one you quoted, but it's not a poem for me, there should really be a different name for this art form...

It seems that such poems are more popular with Americans. Which is a shame imo, English is a much better language for regular poetry than most, including Russian...

(I can't believe I'm giving an English lesson on 'fluffy' and 'fuzzy') :lol:

Each of these words can mean the same, or change into different meanings... depends on situation, tone, and context... and each can become very pleasant...or an insult.

"The teddy bear is fluffy... the teddy bear is fuzzy."

Each of these is pleasant... but "fluffy" is softer to touch, more pleasing. "Fluffy" is closer to velvet, "fuzzy" is closer to wool, or a boar's hair (coarser, not as soft as velvet).

"He speaks fluffy." This can be considered to be negative, an insult. Someone who is "conceited"... someone who thinks he or she is better, more important than you, and speaks to you in a very formal, or "patronizing" way. For some English-speakers, this gives the feeling of a "master talking to a servant (you)". Prince talking to a floor-scrubber.

"He speaks fuzzy." This can also have several meanings, but it is sometimes an insult, offensive. If you say "you speak fuzzy" to me, then I may think you are saying my English grammar, vocabulary, pronounciation, or spelling is bad...that my English is not clear, and that I am making mistakes, so my English must be bad.

This is a basic explanation, from my own experience as an English professor. There are other meanings for these words, but most are based on context and... very importantly, location. This is part of the difficulty of English... meanings can change from New York, to Texas, to Los Angeles. Aussie, Ireland, Britain, Canada also.

My opinion after teaching many Spaniards and Russians.

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There are other meanings for these words, but most are based on context and... very importantly, location.

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So.
"These is a west gates of port cities Bal Harbor, new citi wolls would highest and mere stout. A busy main street run from here to the distant square" you must not call "bad English"? If you do, I'll point to your own opinion about "meanings and other stuff can vary from Los Angeles to Brisbane"?

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Originally Posted by laxxy

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Originally Posted by Dobry

This reminds me of "Konstantine"... an American movie with Keanu Reeves that was very popular in Europe... I do not understand... not a good movie.

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Was it the one based on the Hellblazer comic series? I wanted to see it for some time (I think it is a pretty good series), but never actually got to it. The comic book setting is very British, I wonder if they kept that in the movie. If they did, I can see how it could appeal more to people in Europe.

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Yup... Hellblazer comic series. I still keep my collection. Great series. And I still keep all of my Gaiman comic series. "Sandman" is my favorite. Ironic, now talking of movies, I very much liked Night Watch, but my friends say it's not popular in Russia... but I liked the novels very much.

The movie "V for Vendetta"? Popular in Russia? I have heard nothing about Russian thoughts... but I think one of the best movies in years (from the same brothers who did " The Matrix.")

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Originally Posted by laxxy

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Originally Posted by Dobry

But whatever culture or country, we each gain something from the art of each other.

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True... and the things that appeal most to foreigners with a different background, etc, can never be the same that appeal most at home...
Foreigners will not be quite as annoyed at the local culture stereotypes since they haven't been overexposed to them, and they won't see fake parts so easily. Stereotypes might be even good, since they can make it easier to understand. On the other hand they won't understand many local jokes, implied references, etc., which make many movies/books/etc much more attractive...

Also we all have some set beliefs about what looks right and what doesn't... e.g. for me a poem is something that both has a regular rhythm (not sure that is the word, Russian is "razmer", but I think you know what I am talking about), and rhymes. If it doesn't, it does not mean it's bad, I liked the one you quoted, but it's not a poem for me, there should really be a different name for this art form...

It seems that such poems are more popular with Americans. Which is a shame imo, English is a much better language for regular poetry than most, including Russian...

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True, Laxxy, and well-said... wise words.

English works well for writing poetry... Russian works well for writing literature/prose. My opinion. :)

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Originally Posted by Vincent Tailors

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There are other meanings for these words, but most are based on context and... very importantly, location.

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So.
"These is a west gates of port cities Bal Harbor, new citi wolls would highest and mere stout. A busy main street run from here to the distant square" you must not call "bad English"? If you do, I'll point to your own opinion about "meanings and other stuff can vary from Los Angeles to Brisbane"?

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There it doesn't read here nor fuzzy niether fluffy

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Originally Posted by Vincent Tailors

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There are other meanings for these words, but most are based on context and... very importantly, location.

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So.
"These is a west gates of port cities Bal Harbor, new citi wolls would highest and mere stout. A busy main street run from here to the distant square" you must not call "bad English"? If you do, I'll point to your own opinion about "meanings and other stuff can vary from Los Angeles to Brisbane"?

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Vincent,
clever :wink:, but...

Your point is not clear...
If I put you in the streets of inner city St. Louis, USA for one day... and then transport you to Birmingham, U.K. for one day... will the English context, pronounciation, meanings, words, vocabulary match exactly?... they are both forms of English.

I assume you don't teach language... if you did you would understand exactly my meaning.

There are several variations of English... and American English has several dialects/forms based on location and culture.

And I NEVER labeled any style of English as "bad"! Where did you get THAT from!? :?: Because that is not from anything that I
wrote. :evil:

Add-on... I just thought of a very good example.... native-English speakers chime in if you want.

"Last night I got really pissed"

Good example of different meanings in English. :lol: :lol: :lol: