Language Barriers

by The Philosophical Fish

I love language, particularly when I can interpret it. What fascinates me the most is how so many of us around the world speak such different versions of the same language….namely English. There are such striking similarities and differences between British English, Canadian English and America English that I picked up a few books last week to delve into them.

The first is a great little book called “Only in Canada, You Say” by Catherine Barber. What a great little read this is. You’ll find yourself thinking “Really? That’s a Canadianism?” It’s a humourous ride through our language and how we use similar words for very different purposes. Well worth a read.
Knickers in a Twist – A Dictionary of British Slang by Jonathan Bernstein is another great read. Have you ever had a conversation with a Brit and felt like you are two individuals ostensibly speaking the same language…but you can’t understand half of what the other is saying?

Well here you go then, a great little guide on what those odd euphemisms mean.