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| name Jo |
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| country UK |
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Hey, thanks Benly. I can always rely on you to get a debate going!
Yes I believe it probably will become a common everyday word, like 'hell' is today (we've already forgotten how offensive it used to be).
Language changes - the meanings of words change, some words go in and out of fashion, other words become more or less acceptable - that's what makes language so interesting to study (well, that's just one of the things that makes it interesting!) Words are just combinations of sounds - in themselves they can't be polite or impolite - it's the norms of the society in which they are used and the way they are used that gives them those qualities. If, in twenty years' time, or whenever, teachers are routinely using the f*** word (I assume that's what Benly meant!) in the classroom and news presenters use it while they're reading the news it won't be a big deal because we'll have forgotten it was considered so rude some time in the dim and distant past. (well, there will be some old traditionalists who 'tut tut' about it).
| name Benly |
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| country UK |
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Last week I watched our British number two tennis player play in the Wimbledon live on TV. During the match, one of the spectator, who was sitting behind him, called the ball “out” and it should have been in, so he stopped playing and the empire gave the point to his opponent, then he rushed across the court to argue with the empire. But he couldn’t change his decision. He shouted out the four-letter swear word five times loudly on live TV. So everyone could hear clearly in the day time, when it is not allowed.
Nowadays, this four-letter swear word, which seems like its getting more popular and it is less criticised by people. We can hear it from men, women, boys and even girls in the public place. Sometime I can hear my classmates saying it out of the classroom, but our teacher just pretend he hasn’t heard it or may be it is not a problem at all. If this progress carries on into the future. What will happen in the ten or twenty years later? Will it become one of the common daily words?
Duane, the four letter swear word, which is very popular in American films. Do your people really use it to express themselves in the public place often?
Haruka, the Japanese culture is different to the Western and your people seem to be more respectful to others, are the swear words very offensive to other people? Do you think they will be influenced by the Western image in the future?
| name Duane |
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| country USA |
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Hello Haruka. I have only acknowledged your students in general. I plan to go back and address each specific question in the near future.
A truck is different from a car. My truck is a pickup truck as opposed to a large truck that would deliver steel or some other large commodity. A pickup truck is just a small truck. Usually distinguised by the amount of weight that they can carry. Most pickup trucks are rated for 1/2 ton (1000 lbs) or 3/4 ton (1500 lbs). There are also some pickups that are able to carry 1 ton of cargo (2000 lbs). Big trucks, like the 18 wheelers can carry 50,000 lbs of cargo (25 tons).
Toyota and Nissan make small pickup trucks and even 1/2 ton pickups now. Do you have pickup trucks in Japan? I'm sure you do.
Bye for now, Duane
| name Haruka |
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| country Japan |
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Duane; Thank you for your labor to go over all the messages addressed to you. Some students got confused to think you live in England, to which I called their attention. Meanwhile, you used "truck" to describe your car (maybe your second or third car). Aren't you calling it "pick-up" in the States? How do you distinguish a truck from a pick-up? I used to call the larger size vehicle for transportation, a truck. Am I wrong?
| name Duane |
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| country USA |
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Hello to everyone.
I am so excited to see so much written about my neighborhood. I feel honored that you have all taken the time to look at the pictures and to respond so positively. I am smiling very big as I read the words that you have posted. I can't answer your comments properly tonight but I promise to answer all of you very soon. Thank you for your kind words.
Bye for now, Duane
| name Mayumi |
| link link |
| country Japan |
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Hello,Duane! How are you? I'm Mayumi. I watched "Duane's neighborhood in Sacramento". I tought that houses are big and very large! Your town is easygoing. Because your town doesn't have fences. And houses are built the bottom of the ground. And gardens are very large. So your town is easygoing and openness! Mostly there are fences and walls in Japan. So I feel very narrow. Originally Japan is narrow! Your town has many nature. I like nature very much! I want to go to your town. I hope that there are many nature in Tokyo. Then I will be a relax. It is happy that you tell me your town. Thank you, Duane! When I go to home, I will take some photo. I will put them in Jo's picture gallery. Please you watch my photo. Thank you for leading. See you later!