English Broken Here by CoreyBlack
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Description
Despite what the religious right/Blue Meanies would have you believe, America is and always has been a country of immigrants. This is particularly evident in larger cities and especially in the ethnic enclaves contained therein. My old neighborhood of Albany Park (that I've recently moved back into) is one of them.
Located on the northwest side of Chicago, the area is home to not one particular ethnic group, as much as a veritable United Nations of newly-arrived immigrants. Though Latinos dominate you also see Koreans, Slavs, and those of Middle Eastern descent. All this English-As-A-Second-Language multiculturalism not only enlivens the feel of the place, but leads to some interesting and occasionally comical signage such as this one announcing the closure of an East Indian rug store.
Photographed on Lawrence Avenue near Kedzie Street on November 2, 2009.
Comments (8)
beachzz
LOL, guess they don't know if they're coming or going--I've seen signs like this in all kinds of places, in places where you'd think people would know better!!
pixsoup
I'm sure the government will hand them more of our money to start up a new business without questions or loopholes. Americans, get in line. We have visitors.
durleybeachbum
Well seen and so interesting!
Chipka
I love signs like this one. I think that's also what I like about languages. Look at how someone makes mistakes in English and you might see just a wee little hint of how their language actually works. Well...maybe not with this one. But it does raise intriguing possibilities! This store is apparently closing because the proprietors have work to do...elsewhere. And this reminds me: have you heard of or read a book called "Eats Shoots and Leaves?" It's a hilarious book about the butcheries of English that gives real insights into the weirdness of English. Or, as the character Robert declared in The Comfort of Strangers "English is such an interesting language, so full of beautiful misunderstandings." This picture is wonderful...I like the off-kilter fact of a sign like this.
Sea_Dog
Great spot, Corey! Well done.
auntietk
I love things like this. The intention is clear, no matter how far afield the content. I always remember that I speak FAR less of their language than they do of mine!
elfin14doaks
LOL, maybe it's like going out for lunch. Great capture.
myrrhluz
Wonderful! I love the English language, it has so many strange twists and turns. Another great book is "Anguished English" (and various sequels) It documents mistakes or just things said, that came out suggesting more then the speaker intended. One of my favorites is, "All teachers wishing to donate blood, should assemble at the riffle range at 3pm." Great picture! I love finding signs like this!