← All themes
English as She Is Spoke · Theme
Cultural Misunderstanding
How English as She Is Spoke develops Cultural Misunderstanding.
The author's attempt to create a practical conversation guide results in bizarre and inaccurate representations of English culture, including odd vocabulary lists like 'Chinaman' as a trade and 'The quater-grandfather' as a family relation.
Where it surfaces
- Familiar Phrases
The phrases reveal a deep misunderstanding of English idioms and cultural norms, e.g., 'He laughs at my nose, he jest by me' and 'I have put my stockings outward.'
- Familiar Dialogues
The author's attempt to render English phrases reveals deep confusion about idiomatic expressions and social norms.
- Familiar Letters
The attempt to render French epistolary conventions into English results in nonsensical expressions, revealing a deep cultural gap.