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by Wen L. Wang (Author)
This book describes the author's trials and tribulations mixed with the surprise and joy he experienced as he struggled to learn English. Although he had English lessons in Taiwan, he was aware that his rudimentary knowledge of English was far from adequate. He recalls wasting time arguing and guessing with his college friends about the meanings and the origins of English words such as cocktail and hot dog. Drinks have something to do with cocks' tails and food with dogs? He would soon find out that more curious words were waiting for him when he headed for the U.S. As he became assimilated with the passing of time, he made friends named Burnside, Williams, Little and Old. Little and Old? He has chuckled at the free-wheeling ways of people naming themselves. He also wondered what Lincoln, Ford and Reagan meant. He has gone Dutch with friends and had hamburgers for lunch. With his friends he has watched a south paw pitcher throw a foul ball to flatten a batter, prompting all the players to rush out from the bull pen to start a fight. He was puzzled hearing "son of a gun" uttered by his excited friends. He thanked a person and was totally lost when he was told "you bet." During a morning walk in the park, the gentle breeze prompted him to wonder why the word wind could be pronounced two ways and had two completely different meanings. He learned many American idioms and expressions such as "lock, stock and barrel" or "as happy as a clam." What? Please run those by me again. Many wonderful idioms and expressons such as "green-eyed jealousy," "a tower of strength" and "in a pickle" came from England. When you hear "if you act more in sorrow than in anger" or "if you have played fast and loose" you know that they came from England. The English language, with its many centuries of constant growth and change, has become the premier language of the world. It is simple, direct, flexible, expressive and creative. It has become the lingua franca, a second official language of some countries, the language of many mutil-national corporations and of the scientific and business world. The author explores many aspects of the English language from the view points of an immigrant, hoping that his expereinces will help those who may encounter puzzling words and idioms of their new country. He hopes that this book will stimulate and bring joy to any one who wants to widen and deepen his knowledge of English.
Author Biography
Wen Wang was norn and educated in Taiwan and graduated from Taiwan University with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering. After helping to construct a military airport and design the water supply system for the Greater City of Taipei, he went to the U.S. where he obtained a Ph.D. from University of New Mexico. He taught civil engineering at California State University Los Angeles. As he became more integrated into his adopted country, he found himself drawn to the charming complexity of the English language. Since his retirement he has been enjoying reading, painting and playing golf.
