WHY DO YOU THINK THAT THE ENGLISH FORUM IS TERRIBLY POOR?

Why do you think the Arabic forum is richer than the English forum? It doesn't seem to have anything to with competence in English as the majority of contributors are based in English-speaking countries. Nor can it be due to the expressive power of English at least because English has now become a world lingua franca; and it could not have acquired this status if it had not proved to be structurally and stylistically capable of doing the job. So shall we say that it's due to our laziness; for Sudanese are sterotyped in the Gulf as the laziest nation on earth. This, of course, is a mere cultural and racial prejudice. Thus, how do you explain the scarcity of contributions to this forum?
izza

Greetings,

To me, some of the main attributes are. Most of the participants are not used to the English forum yet…. And may be it’s a bet serious!! Also the lack the bickering and fighting, which most of the time attract people… :o)

Also if most people are like me, then English is an absolutely dry and cold language, it’s only good in airports and as a mean of making a living…. Thus; if I had an Arabic keyboard (beside the online one), great interpersonal skills and the time.. I would have defiantly been one of the platinum members in the Arabic side.

(Please don’t take this remark negatively, I still enjoy it here, not because the English, but because the people and the place.)


I hope you have a splendid day!

hala Shining star;
It's so nice that you have enriched the post. It's the first time that I have come to understand that English is "absolutely dry and cold language", a linguistic fact that have been unprecedented!
So please, I expect you elaborate more on this assumption.
Thanks once more for showing up
izza

ازيك يا الصادق..
كيفك؟
انشاءالله طيب....


Good day Al-Saidg….

Quote: a linguistic fact that have been unprecedented!

I wouldn’t say it’s a fact … for it to be a fact it has to be proven and agreed upon …It’s more like a personal opinion… To me English is rather technical, good for explaining how to get from point A to B, great in manual instructions, and answering frequently asked questions.

But never the less on expressing ones emotions.

May be because I deal with English speaking people day in day out…. And I'm yet to feel anything they say!! As a matter of fact.. sometimes I cant wait to go home and listen to anything in Arabic (regardless of what it is being said)...

… You know... for about a couple of days now I have been thinking about it… and I am not sure if It’s because I don’t like the people (here) there for I don’t like the language… or is it merely a language issue that I have… I will keep you posted on my findings….

Best Regards....

PS...


حسي في ذمتك...اي من التحايا اعلاه بتصل القلب دون الحوجه للمرور بحواشي المخ و ممرات لا علم لي ولا لجار النبي بها... والله ... و ما طالبني حليفه ... كلامنا دا في الشكل (دواس يعني) لا يخلومن المحنه.......
دمتم..

Quote: ÇÒíß íÇ ÇáÕÇÏÞ.. ßíÝß¿ ÇäÔÇÁÇááå ØíÈ.... Good day Al-Saidg…. Quote: a linguistic fact that have been unprecedented! I wouldn’t say it’s a fact … for it to be a fact it has to be proven and agreed upon …It’s more like a personal opinion… To me English is rather technical, good for explaining how to get from point A to B, great in manual instructions, and answering frequently asked questions. But never the less on expressing ones emotions. May be because I deal with English speaking people day in day out…. And I'm yet to feel anything they say!! As a matter of fact.. sometimes I cant wait to go home and listen to anything in Arabic (regardless of what it is being said)... … You know... for about a couple of days now I have been thinking about it… and I am not sure if It’s because I don’t like the people (here) there for I don’t like the language… or is it merely a language issue that I have… I will keep you posted on my findings…. Best Regards.... PS... ÍÓí Ýí ÐãÊß...Çí ãä ÇáÊÍÇíÇ ÇÚáÇå ÈÊÕá ÇáÞáÈ Ïæä ÇáÍæÌå ááãÑæÑ ÈÍæÇÔí ÇáãÎ æ ããÑÇÊ áÇ Úáã áí æáÇ áÌÇÑ ÇáäÈí ÈåÇ... æÇááå ... æ ãÇ ØÇáÈäí ÍáíÝå ... ßáÇãäÇ ÏÇ Ýí ÇáÔßá (ÏæÇÓ íÚäí) áÇ íÎáæãä ÇáãÍäå....... ÏãÊã..

Hala Shining Star once more;
What seemed to be a strong accusation on my part to warrant your quote stemmed from your use of the "categorical" adverb: "absolutely", which made me to believe that such a strong statement by your majesty was based on a recent linguistic finding. Needless to say you have acquired high competence in English; in fact, yours is a native cometence. You could not have done so if your attitude towards it is negative. Thus, I take it to be a result of nostalgia.
I'm pleased you took the trouble to read and respond. I was working for Saudis. Unfortunately the time they gave me my passport, they have taken away their computer, depriving from taking part regularly in the forum. Now i knew about a net cafe that opens at night time. So ...

Quote: حسي في ذمتك...اي من التحايا اعلاه بتصل القلب دون الحوجه للمرور بحواشي المخ و ممرات لا علم لي ولا لجار النبي بها... والله ... و ما طالبني حليفه ... كلامنا دا في الشكل (دواس يعني) لا يخلومن المحنه.......

دمتم..

I strongly agree
(sorry Shining Star, the pc I'm using is not Arabic enabled. Otherwise I could have responded in Arabic. Your sweet Sudanese dialect calls for it)

Greetings Al-Sadig…

Quote: What seemed to be a strong accusation on my part to warrant your quote stemmed from your use of the "categorical" adverb: "absolutely", which made me to believe that such a strong statement by your majesty was based on a recent linguistic finding

I have to admit to the use of definite words… and I apologize if they have seemed misleading… But this is just how strong I feel about what I am saying…

Quote: yours is a native competence. You could not have done so if your attitude towards it is negative

I disagree with you in regard to the statement above… and would like to ask, if you have heard of the saying “Survival of the fittest” (Darwin Theory).. if you did'nt...
The jest of what he came up with is that all beings had to adapt to the environment they are in; in order to survive… Also fittest referred to those individuals that are functionally most capable to tackle life challenges … Thus, to me English is a non optional mean of survival. However I hate it as a mean of communication when it’s an option.. Like I said before it’s a dry and emotionless language (personal opinion)…

Please note that I am diverting Sir Darwin’s saying and using if to explain my situation but Darwin’s main concern was survival in the sense of the ability to pass on good geans and produce offspring’s.

Quote: Thus, I take it to be a result of nostalgia.

Being homesick is an understatement. I would rather lick the inside of a city bus that travels between اللاماب بحر ابيض .... الكلاكله و بلعكس than staying here….
But unfortunately it’s not an option now.

Last but not least…. I would like express my admiration of your use of English words, they are well chosen..
In regard to your work with the Saudi’s… as they say here… you have to do what you have to do, the forum will always be here, if we participate or not… But your pay check won’t…




حسي شفته كلامي الاخير ده حسيت بي نااااااشف لمن بطقطق... المقصود منو ان تباشر اعمالك بلصوره الطبيعيه و تنوم وقت القيلوله و تشرب ما وجب شرابه من قهوة و شاي... و تتسامر مع الاولاد و امهم... و تضرب تلفونات السودان..و بعد داك ... تسمع الجمري حامد و هو يتغني علي انغام الصقريه..كان فضل شي ...فلمنبر .. خلاف كدا ما تعتل هم... و ربنا انورها عليك شقيش ما تقبل....
دمتم....

Quote: I disagree with you in regard to the statement above… and would like to ask, if you have heard of the saying “Survival of the fittest” (Darwin Theory).. if you did'nt... The jest of what he came up with is that all beings had to adapt to the environment they are in; in order to survive… Also fittest referred to those individuals that are functionally most capable to tackle life challenges … Thus, to me English is a non optional mean of survival. However I hate it as a mean of communication when it’s an option.. Like I said before it’s a dry and emotionless language (personal opinion)… Please note that I am diverting Sir Darwin’s saying and using if to explain my situation but Darwin’s main concern was survival in the sense of the ability to pass on good geans and produce offspring’s.

Hala Shing Star
I must appreciate your enriching this post;
As for Darwin, I first came to know about his evolutionist theory in my first Arcaeology course tutored by Prof Zuheir Hassan Babikir at the Faculty of Arts, University of Khartoum in 1986. With my traditional background, I was astounded by his evolutionist approach to the origin and development of mankind. A prelim colleague of mine was even dismissed from class for commenting on the time wasted on such "nonesense"!
You may not agree to the fact that research indicated strong relationship between "positive attitudes toward a language" and "excellent achievement in it". By contrast, negative attitudes result in poor achievement.
I must admit that cases similar to yours have not been addressed by researchers. Therefore, I'm not sure whether or not availability of linguistic choice has anything to do with one's ability to do well in the target language.
Also, we may disagree on the relevance on adaptability. I failed to adapt to the saudi environment; does this mean i have finished, so to speak?
Thanks for complimenting my humble use of English.

Dear Dr. Sadiq

I am here just to say hello to you , I thing it is easy for me to read and write in Arabic , I need some time to read an articl specialy one of those with words I have never heard of .

Wish u all the best

Best regards

ASSADIQ MUHAMMED EL-BUSAIRY

NOTE: PLS DON'T SHOW THIS TO MY FATHER HE THEN MAY START TO WARRY ABOUT MY ENGLISH

Quote: Dear Dr. Sadiq I am here just to say hello to you , I thing it is easy for me to read and write in Arabic , I need some time to read an articl specialy one of those with words I have never heard of . Wish u all the best Best regards ASSADIQ MUHAMMED EL-BUSAIRY NOTE: PLS DON'T SHOW THIS TO MY FATHER HE THEN MAY START TO WARRY ABOUT MY ENGLISH

Wow! This ghost-in-machine phenomenon is so amazing! It was almost five years when we met during a hot Khartoum Summer. It's really nice to meet a son of my dearest Prof online. Don't worry son of old prof of mine: sons of competent people such as prof Busairi could not be anything other than what their parents are. You know Sadig the bulk of what we argue here stems from the rich contribution of Prof Busairi to linguistic research. I could have quoted him, but didnt want to change the forum into a rigid academic dabate.
It's nice once more to see you online. I wish you and your family a good stay in the Gulf

Good Afternoon Al-Sadig …

Quote: A prelim colleague of mine was even dismissed from class for commenting on the time wasted on such "nonsense"!

Do you agree with your then-fellow prelim? I am not a believer of the Darwin theory; however I think Darwin is one of the scholars who defiantly used his mind and imagination in a great manner, specially at a time when people were suppressed from expressing them self’s..

It’s more like us now, we are told , that is the way it is, and this is how it’s going be…. And when you ask why?? They say…. Because this is how it’s been for generations!!
Well… Then a question always come up… dose the repetition of something/action among generation makes it right by default?? Or is it just a matter of suppression, and being confirmative…

I always wonder…

PS…. I ask these Q’s yet I am a 93.2% follower ...Interesting ehh!!

PS again... Sorry for diverting your post....

S.A.

Quote: Good Afternoon Dr. Al-Sadig … Quote: A prelim colleague of mine was even dismissed from class for commenting on the time wasted on such "nonsense"! Do you agree with your then-fellow prelim? I am not a believer of the Darwin theory; however I think Darwin is one of the scholars who defiantly used his mind and imagination in a great manner, specially at a time when people were suppressed from expressing them self’s.. It’s more like us now, we are told , that is the way it is, and this is how it’s going be…. And when you ask why?? They say…. Because this is how it’s been for generations!! Well… Then a question always come up… dose the repetition of something/action among generation makes it right by default?? Or is it just a matter of suppression, and being confirmative… I always wonder… PS…. I ask these Q’s yet I am a 93.2% follower ...Interesting ehh!! PS again... Sorry for diverting your post.... S.A.

Hala Shining Star;
It's always great to see you honoring the forum.
Of course, Darwin's contribution to the worls has to be acknowledged as something distictive despite its hypothetical nature. Though he wrote at a time characterised by somewhat backward scientific research tools, his contribution has to be appreciated.
Part of what I read between the lines in your response was also elaborated on by a genius Faculty of Arts graduate called Maysoon Njoomi. You might have read her posts, and may or may not agree with her demonstartion. I take it that metaphysical issues are a matter of "hit or miss", and peole are mentally warranted to choose what suits their thinking framework.
It's always nice having you and your challenging views around. I guess, your response above is deeply relevant to the post, so there's no reason you apologise.
NP, Dont take the way young Busairi addresses me seriously! I'm but the person presented in the profile: nothing more, nothing less. I even thought of posting a topic questioning the reason people enter forums with titles. To me, its terrorism: forcing others to take what they say for granted- though it can be utter nonsense!So plssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss withdraw the tilt you associated with my name above!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Elsadig, please accept my sincere apologies; I will remove the prefix I associated with your name momentarily.
Please note I only wanted to give my dues.

I will be back to post topic soon.

Have a splendid day…. :o)

Hala Shining Star.
The issue doesnt call for such a strong apology.
Thanks for being available all the time to provide challenging ideas.

Salam El-Sadig….

I read some of Maysoon’s writings; she is a very good writer, and a great narrator. I always tend to read her postings...

You are right in regard to the metaphysical issues…. But hasn’t that always been the case, all human kinds pick and choose what suit them best , regardless if it’s a clear cut matter or not… and they also make a some what flexible one to be very rigid…. I don’t think anything is going to change any time soon…. So I guess we will just have to live with it…

You know sometimes I think we are like those prisoners in the “Cave Allegory” … when you get a chance and some spare time you should google it, and read about it… and let me know what you think… (Please; only do this on you spare time, it’s not that great, however interesting)…

Best regards,

S.A..

Hello Shinig Star;
Apology for being away for a long time. I had to quid Saudi Arabia for good. Upon arriving at Khartoum, I had to finish some dealy expatriate business. I spent a week running between their cool offices and haven't finished yet.
Sometimes I find it difficult to grasp your challenging ideas; thus need sometime to struggle with them and come back with a relevant comment.
I asked some old friends to fetch me M. Njoomi to have life discussion on things she unleashed.
Till I come back I wish you and your family a happy in USA.

Hi El-Sadig…

حمدلله علي السلامه...
و اتمني لك اقامة طيبه بين الاهل و الاحباب و كل من في الجوار...

I am glad to hear that you made the decision of going back home… I congratulate you, and hope everything go as you wish… After all there is nothing like home…
and I’m sure you will be enjoying( among other things) …
شاااي هبهانو تقيل...
و مويتو من النيل...

و انت تدري انو موية لي موية تفرق..و موية لي موية النيل فرق غير قابل للقياس...

اما بعد

Please excuse the thoughts conveyed in my replies….. Sometimes when I read my won words back I get lost in what I am trying to express…. Next time I will try to be more precise… (smile)

If you do get a hold of Maysoon, you should encourage her to come back and enrich the board… I think you guys could make a good dual..

Best regards…..

PS… just a quick Q… who is the situation in Sudan now days..? (eg. economical and social )

Hala shining Star
Apology for delay in responses; I still haven't settled down. Internet service is available everywhere but didnt have enough time to use it.
Walllllllllllllllllllllahi your ideas are VERY OK with me. So never worry about them; they are most welome any time.
With my Riyadh background, Khartoum is starting to become a real city. High quality roads are everywhere.But life is very expensive. A sudanese friend of mine chose to spend his vacation in Cairo and Damascus instead of travelling to khartoum due to the high prices.
They proposed that I start my job at the Faculty of Arts on First of July but I chose to stay idle up to the end of August.
I will be sending you khartoum life updates as soon as I make sense of things.
Till then stay well

Just checking this out for the first time!

Hi Ms Rihab
You are most welcome anytime ... anywhere

80 posts later....


thanks a lot alsadig,
This forum is truly dead - if the target audience/group for the English forum are Sudanese people, I think that it is a mistake to have a stand alone English forum, rather than integrate it with the mainstream. I think it can only get ghetoized this way, since many might think its being pretentious writing in English! But I did notice that many do write and participate in some English posts in the Arabic forum!
r.

I cannot believe it! Alsadig Yahya and S.A (aka Shining Star... or shall I say Hawa Benzin[laughing hystrically]). I am dead sure that Alsadig never thought that I could be a friend of Shining Star, and the reverse is equally true! The world is indeed getting very small

Quote: I cannot believe it! Alsadig Yahya and S.A (aka Shining Star... or shall I say Hawa Benzin[laughing hystrically]). I am dead sure that Alsadig never thought that I could be a friend of Shining Star, and the reverse is equally true! The world is indeed getting very small

هلا و غلا د. منزول
سعدت بلقاءك اونلاين و اسعدني كثيرا انك صديق الرائع/الرائعة
SA
لن اندهش انكما"اولد فريندز" أذا كل منكما عبقري يستانس به كل باحث عما هو جميل في دنيا العلم
و دمتما

Hello Ms Khalifa
It's so nice to see you adding life to the English forum and this humble post.
Apology for this late response. It was I assumed that Dr. Manzul's was last post.
I agree with your explanation. Of course, there's nothing wrong with having English and Arabic posts on the same page as this would would give members a chance to read and discuss in both languages.
Sorry once more for not responding on time. Look forward to reading your contributions to the board.

Sadig, ShiningStar, Manzul, and Rihab,

I loved what you wrote.

my tow cents are as follow:

The Arabic board is quantatively bigger, however, the question will be what about the content if we are talking rich and poor. I think language familiarity plays a big role here.

second, I have seen a post criticizing English language as it is the non-beleivers language, people tend to forget that Arabic spoken by Abu Lahab and them, I don't know how much the religious sentiment plays here!

I think the English forum is richer if we are talking about the topics English keyboarder write about. the English forum is not crammed by personal fights as the other one clearly is.

I beleive we can make this English board richer using our own abilities and just write more. I beleive you have great potentials to enrich this board, please let us do so.

Osman Ageeb.

Hi Ageeb and the rest of contributors,,,
For sometime I assumed that I was blocked from contributing to the English forum, but I understood later that it was a universal problem. Thanks for your last comment. I'll read it critically and respond.

Sadig, ShiningStar, Manzul, and Rihab, Osman,

I've been a memeber of this forum since 2001, i never came a cross this ENGLISH forum before and this is my first day to go through it ....
As stated this post as I can see it's like ping pong between AlSadig and Shining star .. we interfer an i can see others also joining.
I would like to advise Bakrey to keep a link of this english forum in the arabic eddition so it can be more popular.
Promise to visit and participate.
be safe.