Ha! Enjoyable. I should note parenthetically, Johnny Weissmuller, the original actor who played Tarzan, was a native Hungarian speaker, (and not fluent in English at the time of the movies) so hence the "Me Tarzan, you Jane," stuff. Or maybe that's the just the backstory anyways, which I'm sure you are "up on." Yes, I recall the movie "Greystoke, the Legand of Tarzan." Andi McDowell played the love interest, I think. Anywho....I'm rambling. Enjoyed this one!
Greetings and salutations Ted! I loved this essay. I've always been a bit of a "Grammy". Though never as well versed or eloquent as you are. I totally related to your points as an adult learner of German (hellish grammar). When in Germany in 2019 (studying German) I would try to speak Tarzanesque German in stores and restaurants but, of course, all true Germans would lapse into English immediately. The few times I met a German who didn't speak English, I would be understood but, of course, I couldn't clearly understand the answer. And yet I keep plugging away at studying German.
Anyhoo, Vielen Dank für den wirklich unterhaltsamen Aufsatz (thanks for a really amusing essay). I had been missing seeing your Substack posts. XO
Hi Ted! Your observations are spot on, intelligent and humorous. I really enjoy your writing voice. Delightful!
Thanks, Noorani!
Ha! Enjoyable. I should note parenthetically, Johnny Weissmuller, the original actor who played Tarzan, was a native Hungarian speaker, (and not fluent in English at the time of the movies) so hence the "Me Tarzan, you Jane," stuff. Or maybe that's the just the backstory anyways, which I'm sure you are "up on." Yes, I recall the movie "Greystoke, the Legand of Tarzan." Andi McDowell played the love interest, I think. Anywho....I'm rambling. Enjoyed this one!
Greetings and salutations Ted! I loved this essay. I've always been a bit of a "Grammy". Though never as well versed or eloquent as you are. I totally related to your points as an adult learner of German (hellish grammar). When in Germany in 2019 (studying German) I would try to speak Tarzanesque German in stores and restaurants but, of course, all true Germans would lapse into English immediately. The few times I met a German who didn't speak English, I would be understood but, of course, I couldn't clearly understand the answer. And yet I keep plugging away at studying German.
Anyhoo, Vielen Dank für den wirklich unterhaltsamen Aufsatz (thanks for a really amusing essay). I had been missing seeing your Substack posts. XO