What You May Not Do Best

[digitS']

I don't hear well. If I learn a new word, I don't know how to pronounce it. This has gone on so long that I really feel that it limits my choice of words and it begins to be reflected in my writing, as well. I believe that we think mostly with words - talking things over with ourselves. But, that's another issue .

My research waaay back in college was greatly aided by a pair of linguists. It wasn't that I was studying language but that they knew so well how to study people. I mean, without getting too much into people's heads as the psychologists do - Getting others to talk about what they do and what they think about it. That's what I was interested in .

But, I don't hear well! I didn't hear well in high school, began wearing hearing aids in college. Still, I'm interested in what others think, say and do. If given enough verbal examples, I pick a few things up ... the old story of the blind hog finding the occasional acorn .

Here's something that I've picked up over the last few years and a new look at it: The Totally "Destructive" (yet oddly instructive) Speech Patterns of ... Young Women?

It isn't quite what I expected and is youthful and fun so, I thought I'd share it. And, to be certain that I finish every paragraph in this TEG post with a smiley on this rainy morning: .

digitS'

 

[journey11]

Once I was mercilessly scorned for mispronouncing quinoa.

I always look up new words on www.dictionary.com now and hit the button where you can hear it spoken. They also show the phonetic spelling, which you can make out if you know what the marks mean. Ava and I just got into it this morning over how to pronounce "ramen" noodles. Yup, looked it up online and I was right.

 

[Nyboy]

Ramen noodles staple of every young person leaving parents home for 1st time

 

[ducks4you]

Invoice.

 

[seedcorn]

Anyone that (in Ernest) ridicules someone for mispronouncing a word, are anal and to be avoided at all costs. A simple correction is appreciated. Now, if it is friend, GAME ON!!!!

 

[baymule]

Steve, I wouldn't worry too much about the correct pronunciation of a word. Heck I can hear and the mangled words that come out of my mouth are astounding! Between the Texas accent and the Southern accent, fancy words don't stand a chance with me!

 

[digitS']

I used to tease my first wife.

When she whispered "sweet nothings" in my ear, I told her that was exactly what I heard.

There is some value as a resistance to persuasion.

Steve