Mr I wrote:
Quite a lot of these statements are due to evolving language and no one is more guilty as we are.
For example; English has more French in it that we British care to admin - 3000 words I believe.
All of the words ending in -able such as: table, comfortable, applicable, cable etc. are French
All of the -arys : contrary, military, commentary etc. are all French with a slight change (ary to aire)
All of the - ible words: possible, responsible, compatible, horibble. again are all French.
A language expert called Michel Tomas came up with an interesting sentence to illustrate the similarities (there's another one)
Translate this into French:
What is your impression of the political and economical situation in France at the present time?
To non French speakers at first glance is looks and sounds complication whereas in truth almost all the words are the same in both languages. Get the point?
It's the same story with Spanish to a slightly lesser degree and although I don't speak Italian I suspect that that being a Latin language the above is probably true there too.
This french was introduced to English in 1066 when we were conquered by the French (the Normans were obviously from Normandy) and they brought their language with them. It then got mixed up with the existing olde English that the Britons then spoke so we end up with this mish mash of a language we call English. And you Sir have the gall to complain that its not spoken correctly!!!
Funny enough, the way the yanks speak the language is closer to the original that ours. 'let go eat' for example translates into Latin far better than our alternatives.
Shouldn't that be "orrible"? (both the Poolie and the French correct pronunciation)
Old joke:
2 French paratroopers talking in a bar,
Para 1: I was at a British Parachute training camp this week it was orrible! (see?)
Para 2: Mon Dieu!
Para 1: This orrible sergeant major took me up a 10ft platform and said "jump". I said I'm a member of the French paratroop regiment this is beneath me.
Para 2: British swine!
Para 1: He then took me up a 20ft platform and said "jump" I said I'm a member of the French paratroop regiment this is beneath me.
Para 2: Orrible!
Para 1: He then took me up in a balloon and said "jump". I said I'm a member of the French paratroop regiment this is beneath me. He then took out his large penis and said that if I did not jump he would shove it right up me!
Para 2: Sacre Bleu! Did you jump?
Para 1: A leetle bit at first.
I'll get me coat.