Posts: 5468
From: Nouméa, New Caledonia
Registered: Jun 2003
posted October 17, 2011 03:36 PM
I don't know if this happen in English (no matter US or UK speaker), but it happen in several languages that people use "we" instead of "I" while the speakers are actually referring to him/her self.
For example, "I can fix this machine", but instead the speaker saying "We can fix this machine".
If this happen, can you tell me what is the reason of saying that?
Posts: 1149
From: Washington DC
Registered: Oct 2006
posted October 17, 2011 05:16 PM
Yes, "We" is generally a joke when you refer to yourself, unless you are the Queen of England (or you perhaps have multiple personalities )
Claus.
-------------------- "Why are there shots of deserts in a scene that's supposed to take place in Belgium during the winter?" (Review of 'Battle of the Bulge'.)
Posts: 4001
From: New Zealand
Registered: Feb 2006
posted October 17, 2011 05:29 PM
Hi Winbert
I use the word "I" when refering to myself eg I can do this or I can do that. Using the word "we" meaning its more than I.. eg we can do that. Years ago I was learning to fly the instructor would say "yes" I would say "I"...say yes ...I..say yes....I.. and so it would go on being a bit Scottish we also use the word "I" for yes.
In some parts of England they might say "I by goom lad"
Winbert best of luck trying to figure the English language out I cant
Posts: 1060
From: Cottage Grove OR
Registered: Dec 2010
posted October 17, 2011 05:48 PM
Speaking of multiple personalties, The Great Seal of the U.S has an eagle holding a banner on it's beak that reads: E pluribus unum. It was considered a de facto motto of the United States until 1956, it's meaning is "Out of many...one".
And lets not forget Rastafarian's constantly use the phrase, "I, Mon". Mon means Man and "One". English is a web of word games.
Another way I look at Illeism, is as the voice of the body of sovereignty. Different cultures respectably have different ideas about sovereignty. Perhaps that is why we joke about it, like "The Royal We" Steve and Claus mention or use it as a protective literal device, "We want our money back!"?
Posts: 4001
From: New Zealand
Registered: Feb 2006
posted October 18, 2011 02:14 AM
The Queen often refers to "my husband and I" in her speech.
By the way, in Scotland its also the way you say "I" that counts. If you say "I" with a angry voice it means you are ...If you say "I" with a then thats different again. A few years ago we had a Russian work with us and his use of the English language used to make me far worse than mine.
Posts: 621
From: Bristol, South Glos, England
Registered: Mar 2009
posted October 18, 2011 10:42 AM
OK, as a Brit English speaker I'll throw into the pot the word, WHOM, and its relation to the word WHO, ie To WHOM it may concern etc etc Plus the reference to the self as ONE, ie 'One does understand what you are saying' as oppossed to 'I understand what you are saying' Perhaps we should all speak Esperanto instead??? Cheers
posted October 18, 2011 06:27 PM
Just thought "one" should give his pennies worth,on this side if the pond,unless your the Queen or a member of her family,to refer to onesself as "one" (as I have) or "we", isn't really socially acceptable,and is usually regarded with derision,especially here in the North
-------------------- Let there be light,so god created the projector