<
http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/how-a-portuguese-to-english-phrasebook-became-a-cult-comedy-sensation>
"In the middle of the 19th century, a relatively unknown author named
Pedro Carolino rapidly gained intercontinental popularity over a small
Portuguese-to-English phrasebook.
English as She Is Spoke (or
O novo
guia da conversação em portuguez e inglez) was originally intended to
help Portuguese speakers dabble in the English tongue, but was penned by
a man who spoke little to no English himself. And, instead of helping
Portuguese speakers learn a second language, it became a cult classic
for fans of inept and unintentional humor."
The execution wasn't adequate to the noble intention, and thus was an
early meme launched - long before Zero Wing gave us "All your base".
Via Muse.
Share and enjoy,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://www.xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
http://www.glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
http://www.sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
