Is your language simple enough to be understood by all?
By zandi458
@zandi458 (28102)
Malaysia
March 8, 2009 4:08am CST
Mylot is all about communications and friendships. But how far can you reach to all in your communications? It is essential that we present ourselves as simple as possible in the English language so that we can be easily understood by all as mylot is far reaching and it goes as far as the internet can reach in every corner of the globe.
Not many are proficient in English and are trying their best to read you and response to you but presenting yourself in ways that are hard for non native speakers to understand is only creating a barrier and does not benefit either side. Communication in mylot needs to be more realistic and should have a fair amount of considerations for the needs of others whose mother's tongue is not english. To think before we write, would add weight to our words and changes need to be made if possible to avoid using bombastic words and less use of journalistic English. This discussion arise when a person said that he wanted very much to response to many discussions but he can't understand them well. Since I do not want to be misunderstood, I believe in the use of words that are as simple as ABC but couldn't understand what is it that is so difficult to understand. Reading the works of talented writers here (many here) everyday, I have learnt to accept that avoiding exaggeration and using simple language, communications becomes easy, powerful and enjoyable.
How do your rate your writings in mylot?
How do your rate your writings in mylot?10 people like this
34 responses
@jbrooks0127 (2324)
• United States
10 Mar 09
I am unfortunately, one of those ugly Americans that never bothered to learn another language. Or proper grammar for that matter. This I regret, but then I am not sure that I would ever use it unless it were Spanish of course.
I feel I am living proof that knowing only one language does not guarantee that you will be good at it. Having read several of your posts it is clear that you are very good at it and take pride, as you should, in being able to express yourself well.
That is as it should be. But your point is well taken. When I look at what I write and try to see it through the eyes of someone who knows English as a second or third language why it may be difficult to understand. And I am not very good at it.
It would seem, as your first responder said, that shorter paragraphs may be better.
Each thought may stand out better that way.
This is a great post, as are all of yours, and one for everyone to pay close attention to. I will try to do just that.
2 people like this
@zandi458 (28102)
• Malaysia
21 Mar 09
You know I am writing in a foreign language in mylot, a language I pick up during my school days and am competing with the native speakers. So I need to express myself well so that the discussions are clear and understood by all. I am very fortunate that I learned other languages besides English and that includes chinese and french. I give up on french as this language is very confusing but my command of chinese is no different from the native speakers of this language.
@jshekhar (1562)
• India
10 Mar 09
Hello Zandi,
You are so right! I try to keep my language as simple as possible because I understand that there are many people here who are not experts in English and I do not use words that they might find difficult to understand.
Actually, when you read a discussion, you get a fair idea of the proficiency level of the person in the language. Thus, I try to post accordingly. At times I end up using too simple words but that is the best way to go about for me. There is no point in using refined English if the person fails to understand it.
2 people like this
@balasri (26537)
• India
29 Mar 09
Well I am confident of my communication skill.I never use the big flowery ornamental words to prove anything.I just try to be as simple as I can.The main idea is to drive our point without boring the listener or reader.Well What is your opinion about my language please?I can always improve myself on your suggestions.
1 person likes this
@zandi458 (28102)
• Malaysia
29 Mar 09
I think I need to learn more from you then giving out my verdicts. You are very transparent as far as words you put across in your response here. I have no doubt that you are a thinker and a good writer as well. By the figures besides your name it speaks volume. I am only a learner in this trade and wish to interact with people of your caliber. Thanks for coming to my post and hope this will be the beginning of a great interaction between us.
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
9 Mar 09
I try to use simplest of the language. I know that my expressions should be clearly understood by others. Till I am able to make others understand my point of view, a discussion cannot proceed to its logical conclusion. I am very sure that whatever I wish to convey through my humble and simple languague is amply understood by my dear friends here. If after submission, I find that there are some typographical errors, I try to clear that also. I find most of the friends here use simple and easy to understood languauge and they succeed in conveying their emotions and feelings to us (including me). In my entire tenure here, I have not come across a single episode, where I misundertood the other fellow or vice versa because of language.
About you & your languauge- You use beautiful and wonderful languague in your posts and I always try to learn from your post. Rather, those who I wish to learn, how to post a quality discussion or response, they should take a leaf from you.
@zandi458 (28102)
• Malaysia
9 Mar 09
Actually I don't have much problem communicating in this language as it is widely spoken in my circle of friends and family but what made me say here is someone commented on my discussions that I should write simpler words to their level. Which I think is only fair I voice it out here in open so that it benefits all. There are of course many good writers here who are very good with their words and expressions. They are used to that kind of writings and could not revert to simpler form of communication for the benefit of mylot readers from the non english speaking world. Common on dpk, mine is still below the mark and hopefully I can learn from those established writers. Mylot is my training ground. LOL
1 person likes this
@dpk262006 (58675)
• Delhi, India
9 Mar 09
Actually, it is I who is learning from you. And I agree with you that simpler is your language, more it will be understood by others. I can vouch for you and can say that you know how, when and where to use which kind of language, you have mastered this art and you know the magic of using powerful words.
1 person likes this
@zandi458 (28102)
• Malaysia
9 Mar 09
It is only you giving me praises after praises which makes my head bigger and bigger. But honestly I have learned from real life experience in my business when I try to push sales I tend to sweet talk the customers and make them feel at home in my joint. Talking everyday trained my mind and skill in the art of public relations. It is the same thing here. I plan out what I want to say and add spice up my words a bit to trap the readers mind. Finally secret revealed....
sssshhhh...I hope nobody read this except you...1 person likes this
@bombshell (11256)
• Germany
8 Mar 09
good point zandi.well i am not good in english but i understand but this bombastic words i tried to ignore because this is open discussion and everyone has different opinions.about ratings?hmmmmm good question.sometimes i dont do because i forget and sometimes i always in a hurry depends the time too but dont worry from now on i will rate but to the person who is nice to em of course i rate possitive
i tried to ignore because this is open discussion and everyone has different opinions.about ratings?hmmmmm good question.sometimes i dont do because i forget and sometimes i always in a hurry depends the time too but dont worry from now on i will rate but to the person who is nice to em of course i rate possitive2 people like this
@krajibg (11923)
• Guwahati, India
8 Mar 09
Hi Zandi! I am te poor man too became a target here.
But I have been too simple even for a lay man to understand my English. If communication fails the whole purpose of the event fails. Many people do not follow others' English for they use many a phrasal verbs and adverbial and some others tend to use figurative English. And ironically the non speakes of English do not follow what it was.
On the flip side I feel one should at the same time try to improve on their English and find this site a good one to help one learn really good English.
But I have been too simple even for a lay man to understand my English. If communication fails the whole purpose of the event fails. Many people do not follow others' English for they use many a phrasal verbs and adverbial and some others tend to use figurative English. And ironically the non speakes of English do not follow what it was.
On the flip side I feel one should at the same time try to improve on their English and find this site a good one to help one learn really good English.
have been " I feel I am too a poor creature to become a target here"@zandi458 (28102)
• Malaysia
9 Mar 09
Of course not, I didn't target you. I know very well you are an English lecturer and your command of this language is excellent. Because a friend wrote it in his response in my discussion so I came up with this idea. I hope you're not offended.
1 person likes this
@Lakota12 (42600)
• United States
8 Mar 09
My rating in writting is pretty bad as I tend to not use a word like you I say ya.
and I am sure othre words too I tend to talk the sort of slang that I grew up with.
If they dont understand me I try to break it down more.
Adn seeem to get along well with all my friends . Ihope!
1 person likes this
@ahgong (10064)
• Singapore
16 Mar 09
So far, since my involvement in mylot started, I have yet to meet with anyone who had trouble understanding my discussions and postings.
I try to keep things simple as much as possible as that is the best way to bring across an idea or a thought.
Trying to use bombardstic words when forming a sentence is not only tiring, it could come across as being snobbish as well.
SO keeping it simple is best!
@zandi458 (28102)
• Malaysia
21 Mar 09
ahgong...you are always good in your words and ideas. Your English is good if not better then the native speakers. I think my discussions are simple and well understood too . This can be seen from the responses I got. Each time when it hits the roof I know they understood my discussions well.
1 person likes this
@mysdianait (66009)
• Italy
8 Mar 09
Very good point zandi!
I write very much like I speak and hope that others will understand what I am saying. When I am responding to a user who is not using English as his first language and it comes scross in what is written then I try and write as simply as possible to be understood. I am not using English daily offline and I've forgotten many of the words that an English person would use to describe certain things. Mine are much more basic.
I really sincerely hope that all, especially those who have difficulty in English, can understand what I write.
1 person likes this
@mysdianait (66009)
• Italy
9 Mar 09
They might understand me but....
too many think I am a man recently 
1 person likes this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
8 Mar 09
i'll turnit around on you. how do you rate my writings? i write just like i talk. hope it's easily understood by all. i'm sure i use local words that may not be understood by all.
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
9 Mar 09
thank you. wasn't fishng for compliments knew you'd give me an honest answer. hope u had a good weekend. hope your week is even better,
1 person likes this
@sanuanu (11235)
• India
10 Mar 09
I am just opposite to you. Even if my language would look simple but I always wants to use those huge and heavy words to add impression to my discussions but for that I need to know the exact way of using them. Till date I didn't use any of them because I am afraid, wrong use of them could lead to insult this beautiful language.
About rating, I would rate me 4/10 here at mylot. I consider myself just a beginner specialy this language. If you talk about my mother tongue then I can rate it 8/10. Although I can't post any discussion in my mother tongue!
1 person likes this
@zandi458 (28102)
• Malaysia
10 Mar 09
Be brave sanuanu, everybody make mistakes. You learn from mistakes. Just string up all the words and let it fall beautifully in your sentences. Who cares if you make mistakes. Afterall we are not competing against each other and there are no prizes for grabs.
1 person likes this
@maygodblessu44 (7336)
• India
8 Mar 09
Hello my friend zandi458 Ji,
You are very much right, we should use language to communicate our feelings and never
to judge ability of others to understand. I have found that at times, we come across,
not english , but Latin & Greek. Let's avoid. What following says about basic English
language :
http://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basic_English
[b]"Basic English is a made-up language written by Charles Kay Ogden. The idea of Basic
English is to use easy words to explain harder thoughts.
Basic English ("British American Scientific International Commercial") has 850 basic
words. From the 850 words, 600 are names of things. Most of the words can be learned
using pictures. 150 are words to describe things (adjectives) and to describe verbs
(adverbs). The last 100 words are verbs and conjunctions. Verbs are words that show
actions, and conjunctions are words that help put sentences together"[/b].
Let's use simple sentences and not complex/compound.
May god bless you and have a great time.
1 person likes this
@maygodblessu44 (7336)
• India
9 Mar 09
[b]Hello my friend zandi458 Ji,
and dpk262006 Ji,[/b]So nice of you for your positive comments . may god bles syou and have a great time.
@kirei24 (251)
• Philippines
3 Apr 09
You are right. Using complicated words will just make the conversation and discussion more difficult to understand. If you want others opinion in your discussion here, using simple and common english words will helps a lot. Posters here are composed not only of native english speakers but also of different nationalities which have thier own language. =)
1 person likes this
@kalav56 (11464)
• India
11 Mar 09
I write simple English and take care to see that there are no glaring mistakes. Sometimes, there are typos and I have stopped fretting over this ever since a friend assured me in this forum that there is nothing drastic in a typo or two between friends.
However, I can understand the person's comment[that you had mentioned] because what we perceive as simple is complicated to some people.It all depends on the level of their familiarity with the language.As a teacher, I know how much some of my students struggled to write a few sentences of good English.Their level of exposure is so poor that they cannot comprehend the simplest of concepts or words.However, when we post ordinary topics or give very simple answers, I am sure people do comprehend.And it has really not much to do with journalistic English as just a vocabulary that is above average.
1 person likes this
@zandi458 (28102)
• Malaysia
21 Mar 09
The simpler the better. You are at an advantage as you are a teacher and English is your medium of teaching. Unlike my case where I have to struggle sometimes to get my ideas across. I come from a country where English is not the medium of communication. Fortunately, people do understand me well as much as I understand them. But for the benefits of those who are still learning this language, it is good that we make our language simpler to accommodate their level of proficiency.
@sukumar794 (5040)
• Thiruvananthapuram, India
16 Mar 09
As for my vernacular tongue, MALAYALAM, it is perhaps the toughest among Indian languages to learn.The language has borrowed heavily from other Dravidian language.Besides elements of Indo-Aryan, loan words from languages around the world abound in it.A second language learner finds it hard to gain mastery over the language.
1 person likes this
@zandi458 (28102)
• Malaysia
21 Mar 09
We have many Indians here and can never figure out what they are talking. Yes, I believe Indian languages are the most difficult language to learn. They speak with much expressive action like moving the head and hands while talking. But my friend who is married to an Indian speaks the language fluently.
@Vladilyich1 (1454)
• Canada
10 Mar 09
Simple is better for understanding any language. My native language is English, which is quite difficult and ambiguous for a non-native speaker. Words are not pronounced as they are written and many have four or five different meanings for a particular spelling. I like Russian because it is very straightforward in both meaning and spelling. The alphabet is phonetic; if you can pronounce a word you can spell it. Many of the unnecessary pieces of English are nonexistant, such as articles (a, an, the) and the verb "to be". The differenc e between an exclamatory sentence and a question is only in the inflection given when spoken.
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
21 Mar 09
My English is simple enough for a 5 years old to understand.
I believe a great lecturer is able to complain a difficult complex in such a way that even a 5 years old can understand.
Once during a Biology class, the lesson was the cell, all the components of the cell, function of cell wall with all those boring names. Our lecturer was fantastic, she's doctorate holder and very good teacher. She liken a single cell to a city, with city wall.
The 3 hours lecture was very enjoyable, we learnt how the cell get rid of waste through the blood stream, how the food for the city was admitted into the cell. We learnt the defense mechanism of the cell, and how HIV virus tricked the command centre of the cell and conquered the cell.
Even a 5 years old can understand. Guess what, all of us scored above 80% in the examination, which is a fantastic mark for tertiary level.
1 person likes this
@iloveorange05 (127)
• Philippines
10 Mar 09
Hello there.. As a Filipino and my mother's tongue is not in english.. I really do my best to keep my english communication and grammar understood by all.. I would rate 5.5 my writings here in mylot..
have a nice day..
1 person likes this
@a638000 (219)
• China
10 Mar 09
lol.. i am a new in here . also a new to write in English . I am chinese. i think the language should use to make friends and communicate each other .it not need too difficult to understand,hehe , i want to making friends from mylot and learning English too.
enjoy mylotting !! welcome to my discussions!!!
1 person likes this
