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From: hinsenk@cyclone.ERE.UMontreal.CA (Hinsen Konrad)
Subject: Re: Languages in the EC
In-Reply-To: dik@cwi.nl's message of Sun, 5 Feb 1995 00:05:48 GMT
Message-ID: <HINSENK.95Feb5101511@cyclone.ERE.UMontreal.CA>
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Organization: Universite de Montreal
References: <3gsl5g$8m@mordred.cc.jyu.fi> <791835890snz@storcomp.demon.co.uk>
	<D3I2xo.99D@cwi.nl>
Date: Sun, 5 Feb 1995 15:15:11 GMT
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In article <D3I2xo.99D@cwi.nl> dik@cwi.nl (Dik T. Winter) writes:

    > I would guess that Esperanto would be easier to learn than English as
    > it is more regular. 
    > 
   I do not think so.  In many European countries foreign films and shows
   are subtitled, not dubbed.  Moreover, currently there is a tendency in
   those countries that dub films and shows to also broadcast the original
   soundtrack.  As most foreign films and shows use English (or American),
   most children will have heard a lot of English before they are very old.
   Hearing a lot helps learning, at least learning enough to communicate.

Dubbing is a standard practice in all countries with a more widespread
language. In Germany and France for example, you can find dubbed movies
everywhere and subtitled originals only in exceptional circumstances.

Besides, your argument would be valid for any language, not just for
English. It is not a god-given fact that most movies are in English.
It is just an expression of the fact that currently the USA produce
more successful movies than any other country. That can change, and
such coincidences should not be the basis for deciding about the
linguistic future of Europe.

Finally, hearing helps a lot for understanding, but doesn't improve
your speaking abilities at all. I know many people who can follow
an American movie, but not even order a meal in a restaurant (at
least if it more complicated than a Hamburger...).

--
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Konrad Hinsen                     | E-Mail: hinsenk@ere.umontreal.ca
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