Post by Prof. Stephen Horowitz, Legal English Lecturer
I recently learned of the Finnish comedian Ismo who I now believe to be one of the great commenters on the English language, and in ways that I imagine are both helpful and entertaining for non-native English speakers.
In this clip below he offers insights on the language of American greetings, offers of help, and the wide range of potential meanings for the word “ass.” I have not yet had a chance to share this with my students, but I will at some point.
Ismo also has a terrific bit on what he considers to be the hardest word in the English language: “I didn’t know shit“
My other favorite comedy and language bit is by Jerry Seinfeld on the topic of prepositions. But unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to be available on the internet.
In it, he observes that we ride “in” a car but “on” a train. And if you go to Manhattan you’re “in” Manhattan. But if you to to Long Island, you’re “on the Island.”
And what do you do with Uber? Well, you “take” an Uber.
It’s also a great clip to share with students because, unlike a lot of other American stand-up comedy, it’s easily understandable for non-native English speakers.
If any readers ever find a link for this bit, I would greatly appreciate if it could be shared with me.
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