Quote:
Originally Posted by KyleGoetz
Nyororin, it's the recognition that this whippersnapper is following the paths we took when we were foolish youths ourselves (asking "why" when we should be asking "how"). Perhaps a little self loathing on my part...
Also the responses of inno came off a bit snooty. That's why I responded the way I did. Advice was given, and inno's response was akin to "I'm a scientist. I'm not listening to you people." Nevermind that I have a degree in abstract math, arguably the most "why"-ridden field in the world.  |
I don`t blame him for his reaction, quite honestly. He asked a sensible question and received the type of response usually reserved for "Japanese makes no sense" types. I mean, if you`ve been told that two words have pretty much the same meaning I think it`s only natural to want to know the differences so you can use them properly. There are rules in language - you can actually ask "Why?" in a lot of places and have it be the best way to get the answer you need. It would be like asking "Why do I say two here and twice there?" - that CAN be answered by pointing out the difference in meaning between the two words. As long as you answer the why within the language it isn`t a problem. It is only an issue when it becomes "Why do people there say this when in English it`s this way?!" ... Which is something that
did not happen anywhere in this thread.
