I'd like to comment on two examples of "shared understanding." Both of them have to do with technology. Firstly, think about the amount of keys a keyboard has.
In the picture above we can see, for instance, the key labelled "shift." What are we supposed to do? Shifting the computer? We could analyze any key likewise.
A clearer example is a computer mouse. When we say "take your mouse and click on this link," do we mean grasping a rodent?
This sentence could be interpreted in two different ways. One could be that you have to carry your dog when you are on the escalator. On the other hand, the another interpretation is that in order to use the escalator you have to carry a dog.
Last weekend, when I was coming back home from Carnival, I was stopped by the police. They were breath testing people so they gave me this white thing that goes on the top of the machine (I don't know how it's called in English). It came wrapped in plastic and on the wrapping, it was written: "sterilized" but, what is supposed to be sterilized? The paper or the plastic tool?
I have opened up a new section in the general forum of virtual campus, where I have uploaded a very funny video with a table explaining the double meanings related to the world of IT (Information Technology).
1. "War doesn't determine who's right. War determines who's left." 2. No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery 3. The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert. 4. Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present. 5. I did not object to the object. 6. There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.
"John saw the man with binoculars" could mean that John observed the man by using binoculars; or it could mean that John observed a man who was holding binoculars.
In the last presentation from Chinese- English variety, we,my mates and me, found a lot of examples from pragmatics, with the symbols and the translation below. Obviously, these translations were wrong. One example is: "Sleep carefully" instead of "Be careful not to sleep and fall"
I'd like to comment on two examples of "shared understanding." Both of them have to do with technology. Firstly, think about the amount of keys a keyboard has.
ResponderEliminarhttp://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/09/Keyboard-left_keys.jpg/220px-Keyboard-left_keys.jpg
In the picture above we can see, for instance, the key labelled "shift." What are we supposed to do? Shifting the computer? We could analyze any key likewise.
A clearer example is a computer mouse. When we say "take your mouse and click on this link," do we mean grasping a rodent?
Ji,ji,ji... I liked the mouse one :)
Eliminarhttp://farm1.staticflickr.com/73/152766665_e97d121e5a.jpg
ResponderEliminarA: Is it the exit for fire?
B: No, in case of fire, you have to exit through this door.
very cunning :)
EliminarThis road is forbidden for black and red cars:
ResponderEliminarhttp://4.bp.blogspot.com/-azhs4Ck6Clw/Ti_6fmjsD_I/AAAAAAAAATo/iekFlxU_YQA/s1600/noadelantarcaminodecabras.jpg
Good point!
EliminarI found in a museum a sign saying "Access restricted to unauthorized personal", so those who are not authorized are the ones who can pass through it?
ResponderEliminarPS I cannot upload any image to the blog, where is the option?
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ResponderEliminarThis sentence could be interpreted in two different ways. One could be that you have to carry your dog when you are on the escalator. On the other hand, the another interpretation is that in order to use the escalator you have to carry a dog.
ResponderEliminarhttp://img220.imageshack.us/img220/4008/dogscarriedsign.jpg
Hadn't thought about it before :)
EliminarLast weekend, when I was coming back home from Carnival, I was stopped by the police. They were breath testing people so they gave me this white thing that goes on the top of the machine (I don't know how it's called in English). It came wrapped in plastic and on the wrapping, it was written:
ResponderEliminar"sterilized" but, what is supposed to be sterilized? The paper or the plastic tool?
both?
EliminarI have opened up a new section in the general forum of virtual campus, where I have uploaded a very funny video with a table explaining the double meanings related to the world of IT (Information Technology).
ResponderEliminarSome double meaning sentences:
ResponderEliminar1. "War doesn't determine who's right. War determines who's left."
2. No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery
3. The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
4. Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.
5. I did not object to the object.
6. There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.
Here you have an image of a Sesame Street toy which needs to cRap your hands to work, instead of cLap you hands.
ResponderEliminarhttp://themarketingsnack.com/tag/advertising-fails/
Thanks so much :)
ResponderEliminarThis is what happens with Pragmatics over the phone: quite funny.
ResponderEliminarhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHnleOQAeh0
In my workplace there is a sing saying:
ResponderEliminar"No apoyar los pies en la pared fumar y dialogar en el patio"
When I saw it for the first time I got confused because smoking and talking in the patio was allowed.
It could be interpreted as a prohibition for all those actions.
"John saw the man with binoculars" could mean that John observed the man by using binoculars; or it could mean that John observed a man who was holding binoculars.
ResponderEliminarIn the last presentation from Chinese- English variety, we,my mates and me, found a lot of examples from pragmatics, with the symbols and the translation below. Obviously, these translations were wrong.
ResponderEliminarOne example is: "Sleep carefully" instead of "Be careful not to sleep and fall"