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In a message dated 98-07-13 15:05:57 EDT, you write:
<<
While this may be a light-hearted [NPI] example, the language
peculiarities in places like Quebec, where English ends up being
adapted for bilingual use, is a perfect example. A light is "closed" or
"shut" (more closely resembling the French equivalent (fermez les
lumiares). It's been 6 years out of Quebec after a 20-year stint there,
and while I catch myself before saying or writing "shoot it out" (i.e.
throw it [in the trash]), I still have to think twice before deciding
agsint "closing the cupboard" (shutting the closet door) or "open and
close the lights".
>>
In my honest opinion, in technical writing, the use of slang or jargon should
be avoided. The former at all times and the latter as much as possible. This
is regardless of English being the first or the second language.
Knowing Quebec (and France) very well, I'm certain that if you wrote an
English language handbook for anglophones that it would not be read by
francophones, because they would have their own version.
I don't think that we should be confused with the use of ESL theories in
technical writing.
"Eric" I hope that you can see that these topics are tech. writing-related to
some people becoming involved for the 1st time with bilingual publishing, but
I'd be de-lighted to take it off-list.
