Friday 24 September 2010

Sprechen Sie Englisch?

Yes, and only English especially if celebrating the European 'day of languages':
Babel-like EU, with its 23 official languages and over 40 regional tongues, on Thursday marked an upcoming "European Day of Languages" with a speech delivered essentially in English.

The European Commission spokesman announcing Sunday's ode to multilingualism -- highlighting the benefits of languages for small businesses -- kicked off his speech in English, but on hearing sighs at a media briefing peopled by many nationalities tried his hand at other tongues.

His go at German, French, Spanish, Italian and Polish won applause for a good try but grins for below-par pronunciation.

Likewise the statement announcing the multilingual celebration was posted in all European Union languages but the calendar only in English.

1 comment:

  1. Parlez-vous Francais-fiddle?

    I think the French would rather invade England again than accept English as the EU language.

    Or rather, they'd agree to it - and then ignore it: c'est la methode traditionelle.
    http://nbyslog.blogspot.com/2010/09/french-without-tears-not-for-much.html

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