Liverpool FC Forum

Posted: **Fri Oct 17, 2008 8:25 am**

As I said in my introduction, I recently started reading Dutch and English at the University of Antwerp.
For one of our classes (formal writing) we need to do a little test and their is one question I absolutely can't answer and then I thought of this forum full of Reds who have been speaking English since the day they were born so I really would appreciate your help.

P.S. I only have one hour left before I have to hand this in :help

The following text is excerpted from a short student essay. Which of the elements below are NOT appropriate in this (formal writing) context?

In a bilingual country, such as Belgium, identity will always be a hot topic. Historically speaking, it is correct to say that <division> has always marked our country. The Flemish have claimed victory once in 1302 but fact of the matter is that, to this day still, there is an ongoing debate about identity in this small country which will not see its outcome.

Question 4
answers

1. (...) there is an ongoing debate about identity in this small country which will not see its outcome.

2. (...) but fact of the matter is that, to this day still (...)

3. (...) identity will always be a hot topic.

4. Historically speaking (...)

Posted: **Fri Oct 17, 2008 8:45 am**

re you wanting to answer this for you

Posted: **Fri Oct 17, 2008 8:48 am**

Posted: **Fri Oct 17, 2008 9:02 am**

well tough. you should do your own homework ya tax dodging lay-about.

Posted: **Fri Oct 17, 2008 9:16 am**

its 3

Posted: **Fri Oct 17, 2008 11:40 am**

andy_g wrote:its 3

Posted: **Fri Oct 17, 2008 12:25 pm**

arernt you all french anyway :;):

Posted: **Fri Oct 17, 2008 12:32 pm**

Well it seems you've been asnwered already.

Is that a fact though? wherever there are two used languages, identity is a hot topic?

In my case English is third language, and I use Basque and Spanish as mother tongues. And here identity has been a problem since XIX century, not before.

So I can't say that Basque and Spanish languages co-existance has been a problem for most part of history but since nationalist movements arised.

But is it a fact? Do the Irish have problems with identity and use of english and gaelic? what about Canada and Quebec?

I've always found each language a rich cultural treasure. For me using them both is lovely, I love both languages.

Posted: **Fri Oct 17, 2008 12:48 pm**

i remember years ago ETA used to cause all sorts of problems etc

they are basque?

Posted: **Fri Oct 17, 2008 12:53 pm**

Judge wrote:i remember years ago ETA used to cause all sorts of problems etc

they are basque?

Yes, they still kill people although it's not as bad as 20 years ago.

They don't represent the basques though, 98% of us are against that violence

My point was, that languages per se are not a problem, languages are a cultural treasure. But often they're used as a political weapon, like here since the XIX century, not before.

I wanted to know how that works in other parts of the world

Posted: **Fri Oct 17, 2008 1:08 pm**

i suppose its the same when some folk speak welsh and others can speak old celt languages in the british isles

Posted: **Fri Oct 17, 2008 1:16 pm**

Yeah, now I get it.

(3)

"hot topic" wouldnt really be classed as formal, what you say Bob (the teacher ?)

Posted: **Fri Oct 17, 2008 1:35 pm**

its a formal english question and 'a hot topic' is definitely informal english. in formal english we would probably say 'a hot curly wurly' or something like that.

Posted: **Fri Oct 17, 2008 1:35 pm**

how did you manage to edit your post without it being flagged up as edited, bam?

Posted: **Fri Oct 17, 2008 1:50 pm**

Bam wrote:Yeah, now I get it.

(3)

"hot topic" wouldnt really be classed as formal, what you say Bob (the teacher ?)

Spot on. As Andy's explained, "hot topic" is colloquial English rather than formal English. :nod

I love the irony that this lad would come on a footy message board to ask a question about formal English, though. He might do better to ask about the established linguistic conventions of text speak!

Liverpool FC Forum

Answer 1, 2, 3 or 4?

Answer 1, 2, 3 or 4?