English (was Re: A few hums)

[Randy Bush]

glad to provide a soapbox for your ongoing demagoguery, dave.  but
do you have anything actually constructive to contribute?

randy

> RB> if we think we can solve the global multi-language/culture problem,
> RB> why the heck don't we get real and work on world hunger and peace?
> 
> 1. No one said "solve".
> 
> 2. Thanks. Your responding with insulting hyperbole provides an
> excellent demonstration of one of the "cultural" concerns that needs to
> be worked on within the IETF. It is especially helpful to see that sort
> of supportive contribution from an Area Director.
> 
> 
> RB> let's face it, we live in a multi-lingual world, embarrassingly,
> RB> american has become the lingua franca of our technology.  there
> RB> are some simple (but hard) things folk can do to make themselves
> RB> easier to understand, speak slowly and clearly, use no idioms,
> RB> have clear slides which help folk read along, etc.
> 
> Oh.  Nice of you to acknowledge that perhaps some things can be done.
> 
> If everyone had your prior knowledge and distinctive sensitivity to
> linguistic and cultural issues, then the topic would not have come up.
> 
> I guess it is ok to remind people to turn off mobile phones and pagers,
> but not to provide them with guidance about a speaking style that might
> be helpful to non-native English listeners.
> 
> d/