The Maple Leaf Rag

The United Nations announced today that Spanish has been declared the most important language to learn in today's world. The astonishing announcement came just as the world was settling in to learn English. Spokesman Juan Meedball said in a press release that Spanish will become the language of universal trade and commerce and that the world had better get in step with this before countries like Spain and Mexico ruled the world. 

The ruling by the United Nations came as a shock to the United States. President Obama was speechless while many new Americans cheered the proclamation. Beniquez Mendosa Miguel Candida, a Mexican gardener for ex-President George Bush, was quoted as saying, "This is a big thing, no?"

Canada has already added Spanish to its list of national languages, right up beside French and the old universal language of English.

I'm afraid that sites such a Englishbaby will become useless unless they change their name to Spanishbaby or espanolbebe, which is my rough translation.

Oh, in case I forgot to mention it, April Fools! It's April 1st people so maybe I had you tricked for a little while anyway. Thanks for reading.  

Every dog has its day. Huh? What the heck does that mean? In English, as with every other language I suppose, we use idioms to make a point. Idioms are usually quite old for some reason. There are probably some idioms being created right now but I'm not sure we know what they are yet because they aren't in general usage. 

Lately, I think because the seasons are changing, there seem to be more idioms being used. Maybe it's because it's spring and I'm more sensitive to things like this, who knows?

Anyway,  every dog has its day means that there will be something good or bad for everyone. If you finish last in a contest then someone might say, every dog has its day which would mean that you would win the contest someday or, you'll get your chance someday. 

There are many lists of idioms on the Internet but there always seem to be some that pop up and are difficult to understand. Yesterday I heard 'you can't have your cake and eat it too'. Another funny one, right? This means that you can't have everything.

Do you need idioms to communicate in English? Certainly not. But, depending on what you read or where you travel, idioms make English more fun to learn. They are like a challenge for you. See if you can figure out what the idioms mean and try to remember them. Good luck!

If you have heard an idiom and need me to translate it, send me a message or make a comment on this blog. Let's have some fun with it.

Thanks for reading! 

Someone asked me this morning about 'would' and 'will', about when to use one or the other. Here's my explanation: 
Would isn't as definite as will. If you think about a man asking a woman to marry him. Let's say he is thinking about asking her and they are discussing it. He says, "If I get a good job and finish my education, would you marry me?"  This means in a general sense. He isn't asking her to marry him yet, he's just clearing the air about it. 

In the next example, the man is down on his knee in front of the girl with a ring in his hand, saying, "Will you marry me?" He's asking her directly.

I will go to the party. That's definite.

I would go to the party...but I have to study for my exams. That is indefinite. If I didn't have to study I would for sure go to the party.

Will you help me? This means right now, immediately.

Would you help me? That is indefinite and needs more explanation. If I buy the dresser would you help me assemble it?
Would seems to be some kind of future indefinite phrase. Will is immediate, right now at this moment.

I don't know if this helps you but it will get you thinking about it anyway. If you have any questions, send me a message and I'll try to help.

Thanks for reading!