# Familiar Dialogues explained — English as She Is Spoke

> Chapter companion for English as She Is Spoke by Pedro Carolino.

## What happens

A series of practical dialogues covering everyday activities such as dressing, dining, shopping, hunting, fishing, and language learning, all rendered in a highly unconventional English that reflects the author's creative misunderstandings.

## Themes in this chapter

### Linguistic Absurdity

The dialogues are filled with malapropisms and literal translations, such as 'It pinches me too much upon stomack' and 'comb-me quickly; don’t put me so much pomatum.'

### Cultural Misunderstanding

The author's attempt to render English phrases reveals deep confusion about idiomatic expressions and social norms.

### Humor in Error

The unintentional comedy arises from phrases like 'I have the teetht-ache' and 'your pens have any notches, and its spit.'

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The narrator participates in dialogues, giving instructions and asking questions.

### John

John is called to bring breakfast items like sousages and ham.

### Cuttler

Referenced indirectly in the anecdote of the avaricious cuttler, though not directly appearing.

### Swiss

Mentioned as a person who speaks multiple languages fluently.

### Plato

Referenced in the context of classical learning, though not directly appearing.

## Key lines

> It pinches me too much upon stomack.

It pinches my stomach too much.

_The speaker complains about tight clothing._

> Comb-me quickly; don’t put me so much pomatum.

Comb my hair quickly; don't put so much pomade on me.

_A request to the hairdresser._

> Will you than I bring the ham? Yes, bring-him, we will cup a steak put a nappe clothe upon this table.

Shall I bring the ham? Yes, bring it; we will have a steak and put a tablecloth on this table.

_A breakfast dialogue with John._

> I have the teetht-ache.

I have a toothache.

_A visit to the dentist._

> Your pens have any notches, and its spit.

Your pens have nicks and they splatter ink.

_Complaint about writing instruments._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/english_as_she_is_spoke_se/chapters/familiar-dialogues
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/english_as_she_is_spoke_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/english_as_she_is_spoke_se/chapters