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AMERICAN LANGUAGE HYPOCRISY ?
1.
"I get salary biweekly". This is the usual term used in the USA. And the salary is paid every fortnight in USA.
However, "Biweekly" can be a bit confusing, as it can refer to two different frequencies:
- Every 2 weeks: In this sense, "biweekly" means occurring once every 14 days.
- Twice a week: In this sense, "biweekly" means occurring twice within a single week.
In British English, "biweekly" is indeed more commonly used to mean "twice a week", whereas in American English, it typically means "every two weeks".
This difference in usage can lead to confusion, especially in international communication.
To avoid misunderstanding, it's essential to consider the context and the audience's dialect.
To avoid confusion, it's often better to use more explicit terms, such as:
- Every 2 weeks
- Semi-monthly
- Fortnightly
- Twice a week
- Two times a week.
- I hope that clears up any confusion!
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2.
Another dangerous English communication seen in the USA...(borrowed from African nations.. again they don't call borrowed, but AAVE African American Vernacular English😀)
In the USA, using double negatives in informal speech is quite common, especially in certain regional dialects or cultural contexts.
For example:
"I don't know nothing about that." (Instead of "I don't know anything about that.")
"I ain't never been there." (Instead of "I've never been there.")
However, in formal writing, education, and professional settings, double negatives are generally considered non-standard and are often corrected to conform to standard American English grammar rules.
So, while double negatives might be commonly used in informal American English, it's still important to be aware of the context and audience to ensure effective communication!
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Better know these👇 American words/phrases:
- Gas for Petrol,
- Wait in a Line for Wait in a Queue,
- Sidewalk for Pavement,
- Apartment for Flat,
- Elevator for Lift,
- Trash bin for Dustbin,
- Garbage for Rubbish,
- Diaper for Nappy,
- First Floor for Ground Floor and Second Floor for First Floor and like that,
- Vacation for Holiday,
- Math for Maths,
- Mom for Mum(mummy),
- Cart for Trolley,
- Band-aid for Plaster,(band-aid is actually a brand name),
- Cell phone for Mobile phone,
- Dish Soap for Washing up liquid.
In USA length is measured in Mile in place of Kilometre and weight is measured in
Pound instead of Kilogram. And covering a particular distance they say, for example, it's 20 minutes' drive unlike here in india we say it's 15 kms' drive.
And...
We ask/demand for cover. ⚡ (in place of bag to keep the things inside the bag)😀
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On a lighter note:
During his first visit to the USA in the mid-2000s, Vadi walked into the lobby of the Boston Marriott Hotel, which was within walking distance of his office, and approached the receptionist one evening.
Vadi: Excuse me, I need a cover.
Receptionist: (looking around the lobby) Sir, this is the Marriott Hotel, and it's fully secured.
Vadi: I'm aware of that. I've been staying here for three days. But now, I urgently need a cover.
Receptionist: (scanning the area again, this time with a hint of concern) Sir, I assure you, you're safe here. There's nothing to worry about. I don't see any potential threats.
Vadi: Please, it's urgent. I couldn't find a cover at the office, and I've been searching.
Receptionist: Sir, why do you need a cover when this place is quite safe? If you'd like, I can call the manager, and you can express your concerns.
Vadi: No need to call the manager. Just give me a cover. (showing the receptionist the items in his hand) I'm having trouble holding these things for an extended period.
Receptionist: Ohh! Sir! You need a bag?
(as told to me by Vadiraja Ramamurthy, my son-in-law)
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