divided by a common language...

Met with a lovely and wonderful friend the other day, who had come along to the citizenship ceremony earlier in the year.  Photos were produced, one of which has me staring into space and looking bewildered - ah, I'm nothing if not consistent on that score!

Had a subsequent conversation with a USA'un PG pal on the interesting scenarios you can find yourself in when you speak English, but not like the folks who speak English in the country you happen to be inhabiting.  Like USA'uns and Canadians, when I say 'pants' I am talking about trousers... but say the word to a Brit and a smirk and a raised eyebrow is often the response....
As an Aussie, when I say 'thong' I am thinking of footwear, but again, the word elicits a smirk followed by a snigger if said to a Brit, as they are thinking of quite skimpy underwear.
If Lord Vader moved to the UK, his gravitas and ability to generate fear would soon melt away amidst a sea of sniggers.  The Force may be strong in this one, but not strong enough to break the divide that separates users of a common language....

Given the current state of play with UK politics, Cameron and Clegg seem to have been talking enough language in common to allow a coalition government to form.
Interesting times.
Wonder how soon we'll be back at the polling stations?
It is an odd state of affairs tho' which sees Scotland with only one Conservative MP being governed overall by a ConDem Westminster alliance.
I suspect Alex Salmond is quietly smiling as he tucks into his pie and pint: very curious to see if this will build up a desire and a push for independence.

Ah well, to paraphrase Mel Gibson's account of Wallace: they may take away our freedom, but they'll never take away our Tunnock's.

Let's watch and see...