Hi alexander -- on Jan 16 2012 at 12:01, you wrote:

ak> No, it must be "the Russian language". Probably you mixed up with
ak> the phrase like this:
ak> English is easier than Russian.
ak> but
ak> The English language is easier than the Russian Language.

Yes! Nice example! (or more formally, "That's a nice example").



 OI> I think there must be a different expression for that idiom, like "try
 OI> to walk (or step) in(to) their shoes". There's even a Depeche Mode song
 OI> about it. (-:

The expression is something like "before you critize someone, walk a mile in
their shoes".

ak> It is typical mistake - some people think if there is an idiom a
ak> translator must use it. No, can express yourself clearly without
ak> idioms. As I did, foe instance. Did I, Dallas? ;-)

Yes, you did!


ak> The rule is taken from a Russian textbook, so the translation is
ak> mine (and I shortened it a bit):
ak> ========================
ak> Abstract nouns can be combined with descriptive adjectives.
ak> Such adjectives make abstract nouns less general, but nevertheless
ak> DO NOT CAUSE articles changing.

ak> These adjectives are:
ak> 1. nationalities: English, French, etc.
ak> 2. social characteristics: democratic, feudal, religious, etc. 3.
ak> temporal meaning: ancient, modern, daily, monthly, etc
ak> 4. spatial meaning: internal, external, inside, outside, etc. 5.
ak> authenticity, reliability: real, true, false, etc.
ak> 6. measure of features: great, immense, huge, perfect, sufficient,
ak> etc. 7. genres: belles-letters, dramatic, comic, etc.
ak> 8. social or spiritual life: personal, moral, reasonable, etc. 9.
ak> manner of behavior: informal, series, polite, etc.
ak> 10 mixed group: good, bad, free, ordinary, plain, etc.
ak> ========================
ak> So, imho according exactly to this rules we omit "the" before "youth
ak> unemployment".

That's a nice excerpt -- well found!

ak> In short, Englishmen tired of putting articles everywhere where
ak> possible, and they tend to omit them whenever possible. ;-) It is
ak> perfectly excusable: why should you put an article if you'll be
ak> perfectly understood without it?
ak> And because of it "they go on board the yacht", but not "on the
ak> board of the yacht", although later is more correct. They speak "I
ak> like late autumn",... however in a minute they can say "I like a
ak> cool, late autumn. ;-)

Hmm ... I would quibble slightly; "on board" is an expression meaning "to get
onto" so it would never be correct to say "go on the board". You could also say
"They board the yacht".


Cheers... Dallas

--- timEd/386 1.10.y2k+