Re[2]: [tied] Re: Got to thinkin' about word order

At 12:22:07 PM on Sunday, May 4, 2003, Andy Howey wrote:

> Also, from what I understand, English is rated as one of
> the most difficult languages to learn properly, at least
> among major languages because of all the exceptions to
> grammar rules and the rather unphonetic pronunciation. For
> example, the cluster "ough" -- how many different sounds
> does it have? At least three: "aw", long "u", and "uff"
> (with a schwa).

Also /ow/ (<though>) and /aw/ (<bough>). But this has
nothing to do with the language; it's a function of the
writing system and orthography.

Brian