Teaching French to English Speakers:
French lesson: The word "sur" means "on" English speaker: Okay. French lesson: For example, ăThe vase is [on] the table. ăThe house is [on] the right. ăI read this book [on] his recommendation. ăBring me the file [on] copyright licensing. English speaker: Right. Got it. "Sur" means "on."
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Teaching French to Chinese speakers:
French lesson: The word "sur" means "on." Chinese speaker: Okay. French lesson: For example, ăThe vase is [on] the table Chinese speaker: Right. Got it. "Sur" means "on." French lesson: The word "sur" also means "towards." Chinese speaker: Eh? French lesson: For example, ăThe house is [towards] the right. Chinese speaker: Oh...kay. French lesson: The word "sur" also means "because of." Chinese speaker: What? H..how? What? French lesson: For example, ăI read this book [because of] his recommendation. Chinese speaker: Why does this one word mean all these things? Don't y'all have any other words? French lesson: The word "sur" also means "containing information pertaining to." Chinese speaker: Stop fucking around with me. French lesson: For example, ăBring me the file [containing information pertaining to] copyright licensing. Chinese speaker: What the fuck is wrong with this language?

















