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Taka Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Which
Differences in verbal and nonverbal systems of language play a major role in intercultural communication. Obviously verbal language differences constitute a major stumbling block. Vocabulary, syntax, idioms, slang, pronunciation and dialects are troublemakers. Occasionally, however, even the best trained foreign language speaker in conversations with a native speaker will need to remind himself that his command of the language is not that of the native. Certain words or phrases may have numerous interpretation and non-native speakers must constantly remind themselves that these variations exist so they do not cling to one meaning regardless of connotation or context. Learning the language, which too many foreigners believe to be the only barrier to understanding, is actually only the beginning. To enter into a different culture, we must be able to sense the special meaning conveyed by space, time, posture, appearance, facial expressions and movements.
About 'which' in bold, what does it refer to? 'Leaning the language' or 'the language' only?
About 'which' in bold, what does it refer to? 'Leaning the language' or 'the language' only?
Top answer
Hi Taka I'd say it should refer to "language". But when you examine the sentence, neither learning a language nor the language itself should be considered as a barrier . It is the lack of knowledge of the language that is a barrier.
- Hi Taka I'd say it should refer to "language".
- But when you examine the sentence, neither learning a language nor the language itself should be considered as a barrier .
- It is the lack of knowledge of the language that is a barrier.
- I suggest changing the wording of the sentence.
- -Lagataw
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8 Answers
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Hi Taka
I'd say it should refer to "language".
But when you examine the sentence, neither learning a language nor the language itself should be considered as a barrier. It is the lack of knowledge of the language that is a barrier. I suggest changing the wording of the sentence.
-Lagataw
I'd say it should refer to "language".
But when you examine the sentence, neither learning a language nor the language itself should be considered as a barrier. It is the lack of knowledge of the language that is a barrier. I suggest changing the wording of the sentence.
-Lagataw
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I've found a similar passage here in a published book. Maybe this is the original and what I have in hand is an edited version of this:
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Sorry it was diddicult to find the passage you're referring to. The 'Find' tab was there but it couldn't seem to locate the passage you're telling me about. The text is quite long and I can't do it (the finding) manually.
Could you just quote that passage?
Could you just quote that passage?
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It's in the highlighted part.
If you cannot still find it there, how about this?
http://www.google.co.jp/search?hl=ja&tbo=1&tbs=bks%3A1&q=%22+Learning+the+language%2C+which+most%22&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=
If you cannot still find it there, how about this?
http://www.google.co.jp/search?hl=ja&tbo=1&tbs=bks%3A1&q=%22+Learning+the+language%2C+which+most%22&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=
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I see...well, in those contexts, the language is clearly the barrier...so again, which describes the language.
By the way, what's your Taka? Takayuki, Takahiko or Takanori or something else?
By the way, what's your Taka? Takayuki, Takahiko or Takanori or something else?
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Initially, I thought that way.
But as you pointed out, language is basically something which breaks through the barrier between people, and that is part of communication.
Well sometimes it might be a barrier, but the problem is that the author says language consists of two kinds of systems, verbal and non-verbal, and to learners verbal language differences such as vocabulary, s
But as you pointed out, language is basically something which breaks through the barrier between people, and that is part of communication.
Well sometimes it might be a barrier, but the problem is that the author says language consists of two kinds of systems, verbal and non-verbal, and to learners verbal language differences such as vocabulary, s
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Hi Taka!
That's exacly the reason why I suggested rewording the clause. But in casual spoken/written English (if there is such a thing as casual written English), the word "language" would most likely imply the phrase 'language barrier'. But then again you don't need to "learn" the "language barrier". I would really rephrase it this way.
That's exacly the reason why I suggested rewording the clause. But in casual spoken/written English (if there is such a thing as casual written English), the word "language" would most likely imply the phrase 'language barrier'. But then again you don't need to "learn" the "language barrier". I would really rephrase it this way.
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