English Language & Usage: Multi-Layered Discourse Room

04:26

So, I noticed something odd; today I lost 10 points on one question that has only a single downvote. I don't care about the points, but how does that happen? I thought DV was -2

Cerberus

05:21

Didn't you lose 10 points because your question used to have two up-votes from a deleted user?

*from two deleted users

Okay...

That would be quite a coincidence.

user227867

@Mr.ShinyandNew安宇 You got an unupvote on one of your answers, according to your rep history which I can see. I am surprised you don't know this, since you are such an experienced user of the site! Someone upvoted your answer, and then removed the upvote, and he could do so even after a long time because the answer was edited after the vote was cast

user227867

@Cerberus Wrong. See answer above. This would be helpful to know since you are a moderator on Latin.

user227867

@Mr.ShinyandNew安宇 and @Cerberus Forgive me. Maybe I was looking at the wrong post and the wrong site, LOL.

Dysanix Official

07:27

Hi everyone

I was here a few days ago with my application letter. I made a lot of changes and am very satisfied with it right now

I was wondering if someone could maybe proofread it for me

Seeing how English is not my native language

user227867

@DysanixOfficial Hi. I am here to help you again. I changed my username though.

Dysanix Official

That's awesome of you!

Thank you very much. I was on the verge of sending it out after double checking the letter multiple times

but I still couldn't trust myself to send it

pastebin.com/KPnNGGXz

This is what I have now :-)

user227867

07:44

@DysanixOfficial 16 should end with 'for both you and me'. 18 should be 'diverse people, cultures and languages'. I suppose you are using American spelling and punctuation conventions, so 20 should be "history," and not "history",. In 10, it might be better to add a comma after "in this letter" and remove the comma after "competitive for" since that is a list of two items and not three or more.

user227867

@DysanixOfficial Note that in British English, the placement of commas and periods follow logic but in American English, they are always placed within quote marks as part of typographical conventions. Note that in British English, we spell it as travelling but in American English it is traveling.

Dysanix Official

Thank you very much for the heads up on 'you and me' and 'you and I'. I really wasn't sure which one was correct, even after Googling.

And I cannot believe I did not see some of these mistakes even after reading it through multiple times

So this would be better?

"In this letter, I would like to explain which positions within Holland America Line I believe my skills set makes me competitive for and also what inspired me to want to be a part of your team."

And yes, I think using American spelling and punctuation is better, even though I prefer the British English spelling and punctuation

Seeing how it's the Holland America Line I think it makes sense

user227867

@DysanixOfficial Yes, I think so. I think there are many different conventions in punctuation, but I think this is good.

Dysanix Official

Do you personally think this letter is an improvement over the other one?

user227867

@DysanixOfficial The same way you write 'On this day, I eat apples and bananas' without a comma before and.

Dysanix Official

07:51

The only thing I am left insecure about is the beginning of "My name is..."

I think that might be a weak opener to a pretty strong letter (in my opinion)

but I am not sure

And yes that makes sense!

user227867

@DysanixOfficial I cannot remember the details of the previous one, but I think you should write the letter in the way you like. I can comment on various language matters, but you should use your own style because it is your letter!

Dysanix Official

I agree. However, seeing how English is not my native language, I want to be sure that some of my stylistic choices are not informal or an insult in some way

I want to come off as very professional and want to make sure I have the highest possible chance of succeeding

Only one chance hehe

user227867

@DysanixOfficial Of course, your name is already written at the end of the letter. But it is alright to include it at the beginning too. There is no problem with that. It can be good.

user227867

@DysanixOfficial It is very good that you care about this application. However, like I said, your English will never ever pose a problem for you in real life, so don't worry about it anymore!

Dysanix Official

I would like to thank you a lot though. A lot of your help with my earlier iteration of my letter helped me on my way of creating a letter I am confident with. I think that is the best gift you could have given me

Oh, could I possibly ask you for one more favor?

user227867

07:57

@DysanixOfficial No problem. You can thank me by wishing in your heart that I would get well soon, since I have been mentally ill for over a decade.

user227867

@DysanixOfficial Yes, you can.

Dysanix Official

I have a small "Personalia" section in my resume containing this text: "Well-driven and motivated. Quality will always be above
quantity, but in an efficient and productive manner.
Past employees have complimented me on my work ethic,
productivity, engagement with customers and my ability
to learn the ropes quickly. I am excellent in working with
other people to achieve a certain objective on time
and with excellence."

It hurts me to hear that, honestly.

May I ask you what kind of illness? - If it's not too personal

user227867

@DysanixOfficial Well, I have quite severe OCD and PTSD, and I haven't been working for almost a decade, but I hope to get well enough soon and do what I want in life.

user227867

@DysanixOfficial I am thinking about that paragraph now...

Dysanix Official

And of course I truly wish you the best. I myself have been diagnosed with PTSD, severe anxiety and agoraphobia and haven't been to school or work in the past 2 years. Knowing how hard it is thinking time slips by and the trapped feeling it creates, and knowing you haven't been able to work on your dreams for the past ten years is awful to say the least.

I personally don't feel very ready to go on a cruise ship and thinking about leaving the house makes my anxiety levels rise through the roof.. but in my personal experience I think it is the best way to get my life back. I can imagine your case being even worse than mine, though and I honestly wish you the best of luck with my whole heart.

user227867

08:05

@DysanixOfficial (1) Maybe you mean employers and not employees. Or maybe you mean your fellow colleagues? (2) The last line has too many copies of "excellent" and its derivatives, so you might want to rewrite it.

Dysanix Official

I noticed the excellent thing as well.

user227867

@DysanixOfficial I hope things continue to improve for you and that your new job will bring you happiness.

Dysanix Official

I thought it might be too over-the-top

Do you have experience with EMDR?

user227867

@DysanixOfficial No. But anyway, the PTSD is mostly gone now and it is the OCD affecting me.

user227867

@DysanixOfficial EMDR is pretty interesting. I will read up more on it.

Dysanix Official

08:10

I wondered because they are advising me to follow that treatment option, but wasn't sure if it helps. I personally do not have any firsthand experience with OCD, but I have read about it a lot and I can imagine it to be a nightmare, especially in certain settings

user227867

Some people may be inclined to think that one mental condition is worse than the other, but actually, it all depends. Every case is different.

user227867

Even two people with the same condition can be experiencing very different things and to very different degrees of severity.

Dysanix Official

That is true. I think a big part of severity and symptoms of a mental condition are also influenced by way of thinking, sensitivity, your perception of your internal and external world, how stress resistant you are and one that is overlooked a lot; lifestyle

user227867

And the problem with these mental conditions is that you can get better, and then you can get worse, so you need to figure out a way to maintain your healing after it happens, so that things never get much worse again.

user227867

@DysanixOfficial I will say that from my understanding, there is no guarantee that any therapy or any medication helps. It is all a case-by-case basis.

Dysanix Official

08:14

It makes me wish selfimprovement is infinite, because the moment you hit the wall with that you have reached the end of to which extend you can control your condition

@WillHunting You are right about that. I guess I didn't really think about it like that in the context of effectiveness of treatment

user227867

@DysanixOfficial If you want to talk to me, you can email me at [email protected]

Dysanix Official

Thank you very much, I will write it down right now

user227867

@DysanixOfficial I will share with you that I am planning to stop my meds. I have not taken any meds for two months already. In my case, I don't think it really helps anymore. But you should decide for yourself and discuss with your doctors what is best for you.

Dysanix Official

I personally have stopped taking my medication as well. I do not think they help, I feel like they mask problems that can be solved through other means and are able to change you to levels of which I am not comfortable with sometimes.

I am even paranoid to a degree when it comes to psychologists, medication, etc. because if they would actually solve problems 100%, they would be out of work. But that might be a skewed way of thinking caused by occasional times of pessimism

user227867

For me, I went for some sessions of therapy, and found that there wasn't anything they could tell me that I already knew, so I stopped. I sort of talk to myself and sort out my own thoughts every day. That is the best therapy I can give myself.

user227867

08:23

I think the most important thing in recovery is to understand your own mind, keep working on it the right way, and keep trying, knowing that it is alright to fall but just not giving up.

user227867

I think it is important to push yourself to do some things you think you cannot do, but it is also equally important to be kind to yourself and not go too hard, to take things easy and slow down if you really need to. A balance is needed, and you decide for yourself where to draw the line and not let anyone draw it for you.

Dysanix Official

I think that is really good advice. That is another reason I stopped medication; I think medication prevent you from being comfortable with yourself or proud of yourself for overcoming things. I think the joy and self confidence you gain by overcoming things is one of the most important things on your way to recovery.

@WillHunting I will keep this very close to my heart.

user227867

@DysanixOfficial I don't know what your condition is exactly, but I like the movie Good Will Hunting. Watching the end really helps me, especially the part where it goes It's not your fault.

Dysanix Official

I will be sure to check it out! I have been looking for good movies for a while now, it's always nice to see a highly rated one you haven't seen before

user227867

This short sentence is my mantra, and I always repeat it to myself. It has kept me alive.

user227867

08:29

Anyway, it's a 1997 film starring Matt Damon in the title role and Robin Williams, who sadly killed himself a few years ago. In it Williams plays the psychologist.

user227867

And also, maybe love can help you to heal. I don't have a girlfriend though, hehe.

user227867

I am leaving the chat now. Good luck and you can email me if you need someone to talk to.

Dysanix Official

Did your PTSD symptoms worsen by a lot when you got out of the traumatic situation? I am not sure if I can ask that question or what your traumatic experience was, so if you do not want to give a reply that is fine. Because it took me by surprise that my symptoms of flashbacks, dissociation of the world around me and anxiety levels shot through the roof when I finally started living on my own and got to rest

Alright! I will be sure to contact you soon

Thank you for all your kindness and help

Very much appreciated

terdon

09:14

You want *skill set*, not *skills set*. I would also add a comma before the *and*. The sentence is rather long and hard to parse without one:

> "In this letter, I would like to explain which positions within Holland America Line I believe my skill set makes me competitive for, and also what inspired me to want to be a part of your team."

@DysanixOfficial Don't you mean "past employers" and not employees? Employers employ employees.

Dysanix Official

09:30

Phew

I was just about to send it away

Thank you!

And yes I turned it into employers :-)

Well-driven and motivated. Quality will always be above
quantity, but in an efficient and productive manner.
Past employers have complimented me on my work ethic,
productivity, engagement with customers and my ability
to learn the ropes quickly. Collaborating with others to
achieve a certain objective on time and with excellence
is one of the many qualities I take pride in.

That is what I have it as right now

Do you think this is a good personalia for a resume?

Or personal profile rather

terdon

10:19

I guess. I don't have much experience with that sort of thing.

Mr. Shiny and New 安宇

14:00

@WillHunting ah, removed upvotes. I forgot about those. Who does that.

terdon

@Mr.ShinyandNew安宇 Or deleted user.

Mr. Shiny and New 安宇

yeah the rep chart, which I should have looked at, says "unupvote"

Mitch

14:34

@Mari-LouA 1) welcome back. good to see you 2) but returning with a storm. a bit confrontational. is that 'neither fish nor foul' in Italian?

Færd

What is this called in English?

Forget about the doorknob.

MetaEd

Door knocker

A door knocker is an item of door furniture that allows people outside a house to alert those inside to their presence. A door knocker has a part fixed to the door, and a part (usually metal) which is attached to the door by a hinge, and may be lifted and used to strike a plate fitted to the door, or the door itself, making a noise. The struck plate, if present, would be supplied and fitted with the knocker. Door knockers are often ornate, but may be no more than a simple fitting with a metal bob or ring. == Gallery == == See also == Heurtoir - French dictionary of architecture - Illustrated, in...

Færd

Thanks! I was about to explain what it was!

MetaEd

It's a knocker, in this case a door knocker because it's been fastened to a door.

doorknocker

Noun: doorknocker ‎(plural doorknockers)

A knocker mounted on a door.

knocker

Noun: knocker ‎(plural knockers)

A device, usually hinged with a striking plate, used for knocking on a door.
A person who knocks (denigrates) something.
(slang) (chiefly in the plural) A woman's breasts.
A dwarf, goblin, or sprite imagined to dwell in mines and to indicate the presence of ore by knocking particularly in Cardigan etc. in South Wales (18th..19th century).
(pinball) A mechanical device in a pinball table that produces a loud percussive noise.

(5 more not shown…)

Færd

You don't see it around nowadays, do you?

It was commonplace here when I was a child.

Mr. Shiny and New 安宇

14:59

Sure, they're still pretty common

Færd

In modern houses?

Mitch

maybe not modern.

just use your knuckles

or the door bell

Færd

Maybe as an ornamental feature.

Could be cute.

Mitch

wait... "A dwarf, goblin, or sprite imagined to dwell in mines and to indicate the presence of ore "? That's the dumbest idea of a ghost I've heard.

Mr. Shiny and New 安宇

@Færd well, my house has one.

It's not as ornate as those.

It's one of these: homedepot.ca/en/home/search.html?q=knocker#!q=knocker

Færd

15:11

May it be knocked by nice guests all the time.

Mitch

I'd like a gong for my house. So much more majestic

but then the kids in the neighborhood would always be playing tricks with it.

Damn kids

Færd

But wind couldn't fool you as it can with knockers.

Mitch

hmmm... yeah, knockers are too heavy.

Færd

So this is a gong. Good to know.

A majestic one too.

Mr. Shiny and New 安宇

@Færd Anyway lots of homes have these modern knockers on their doors. Even if they might also have doorbells.

Færd

15:15

Now that I saw those pictures I realize that they're still common.

I was thinking of those old-fashion ones.

The sound of a knock(er) is a knock.

The sound of a gong is ... a clash?

Mitch

a gong-noise?

ear-shattering?

terdon

@Færd Isn't it a gong?

Færd

@Mitch The sound of X is X-noise. A general solution.

Mitch

yeah the sound is 'a gong'

Cymbals crash.

Færd

@terdon Yeah, it's names after its sound.

Mitch

15:20

but gongs don't. well, maybe in a pinch

Færd

@Mitch Crash? Or clash?

Mitch

Crash

Færd

Ah. I would think cymbals clash.

Mitch

clash is more about a disagreement

and the sound may well be disagreeable.

Færd

Crash has a breaking or shattering feeling to it.

Because of the r.

terdon

15:22

@Mitch Are you sure?

> clash (klăsh)
v. clashed, clash·ing, clash·es
v.intr.
1. To collide with a loud, harsh, usually metallic noise: cymbals clashing.
2.

thefreedictionary.com/clash

Clash of cymbals is slightly more common than crash of. . . according to Ngrams, too.

books.google.com/ngrams/…

Færd

books.google.com/ngrams/…

@terdon Jinx!

terdon

Jinx!

user227867

@DysanixOfficial Yes, it is possible that it suddenly comes and grabs you when you least expect it. When it comes, just acknowledge that it has come and don't focus too much on it.

user227867

@Mitch You mean Mari is back on ELU?

user227867

@Tonepoet This month, I got new blue watch, blue spectacles, blue socks, blue wallet, and blue umbrella.

user227867

15:34

@Mr.ShinyandNew安宇 I do that for various reasons, including revenge.

Mr. Shiny and New 安宇

@WillHunting heh

user227867

@MetaEd What picture is it you have there now?

user227867

Today, I spoke to two foreigners asking me where the red light district is. They wanted to visit some prostitutes I guess. I said I was not sure how to get there.

user227867

A few minutes later, I spoke to two other foreigners trying to purchase a train ticket. From their accent, I figured they were Australian and I asked them about dictionaries in Australia. =P

Mitch

@terdon Oh. I guess not.

user227867

15:36

@Mitch I don't really use handkerchiefs, so I don't think I will get one.

Mitch

@WillHunting Yes.

user227867

I am quite happy I was able to tell their accent. =P

user227867

@Mitch Maybe they see that she is behaving well. Unlike me. I have been a naughty boy. =P

Mitch

@WillHunting A kleenex is better anyway

@WillHunting I think it was just a time period was up.

user227867

@Mitch Nope. It was originally till Sep 2017 or sth like that

Mitch

15:39

@WillHunting Maybe they were interested in purchasing a red light? People are crazy like that.

user227867

@Mitch No, no. I can tell they were lecherous men.

Mitch

@WillHunting ?? really? well, then how is... well best not to explore to much, no need other than rumor mongering.

user227867

@Mitch I have decided not to get any Hinduism books for now, because I figured it is not really a religion but a collection of them, at least from reading Wikipedia.

Mitch

@WillHunting Ugh. So much that they have no problem stopping someone on the street to ask them. I guess google maps isn't forward thinking enough.

@WillHunting You could say that about Christianity too.

user227867

@Mitch Like I said, probably an appeal and good behaviour, so the judge reduced the sentence in the Supreme Court.

user227867

15:41

@Mitch Well, at least the canonical text is the bible, which is quite well-defined, at least relatively

Mitch

@WillHunting If only the Supreme Court would help!

@WillHunting Good point.

user227867

Today, I had the best carbonara in Antarctica! I am glad I found this shop. I will go back and eat there next time.

Mitch

I think Genghis Khan's religion is underappreciated because they didn't have any good books for it.

user227867

It is only about 5 USD per plate.

Mitch

Nice.

Carbonara is with cream sauce, right?

user227867

15:43

Yes.

user227867

I have been talking to a lot of shopkeepers recently while out shopping.

Mitch

@WillHunting There's a lot to it, a lot to take on.

user227867

It's my way of talking to more people and integrating into society after being alone for so many years.

Mitch

@WillHunting I wonder if they knew each other. Maybe 'train ticket' is a euphemism for 'red light district'.

I also wonder if they'd appreciate if we were to visit their country and ask them where there red light district is.

And then they might reply 'I don't think we have one'

user227867

@Mitch No, no. The first pair was a lecherous pair of old men, and the second was an Australian couple.

Mitch

15:45

And then we could reply to that 'Figures'.

user227867

Oh, not racist or anything, but the lecherous men had dark, dark skin. Not like the couple.

Mitch

And then they'd feel bad because they don't have good enough prostitutes in their country (or enough good) to have a red light district.

user227867

@Mitch Actually, I should have told them that Antarctica is not a good place for such things. Why come here for such things? It is so silly.

Mitch

Or worse, they'd say "Our country is so modern, we're not hung up about sex, so we don't have prostitutes"

user227867

And they could not even speak English properly, lol.

Mitch

15:47

And then we would reply "Oh, so everyone is a prostitute? And they give it away for free?"

user227867

They look like they are from the Middle East or sth

Mitch

And then we would laugh as they cart us away to the deportation/torture chamber.

user227867

After my pasta carbonara, I had some curry chicken cutlet rice. Only about 3 USD.

user227867

I told the carbonara and rice seller that I really liked their food and I would go back again.

user227867

My internet connection is not too good. They can't even get the internet right in Antarctica!

MetaEd