Quilt Mom

Maksi, you are doing well! There have been a lot of good suggestions before my comment. So I won't add to the suggestions. I empathize with you. My sweetheart was learning (American) English when I met him several years ago. And that was after having learned (British) English for several years in school in his home country! We do have some unique terms.

Don't be afraid to ask what is meant by something someone writes.

You do a wonderful job communicating. I hope we hear more from you.

MadQuilter

My native language is German, so I know what you are saying. Your writing is really very good, and none of us know how long you sit there and look things up.

If I run across something that doesn't make sense, I'll send you a pm.

You may like this little story: A German lady from another forum was invited to a potluck. She didn't know what that meant, so she asked her friend what she should bring. Her friend answered "just bring your favorite dish." She went to the potluck carrying her favorite green plate - empty. She did not know that "dish" means prepared food. She only knew "dish" as the serving plate. She also did not know that a potluck was a food-based get-together where everyone brings their favorite food to share.

janRN

Maksi: we quilters all speak the same language any way so we do understand what you're writing. Keep practicing with us and ask any questions you can think of!

Maksi

Madquilter, that is so funny!

First of al I want thank you all so much for the kind words, it helps me carry on writing here. You are all so friendly and helpfull and I'm so glad I found this board! :)

We have a lot of American shows on Dutch tv but there is always subtitling. I do also watch German tv, Britsh tv, French and Spanish tv. On those there is no subtitling. And yes you are all right, it helps to learn the language. My Spanish gets better and better!

I tell a little story too, about myself couple of years ago when the children were little...
----We live in the Netherlands and in those years we traveled a lot to the South of France. I do speak France a little bit.(and German and Spanish too)
The children, the eldest was 9 years old, were tired and hungry. And there was a Quick around.( A Quick is a French MacDonalds or Burger KIng) We ordered french fries and milkshakes. But there were no straws with the shakes. I walked back to the counter and wanted to ask for straws....but i didn't know the word in French so I asked in English. The French employes did not understand a word I said in English and the children were shouting they want there straws. So I tried to talk with my hands and pretend to drink a milkshake....I don't have to tell you what that was look like!!! BIG BIG mistake. The French employees were laughing so loud they rolled on the floor!!!!

The next day I went to a Hypermarche, a kind of Wallmart and asked an employe what a straw in French is. Paille...never ever never forget it! Because if you do, you look like a fool, just like me..:)))

Shemjo

You write very well, indeed! I do not have any language skills for other than English. I enjoyed being in England to hear real English! And I enjoy American English! If you have concerns, just ask! I have been heartily impressed with all you have written! I find it easy to understand what you have to say.

redquilter

Your English is just wonderful. As some of the others said, American English is really a difficult language, but you're doing very well. No problem understanding you at all. Very few Americans are well versed in a second language. So be proud of yourself.

Lisa_wanna_b_quilter

I have a very good friend that is Japanese. She came to the USA as an exchange student years ago and now lives and works here. Her biggest problem is subject/verb agreement. That seems to be a big problem for many non-native English speakers.

Also, as a non-native English speaker you need to be watchful of leaving out words like "a", "an", and "be". That seems to confuse people.

In general, you do very well. I would be delighted to speak a second language as well as you do. In the future, if I see any big mistakes in your writing I will let you know.

Ninnie

Your writing is great!

wichypoo

Maksi, honey you are at the right place we will have you talking slang in no time. I hope you know that you are clear in your messages, just relax and bee yourself. I talk and write like a "hillbilly" but I am one with a college degree. We all have out special way of communication.

barnbum

Oh gosh--your use of the language is wonderful! Bravo to you!