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Most speakers occasionally have problems expressing themselves, are at a loss for words, or make grammar or usage errors. By the definitions set forth in this
by GavinB 17y ago
Most speakers occasionally have problems expressing themselves, are at a loss for words, or make grammar or usage errors.
By the definitions set forth in this article, the majority of native speakers of english aren't fluent. Unless you're applying for a job as a copy editor, lingual effectiveness should be measured by results, not adherence to standards.
"What does it mean to be x" is generally not that useful a question -- you end up quibbling over arbitrary definitions. For examples, grab any introductory textbook to philosophy.
- stcredzero 17y agoMy dad has had some amusing moments being a Korean-born doctor living in a fairly small western Pennsylvania town. He's been working on his English since his early teens, and speaks fluently and without an accent. In fact, he speaks "better" English than many native speakers in the area. One time, preparing for a conference, he wrote in his talk that a certain paper was "seminal." One of his (North American born) nurses read his presentation ahead of time and commented that maybe it wasn't proper to use that word at a conference. (She only knew of the word in the context of "seminal vesicles.")
- edw519 17y ago"he speaks "better" English than many native speakers in the area" Being from western Pennsylvania myself, I can attest that this really isn't that big of an accomplishment. How come yinz aint pounden owrens an watchin de game? De Picksburg Stillers er playin.
- stcredzero 17y agoThings have improved in the Pennsylvania stretch of the Appalachians. Young women now wait til 17 to have their first child.