I think I know why I admire Prince Harry.

[Amina Sopwith]

1 hour ago, AdrianCoffin said:

 I actually smirked to myself when the dead prince died almost a month after these allegations of racism. 

They said that it wasn't the Queen or Prince Philip who had made the comments.

(I know, I was surprised too. We all assumed it was Philip and it might have been better for their PR if they had let us believe it. But they said it wasn't.)

[RunawayBunny]

I did some "googling" to understand existence of royal family (trying learn, understand) found a source not sure if it is legit.

https://www.royal.uk/role-monarchy

"In a monarchy, a king or queen is Head of State. The British Monarchy is known as a constitutional monarchy. This means that, while The Sovereign is Head of State, the ability to make and pass legislation resides with an elected Parliament.

Although The Sovereign no longer has a political or executive role, he or she continues to play an important part in the life of the nation.

As Head of State, The Monarch undertakes constitutional and representational duties which have developed over one thousand years of history. In addition to these State duties, The Monarch has a less formal role as 'Head of Nation'. The Sovereign acts as a focus for national identity, unity and pride; gives a sense of stability and continuity; officially recognises success and excellence; and supports the ideal of voluntary service."

Too much complicated for me, I'll show myself out.

[Amina Sopwith]

Yes, that's all correct. We are a constitutional monarchy and that's what it means. Though as PPs have said, they certainly do have influence through their wealth and profile. 

That is also why, while all the criticisms of monarchy are entirely valid, I'm less worried about constitutional monarchy than I am about the PM being able to put his mates and supporters in the House of Lords.

 

[Sid Nagy]

The simple fact that monarchs have private conversations with the PM on a regular basis gives them already more influence than every Joe or Joyce Avarage in the country.

Edited April 14, 2021 by Sid Nagy
The use of then and than is tricky for Dutch people.

[Sid Nagy]

- oops posted something in the wrong thread -

Edited April 14, 2021 by Sid Nagy

[Phil Deakins]

14 minutes ago, Sid Nagy said:

The use of then and than is tricky for Dutch people.

I imagine it can be. Unfortunately some native english speakers use 'then' when it should be 'than', and actually think it's correct. I've always assumed that it's down to where they live in U.S. If I'm not mistaken, in some parts, the word 'than' is pronounced as though it is spelt 'then', and a few people just don't manage to learn it.

It's similar with New Zealand people, who often pronounce the letter 'e' as an 'i'; e.g. 'bed' sounds like 'bid'. But they don't get the spelling wrong

Edited April 14, 2021 by Phil Deakins

[Love Zhaoying]

Harry being the topic, and all..

[Phil Deakins]

I think Al Jolson was referring to Harry Linden who, unfortunately, is no longer with LL. He was one of the good ones.

Edited April 14, 2021 by Phil Deakins

[Sid Nagy]

5 minutes ago, Phil Deakins said:

I imagine it can be. Unfortunately some native english speakers use 'then' when it should be 'than', and actually think it's correct. I've always assumed that it's down to where they live in U.S. If I'm not mistaken, in some parts, the word 'than' is pronounced as though it is spelt 'then', and a few people just don't manage to learn it.

It's similar with New Zealand people, who often pronounce the letter 'e' as an 'i'; e.g. 'bed' sounds like 'bid'. But they don't get the spelling wrong

For both then and than we only have one word in Dutch: dan.
That makes it a bit complicated. But I do my best and Google is my friend when in doubt.

Edited April 14, 2021 by Sid Nagy

[Anna Nova]

1 hour ago, Sid Nagy said:

For both then and than we only have one word in Dutch: dan.
That makes it a bit complicated. But I do my best and Google is my friend when in doubt.

I'll stew beef.  Sorry hijacked a thread...alstublieft or alsjeblieft.

I think the English have more trouble with Dutch than vice versa.  All the Dutch and Flemish people I know have terrific command of English.  Very few native English speakers can speak ANY other language.

[Amina Sopwith]

54 minutes ago, Anna Nova said:

Very few native English speakers can speak ANY other language.

This is sadly true, and I'll hold my hands up to it. I learned a couple of other languages at school, and I did well there, but I was certainly never anywhere near fluent and I've forgotten a lot of them now. I've never had any natural aptitude for languages, though I wish I had. 

But in our limited defence, English is the most widely spoken language in the world so it makes more sense to learn it for most people. Also, if lots of major, international films, songs and TV programmes were in another language (with subtitles on screens), it would make it easier to learn.

I had a conversation once with a Thai lady who was very self conscious and apologetic about her English. It was a darn sight better than my Thai...

[Phil Deakins]

As Amina pointed out, English is the most widely spoken language in the world, but it's not just that. Since the advent, and massive spread, of the web, it's become almost a necessity for way more non-English speaking people to learn English.

We native English speakers are very lucky indeed.