s_k

Haha, have you got autism or something? That's really typical you know.

To me, speaking my own language absolutely perfectly is something worth working for. My dutch is really good. I don't care about vocabulary so much, as long as I can make beautiful sentences. I don't need to know all those 'expensive' words. Less can be more .

It's time to work on my English though, damn .

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Dayvan Cowboy

Neh, I just hate myself and my english mark. I was brought up to know two languages and sometimes I know french better than english, even though french is a second language.

And I failed english this year, with a 59%

s_k

Then you have a good reason to put some energy into that.
But I'm not sure if pure vocabulary is the way to go.
I don't know what part of the language you failed on

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MoonlitSunshine

I'd almost be the opposite to that! Though my reasons for wanting a vocabulary are essentially the same as your reasons to do without, amusingly enough. I feel that people too often use the most common word for a situation so long as it's roughly applicable to what they want to say. Are they truly Hungry, or are they peckish, starving, or positively famished? Personally I feel that Famished is very much more appropriate than saying "Really Hungry", it makes conversation that much more interesting, and adds a little diversity to the dialogue :P

In essence: why use the common word, when a more appropriate, underloved if unusual alternative exists? Less can be more, but when it comes to making beautiful sentences, sometimes the perfect word isn't the first that comes to mind.

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s_k

There's a difference between knowing the right word or overdoing it, ofcourse.
My dutch vocabulary is what I'd call 'overcomplete'.
But I prefer to use words that are simple.
Again I find problems expressing myself in English here. I know what I want to say but I can't translate it properly. I guess what I mean is that I never like to hear people talking in a tone that's too official, too formal, too 'chique' for the occasion. And I don't think any occasion should be chique. I prefer the informal approach in any situation.

Edit: It's hard to understand for people who speak English. But here, we have two word for 'you'. One is 'jij' or 'je', the other is 'U'. 'U' is mainly used in formal conversations or when the person standing in front of you is someone who's obviously older or in a higher 'function'. "Jij" or "Je" is mainly used amongst friends and family.

Maybe Dayvan Cowboy can explain this, as he's bilingual.
Toasty, could you explain to the english speaking people here, the difference between "Tu" et "Vous"?

Anyway, I refuse to say "U" .

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Dayvan Cowboy

Vous - Usually referring to a group of people. For example, a teacher would say "vous" when referring to his/her class.

Tu - is pretty much just saying "you", like in "tu est..." or whatever.

s_k

Ah, I don't know about canada, but you can also use "vous" to a single person.
Like "Vous avez une voiture?".
Know what I mean?

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Dayvan Cowboy

I don't think Canada uses it that way. I've never heard it used that way, and I've been with lots of frech canadians.

MoonlitSunshine

Ah I know what you mean, I've studied a fair few languages, and had to sing in several more; the idea of u and je is familiar to me (partly because I have a fair few dutch friends!). I would agree with you in that informal tends to be much more flowing, less rigid, and more... warmth, perhaps?

There are occasions that formal language can lead to more beautiful phrasing, certain poets would use it almost to excess, but I do agree with you in that informal is (generally!) more fun, I had misunderstood what you meant the first time.

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s_k

You got the point .

The problem is, I don't like to think as anyone 'deserving' to be treated better, more formal. I like to think everyone is the same, disregarding age, status, education, whatever.
So... no 'u' for me

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