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Slips #1 (permalink) Thu Jun 26, 2008 16:22 pm   Slips
 

A common problem for language learners is language transfer -- speakers apply knowledge from their native language to a second language. Second language interference is similar, only that speakers import features of a learned language to their native language.

Having spent over 10 years in Germany, a Scottish colleague of mine once asked me 'I can't do my class next Friday, can you spring in for me?' [compare German: Spring in den Pool; English: Jump in the pool.]

Do you have funny examples of slips?
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Slips #2 (permalink) Thu Jun 26, 2008 18:11 pm   Slips
 

Hi Ralf

Here are a few of the slips I remember hearing in Germany (native English speaker influenced by German):

- On the phone: "Here is Marcia" (instead of "This is Marcia.")
- On a hot, sunny day: "Let's go stand in the shadow." (instead of "... in the shade")
- Not feeling well: "Do you have anything against a headache" (instead of "...for a headache")
- Bread preference: "I only eat full corn bread" (instead of "...whole grain bread")
- Apartment rental: "Is there a caution?" (instead of "... security deposit")

Some people seem to be far more susceptible to this sort of thing than others.
.
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Slips #3 (permalink) Thu Jun 26, 2008 19:40 pm   Slips
 

Here is another one I sometimes hear from native speakers who have lived in Germany for a while: You can call me on my handy.

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Slips #4 (permalink) Thu Jun 26, 2008 22:15 pm   Slips
 

Quote:
Second language interference is similar, only that speakers import features of a learned language to their native language.


That seems like a rather odd sentence. Is the use of "only that" correct there?
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Slips #5 (permalink) Thu Jun 26, 2008 22:27 pm   Slips
 

See, I thought that this thread was going to be about the garments ladies wear underneath skirts! What the heck is this?!

hehe
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Slips #6 (permalink) Thu Jun 26, 2008 22:42 pm   Slips
 

Ralf wrote:
A common problem for language learners is language transfer -- speakers apply knowledge from their native language to a second language. Second language interference is similar, only that speakers import features of a learned language to their native language.


There is also "attractive foreign colleague interference", where the native speaker willingly imports engaging abusage.

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Slips #7 (permalink) Thu Jun 26, 2008 23:55 pm   Slips
 

prezbucky wrote:
See, I thought that this thread was going to be about the garments ladies wear underneath skirts! What the heck is this?!
Were you thinking of an English slip or a German Slip, Tom? lol
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Slips #8 (permalink) Fri Jun 27, 2008 0:04 am   Slips
 

Quote:
See, I thought that this thread was going to be about the garments ladies wear underneath skirts! What the heck is this?!


I thought it might be about Ralf's sexual conquests - as he might call them. Mind, that would have made for a short thread, wouldn't it? :lol:
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Slips #9 (permalink) Fri Jun 27, 2008 6:59 am   Slips
 

Molly wrote:
Quote:
See, I thought that this thread was going to be about the garments ladies wear underneath skirts! What the heck is this?!


I thought it might be about Ralf's sexual conquests - as he might call them. Mind, that would have made for a short thread, wouldn't it? :lol:

Thanks to Molly I've learned and fully understood this concept through his/her example.

Molly, what's the fun in being trite?
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Slips #10 (permalink) Fri Jun 27, 2008 8:23 am   Slips
 

Quote:
Molly, what's the fun in being trite?


What's the fun in being Ralf, Ralf? :P
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Slips #11 (permalink) Fri Jun 27, 2008 8:31 am   Slips
 

Ralf wrote:
Molly wrote:
Quote:
See, I thought that this thread was going to be about the garments ladies wear underneath skirts! What the heck is this?!


I thought it might be about Ralf's sexual conquests - as he might call them. Mind, that would have made for a short thread, wouldn't it? :lol:

Thanks to Molly I've learned and fully understood this concept through his/her example.

Molly, what's the fun in being trite?


Do show us which part of "adding content to the discussion" this posts brings, will you?

Quote:
See, I thought that this thread was going to be about the garments ladies wear underneath skirts!

..........

It's unbelievable that you don't also see many of your own posts as trolling. Or maybe you can't admit to trolling, Ralf. Living in denial?
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Slips #12 (permalink) Fri Jun 27, 2008 8:36 am   Slips
 

Back to language transfer.

Amy feels that language transfer (from Spanish to English) is happening here:

Tom: Can you come to the meeting tomorrow?

Tim: If I have/get chance, I'll pop in for a sec.

What's your verdict, Ralf?

.........

Also, just read about "push and pull transfer"and be after V-ing - regarding English, Irish-English and Gaelic. Interesting. Can you give us your take on be after V-ing and language transfer?
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Slips #13 (permalink) Fri Jun 27, 2008 9:07 am   Slips
 

Molly wrote:
Do show us which part of "adding content to the discussion" this posts brings, will you?

Adding content like your contributions?

Quote:
I thought it might be about Ralf's sexual conquests - as he might call them. Mind, that would have made for a short thread, wouldn't it?


I'd rather not play non-league football.
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Slips #14 (permalink) Fri Jun 27, 2008 9:35 am   Slips
 

Here's another - this time from Polish speakers of English:

Eng: My sister and I went to the beach yesterday.

Polish speaker of English: We were at the beach with my sister yesterday.

Apparently that transfer happens even with rather excellent Polish speakers of English.
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Slips #15 (permalink) Fri Jun 27, 2008 11:19 am   Slips
 

Yankee wrote:
Could this be a case of second language interference?

Molly wrote:
Back to language transfer.

Amy feels that language transfer (from Spanish to English) is happening here:
In view of my original words, I'd say your statement can be categorically categorized as arrogantly "unmodalised" and intentionally misleading, "Molly".
Your statement contains an obvious error.
.
.
.
Quote:
Common types of troll messages:

* off topic messages
* inflammatory messages
* messages containing an obvious flaw or error

.
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