Words to end a conversation (Philological Room) Language Learning Forum

Words to end a conversation
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24 messages over 3 pages: 1 2 3

newyorkeric
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Message 17 of 24

15 August 2010 at 8:17am | IP Logged

administrator wrote:

budonoseito wrote:

I will let you go now.

This is an example of a further assymetry between the relative positions of the two speakers. I suppose in this case, or as in "I will not detain you any further" the implication is that the speaker has a dominant position and can tell that the person is no longer needed (not that many people are aware of that perhaps!).

I sometimes use this expression in the exact opposite situation. I use it when, for example, I ask a senior for advice, and I don't want to come across as selfish by taking up too much of their time.

Edited by newyorkeric on 15 August 2010 at 8:31am
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clang
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Message 18 of 24

15 August 2010 at 9:21am | IP Logged

administrator wrote:

budonoseito wrote:

I will let you go now.

This is an example of a further assymetry between the relative positions of the two speakers. I suppose in this case,
or as in "I will not detain you any further" the implication is that the speaker has a dominant position and can tell
that the person is no longer needed (not that many people are aware of that perhaps!).

I just realize that I say this all the time and so do a lot of my friends and family. I feel we usually mean it in an
overly polite way along the lines of "I know you must be very busy, I'm sorry for taking up so much of your time."
Although when my grandma says it I get the distinct feeling of "I'm sorry my phone call is so burdensome to you, I'll
let you get back to your more exciting life."
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clang
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Message 19 of 24

15 August 2010 at 9:23am | IP Logged

newyorkeric: I think we're on to something!
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administrator
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Message 20 of 24

15 August 2010 at 12:47pm | IP Logged

Ah, yes, the tone in which those phrases can change the meaning in a major way!
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ibraheem
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Message 21 of 24

15 August 2010 at 7:34pm | IP Logged

"Alright"
"Gotta to go now, but I'LL speak to you soon"
"OK... I'll call again soon"
"Sounds goods (while nodding)"
(Staring into space until they leave)
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Ubik
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Message 22 of 24

18 August 2010 at 10:11pm | IP Logged

Ive heard most Spanish telephone conversations end in "andale pues". No one has ever told me the literal meaning of that phrase, but its always used as an "OK, Im gonna go now" indicator
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Spanky
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Message 23 of 24

19 August 2010 at 12:12am | IP Logged

I am not sure whether this is common or widespread in Canadian English practice, but one of my former bosses used to end conversations with me with the following: "Get the frick out of my office right now ya weasel". Like I say, might not be common elsewhere.

Recent conversations with my daughter generally end with her no longer speaking and instead anxiously scanning textbooks to see if dorkiness is a genetically-coded trait.

Edited by Spanky on 19 August 2010 at 12:15am
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LazyLinguist
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Message 24 of 24

19 August 2010 at 3:10pm | IP Logged

A relative of mine always ends conversations with 'Ciao'.

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