Teaching French to English Speakers:
French lesson: The word "sur" means "on"
English speaker: Okay.
French lesson: For example,
The vase is [on] the table.
The house is [on] the right.
I read this book [on] his recommendation.
Bring me the file [on] copyright licensing.
English speaker: Right. Got it. "Sur" means "on."
.
Teaching French to Chinese speakers:
French lesson: The word "sur" means "on."
Chinese speaker: Okay.
French lesson: For example,
The vase is [on] the table
Chinese speaker: Right. Got it. "Sur" means "on."
French lesson: The word "sur" also means "towards."
Chinese speaker: Eh?
French lesson: For example,
The house is [towards] the right.
Chinese speaker: Oh...kay.
French lesson: The word "sur" also means "because of."
Chinese speaker: What? H..how? What?
French lesson: For example,
I read this book [because of] his recommendation.
Chinese speaker: Why does this one word mean all these things? Don't y'all have any other words?
French lesson: The word "sur" also means "containing information pertaining to."
Chinese speaker: Stop fucking around with me.
French lesson: For example,
Bring me the file [containing information pertaining to] copyright licensing.
Chinese speaker: What the fuck is wrong with this language?