Post reply

Name:
Email:
Subject:
Tags:

Seperate each tag by a comma
Message icon:

Attach:
(Clear Attachment)
(more attachments)
Allowed file types: apk, doc, docx, gif, jpg, mpg, pdf, png, txt, zip, xls, 3gpp, mp2, mp3, wav, odt, ods, html, mp4, amr, apk, m4a, jpeg, aac
Restrictions: 50 per post, maximum total size 150000KB, maximum individual size 150000KB
Note that any files attached will not be displayed until approved by a moderator.
Anti-spam: complete the task

shortcuts: hit alt+s to submit/post or alt+p to preview


Topic Summary

Posted by: Dhammañāṇa
« on: November 09, 2019, 07:00:53 AM »

Sadhu
Posted by: Moritz
« on: November 09, 2019, 04:07:13 AM »

 _/\_ _/\_ _/\_

This thread is for hints about English language. Mainly prompted by seeing many habitual mistakes made by Bhante Johann. Hoping that some texts will be more understandable. I will try to add here from now on when I see an important seeming error.

So, the first one for now:
"change" vs. "chance"
Bhante Johann often uses the word "change" when probably really meaning "chance".
"Chance" being the same word used in German (coming from French), can mean something like "opportunity", "possibility" (like that of being reborn as a human in the famous turtle simile), or also an amount/measure of probability/likelihood (the chance to get "heads" when flipping a coin is 50%).
"Change" means: something turning different than it was before.

The second one, also often seen here:
"abound" vs. "abandon"
Bhante Johann often uses the word "abound" when probably really meaning "abandon".
To "abound" is a very poetic word, meaning something "being present in large amounts". I.e. when there is a lot of milk somewhere, one could say "milk abounds here", or whatever material or nonmaterial thing which could be present in large, noticeable amounts.
To "abandon", often used in suttas, with regard to bad qualities, kilesa, etc., means to let go of something/get rid of something/leave behind etc. Possible synonym: "relinquish".

May this help for some to understand each other's words and use language better.

_/\_ _/\_ _/\_