Learning foreign languages can be a confusing exercise.
However, looking in my own back yard, I can see things from a non-english speaking person's perspective.I have always struggled with french, particularly the use of feminine and masculine words.
Here are some real posers for folk learning english as a second language.
Loosen is an antonym for fasten; However unfasten is a synonym for unloosen!
Dispensible is an antonym for indispensible; However, valuable is a synonym for invaluable.
Warning: the following words are self contradicting, and should never be allowed to roam free amongst the english speaking masses.
Unshelled:
Here's a context for this word; "The peanuts were unshelled.", which could mean "The peanuts had not been removed from their shells." or "The peanuts were removed from their shells."
Awesome:
The original definition of this adjective was "fearsome or mighty"; but the now commonly accepted slang can be used to describe "enjoyable or fun."
Awful:
As with awesome above, this can mean "inspiring" or more commonly "revolting or terrible".
Handicap:
This word can mean "an advantage" (e.g. a handicap in golf); or it can be a disadvantage (e.g. a disability).
My brain hurts!
Maybe I should try spanish ... one of these days.
Anyhow, Dunedin is enjoying an awesome summer and the New Zealand team were awe inspiring at the rugby sevens in Wellington.
