Kikinese by a language second
Our good German friend and neighbour, Kiki, is known for her unusual syntax. Her language hase become affectionately known as Kikinese.
It was originally hypothesised that Kiki had learnt English to a degree at which people could understand her and she could get by, at which point she promptly stopped. What’s the use I guess?
However, this theory was destroyed when her mum visited from Germany recently. Although she spoke very little English, when she did, Kiki’s mum spoke with the same crazy syntax.
Well, it turns out that in Germany the local dialect from their home town and the surrounding area is the same; a blend of ‘proper’ German and local flair.
Last December Zoe and I received a postcard from Kiki and Meike (Kiki’s German friend) who were visiting Tassie.
It reads:
Hi Tom and Zoe,
We are here now since 10 days already in Tasmania and having a ball, just great nature, walks, wildlife and super weather.
We did for 3 and a 1/2 days the Cradle Mt. walk and Meike did Wineglass Bay today alone. I gave up, with my knee.
Hobart is also super. I love to see my neighbours again soon.
Stay well. The sleeping bag keeps me warm in the nights, thanks!
All the Best, Love Kiki and Meike.
Zoe suggests we start a Kikinese dictionary.
June 18th, 2005 at 4:30 pm
it’s a good name for the dictionary but it is a trait not peculiar to kiki et al. I also have a german friend who speaks very good english but is inclined to add a few idiosyncrasies give me a night to think about them and will try to remember some of them.
June 18th, 2005 at 7:07 pm
Sounds like Kiki and Boris from the Czech Republic would get house on fire like a!!
June 18th, 2005 at 7:07 pm
Or she is Yoda
June 20th, 2005 at 11:38 am
Comment deleted (come on lock).
June 20th, 2005 at 2:34 pm
I tried.
June 20th, 2005 at 4:16 pm
lach what did you say?
June 20th, 2005 at 5:17 pm
yes what is this censorship action
June 20th, 2005 at 5:51 pm
by the way dunc, 90 responses not out on the hinchinbrook/”gloating of bigness” page
June 22nd, 2005 at 4:35 pm
They’re just speaking English with German grammar and sentence structure. Not all languages are structured in the same way you know (I’m sure you know). So they’re not necessarily used to ordering a sentence the way that makes the most sense in English. This can be aptly tested by all us English speakers trying to successfully and sensically structuring a sentence in German - I dare ya!
June 23rd, 2005 at 9:47 am
hey ves,
I know. That’s what i was trying to say: that the way they speak German is the way they speak English. But, also that the reason for this was that they even spoke German in an unusual style.
I got a bit confused myself though, what with the vowels, and the accents and HOYE! glaven…
June 23rd, 2005 at 9:48 am
oh, and you’re coming to visit soon. yey!!
June 27th, 2005 at 7:42 am
i know! yay! i am getting very excited about, especially at the chance of escaping the friggin’ cold over here. no, that’s not true. i’m especially excited about hanging out with you lot again.
October 14th, 2008 at 2:20 am
virtual cazino…
Mick sales Kabuki obituary separately prudently …