Let me respond to Carl. Mustafa's response of a thanks without comment
implies a tacit acceptance of the criticisms, but I am not so sure about
one of the criticisms, the one about using words to impress others with
his education. If a native speaker were to use the same words in the
same way that would be likely, but a person who is not a native speaker
and has learned the language with aids like lists of vocabulary words it
is not necessarily the case. I learned Spanish in high school. By the
way, don't ask me to translate any Spanish; it has been too long and I
have forgotten most of it. Aside from the grammar one of the tasks that
took up a lot of time was just memorizing vocabulary lists and the
definitions of each word. I had no idea of just how frequently these
words were used in Spanish and who used them and what substitutes might
be made in which contexts and what the subtle connotations from context
to context might be. I was just taught the words and how to use them for
their most blatant meanings. When I was in college there were a lot of
Nigerian students on campus. English is pretty much the universal
language in Nigeria where there are so many local languages. So pretty
much everyone in Nigeria speaks English. However, Nigerian English is
not American English and it is not British English either. It is
uniquely Nigerian English. Often I would hear Nigerians using words that
are perfectly good English words, but rare. It did often sound like
something of a put on until I noticed that all the Nigerians were using
the same words that I had thought were rare. Apparently they are just
not that rare in Nigerian English. Anyway, I do agree that Mustafa's
English has improved since I first started getting emails from him, but,
of course, it is not perfect. I would be more inclined to think that the
inappropriate use of some words is just ignorance of when and where they
are most appropriate and of which words are best to substitute for them
in the particular contexts in which he uses them. I don't know if I
would suggest more television watching, but I would agree that the
solution is to keep learning the language and improving on communicating
in it. And everything, especially his continued improvement, indicates
that Mustafa is doing just that.
On 8/10/2017 10:36 AM, Bob wrote:
Thanks Carl for your feedback, I appreciate it.
----- Original Message ----- From: "Carl Jarvis" <carjar82@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <blind-democracy@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Cc: "Mostafa" <mostafa.almahdy@xxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, August 10, 2017 4:20 PM
Subject: [blind-democracy] Re: Terror development
Good Thursday morning, Mostafa(Bob),
While you and I have no common ground for discussing an All Wise
Creator, nonetheless, I do want to offer a thought or two regarding
this, and prior offerings you have posted.
While I have seen great progress in your command of the English
language, you appear to have plateaued at a level that is still
difficult to track your intended thoughts. Strictly focusing on the
language, and not the content, I would make a couple of suggestions.
1. Be certain of the words you choose. Often I notice that you
include words that clearly are used to impress readers with your
education. But they are confusing because they have meanings that are
out of place in your writing.
2. Redouble your study of the English language. English is not an
easy language to embrace. So many almost invisible shadings of
meaning. There are English Speaking groups around the world, if you
can find one. Otherwise, English and American TV offers practical
usage...just skip the commercials(smile).
As for what you have titled, An Editorial, well, Mostafa, it is really
a Tirade. In part, I believe that this is due to your need to improve
upon your English skills. But what explodes from out of your writing
is an angry defense of your Faith and of your Culture.
It is difficult at best for we who are deeply committed to our
Beliefs, to be objective. Challenging and boasting only force those
we wish to enlighten, into a angry defensive position of their own
Beliefs. This does not bring us to the conference table where we
might sit together and discuss our differences, and seek ways of
living in peace and respect.
Mostafa, you and I will never convince one another of the "rightnous"
of our Way of Life, but we can learn to respect our differences, and
live in Peace. Do not confuse those Westerners who live under
War-Like governments, with the War Mongers. And please, try hard not
to be a War Monger yourself.
Cordially,
Carl Jarvis
On 8/9/17, Bob <ebob824@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Hello, I just finished rewriting and editing this
thorough editorial on terror development. You may read this carefully and
then, we may discuss. Bob or Mostafa
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