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Latest Posts : Opinion / Criticism
I moved to the US from Japan when I was 16, and in the 30 years I’ve lived here, I’ve noticed the ease with which Europeans communicate with native English speakers even when they have heavy accents. In contrast, Asian immigrants seem to have a harder time being understood by the native speakers. Asians typically blame the problem on their accents and their pronunciation but Americans, particularly urban Americans, are used to hearing a variety of accents. It seems to me that there is something else at work causing the difference between Asian and European ESL speakers.
Compared to the Japanese language, some of the phonemes in English are very subtle (like the th sound). So, over the phone, when we are spelling a name, we provide contextual information, like, “M as in Mary. S as in Sam,” and so on. The subtleties are lost over the phone, and we cannot differentiate between N vs. M, S vs. F, and so on. The Japanese language does not have this problem. I believe English is a more context-dependent language because there is a constant need to fill in the information lost in the subtleties.
Even when two native speakers are talking to each other, often they can’t hear each other well (e.g., noisy bar, subway platform, poor quality phone connection, etc..) but they THINK they hear everything. They are actually filling in the missing information from the context.
The reason Europeans have an easier time even with heavy accents is that their cultures are still very similar. They are able to provide better contextual information as they speak. Because Asian cultures are so different, Asian speakers are not able to provide enough contextual information in their sentences and their body language. Even if they can speak with no accent, their sentences can come out sounding foreign, like the automatic translation provided by Google—grammatically correct but incomprehensible. This makes it hard for Americans to understand especially if the speaker has a heavy accent.
A friend of mine is a pilot for Japan Airlines. As long as he is communicating within the context of air travel (like speaking to the passengers on the plane about the delays and weather forecast), nobody has trouble understanding him. This is because the cultural context in this instance is very narrow and well-defined which allows everyone to fill in the gap easily. But he has trouble understanding and being understood outside of this context because of the wide range of contextual possibilities.
If a French person were talking to an American about how he was treated at a particular restaurant, neither would have any problem understanding the cultural context since the restaurants in France function very much like the restaurants here in the US. But the restaurants in Japan work very differently. In fact, their customs in restaurants are so different that some Japanese people take an etiquette class to be able to eat at Western restaurants. (You can see an example of this in the movie, Tampopo). When you are deficient in the cultural knowledge to this degree, accent becomes a secondary issue. Even with flawless pronunciation, you could still have trouble being understood because the listeners have no idea what you are referring to.
Many native speakers find Indian English speakers hard to understand, even those who have been speaking English all their lives. We readily recognize Indian accent like we recognize Southern and British accents. So, the problem is not lack of familiarity. I think it’s the lack of contextual information because the Indian culture too is very different. We mistakenly believe that the problem is their accent.
What do you think?
I consider “data” as collective, like “sugar.” You can have a lot of sugar or a lot of data. Then “the sugar IS on the table,” or “the data IS correct.”
I do not like “the data ARE.” Never did. I worked as a technical writer and my philosophy was as I have stated. (Even though data can have one bit called datum, whereas sugar must have one grain.)
I was quite comfortable with the concept of direct and indirect speech that had been drummed into my head by a succession of teachers at the schools I attended in the 50s and 60s.
However the term “indirect speech”, like so many other facets of the English language, has now apparently undergone a change.
At least that is what one noted linguist would have us believe.
As in: the pie charts give information about the water used for residential, industrial and agricultural purposes ...
To me, “give” here sounds crude, as if the writer could not come up with the right verb; whereas “provide” sounds more appropriate, albeit just a bit high official.
So in an English exam I would have to mark the writer down? Am I correct in my thinking?
Why do people feel it necessary to add “of” to some phrases?
For example:
How big of a problem.
How long of a wait.
How bad of a decision.
Seems rather a waste of time.
I want to play a Star Wars video review as listening practice for an EFL student. However, it contains a strange construction that I can’t figure out how to explain: “Now, the question most likely on your mind, be you Jedi or be you Sith, is...”
I know that it would be easy enough to say, “It means ‘whether you are Jedi or Sith,’” but I wonder if there’s a better explanation.
I’ve noticed that “haitch” is becoming more common than “aitch” when it comes to pronouncing “H”. Why is this, and what is the thinking on which pronunciation is preferable (or even correct)? My mind goes back to my 4th year high school Latin teacher who was very fond of rendering what he obviously considered witty quotes about “Arrius and his haspirates“.
I have often noticed that in Scotland quite a few people tend to confuse words like:
- amount / number: e.g. Amount of people
- much / many: e.g. Too much eggs
- less / fewer: e.g. Less eggs
There are possibly others in this category.
Has anyone noticed this in other areas?
“Defeat to” seems to have gained preference over “defeat by” with media in the UK.
eg:- After Chelsea’s recent defeat to Liverpool Jose said...
Seems like they are confusing “defeat” and “loss”; or is this another evolution that we must suffer?
Latest Comments
“my” vs. “mine” in multiple owner possessive
- shrinepubliishers
- August 11, 2025, 12:01pm
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Shrine Publishers | Open Access Peer-Reviewed Journals
"badly miscalculated" — double negatives?
- Lilidala
- August 11, 2025, 6:24am
In the world of RuneScape, few bosses inspire as much awe and challenge as Nex, the Ancient Summoner. Introduced in the God Wars Dungeon, Nex stands as one of the most demanding endgame PvE encounters, requiring skill, preparation, and teamwork. Whether you are an aspiring soloist or a group raider, mastering Nex offers some of the best rewards and one of the most thrilling experiences in RuneScape.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to conquer Nex — from understanding her mechanics and phases to choosing the best gear, tactics, and strategies for success.
Understanding Nex: Lore and Encounter Overview
Nex is a powerful Zarosian general who commands the forces of the Zaros faction in the God Wars Dungeon. Players face Nex in a multi-phase fight inside her chamber, each phase requiring quick reflexes and strategic adaptation.
The fight involves four distinct phases, each with its own abilities and minions. Your ability to recognize and counter her moves will decide your success or failure.
Preparing for the Fight: Gear and Inventory Setup
To stand a chance against Nex’s deadly arsenal, you must enter the fight with optimal gear and supplies.
Recommended Gear
Weapon: A strong melee weapon such as the Abyssal Bludgeon or Noxious Scythe for high damage output.
Armor: High defense sets like Torva (melee) or Seasinger (magic) depending on your combat style.
Cape: Fire cape, Infernal cape, or Max cape with offensive perks.
Amulet: Amulet of Torture (melee) or Amulet of Fury.
Ring: Ring of Vigour or Berserker ring (imbued if possible).
Boots: Dragon boots or Primordial boots.
Inventory
Super combat potions or equivalent stat-boosting flasks.
Prayer renewal potions or Saradomin brews for healing.
Food like Sharks or Rocktails for sustain.
Antifire potions and stamina potions.
Weapon poison or bleed weapons to boost damage over time.
The Four Phases of Nex: Mechanics Breakdown
Phase 1: Smoke Phase
Nex summons smoke clouds that explode if you step inside them, dealing heavy damage.
Use ranged or magic attacks to hit Nex while avoiding the smoke.
She casts Smoke Tendrils — avoid the pools that damage over time.
Strategy: Stay mobile, kite her around the arena, and use abilities that allow safe damage.
Phase 2: Shadow Phase
Nex summons shadow minions that drain your stats.
She uses Shadow Tendrils — they latch onto players, requiring quick removal.
Prioritize killing minions quickly and stay aware of your stat drains.
Use Antipoison and stat-boosting prayers as necessary.
Phase 3: Blood Phase
Nex heals herself by draining blood from the arena.
She attacks with Blood Tendrils, which you must sever quickly or suffer damage.
Avoid pools of blood that can immobilize you.
Team coordination is crucial here to cut tendrils and avoid AoE damage.
Phase 4: Ice Phase
Nex freezes players in place with Ice Tendrils.
Players must quickly destroy tendrils or free frozen teammates.
Nex becomes more aggressive and uses freezing attacks.
Stay alert, use freedom or break free abilities, and focus on tendril destruction.
Combat Tips and Strategy
Prayer and Abilities
Use Protect from Melee during Nex’s melee attacks and switch to Protect from Magic or Protect from Ranged depending on the phase.
Utilize offensive prayers like Piety (melee) or Augury (magic) to increase damage.
Abilities like Debilitate reduce Nex’s damage, improving survivability.
Use Freedom or Anticipation to break free from tendrils.
Positioning
Positioning is vital to avoid smoke, shadow, blood, and ice pools.
Use safe spots to maximize damage while minimizing incoming attacks.
Always be ready to move quickly to sever tendrils or avoid AoEs.
Team Coordination
When fighting in groups, assign roles such as tendril destroyers, crowd control, and DPS.
Communicate about tendril status and health to optimize healing and focus.
Keep track of Nex’s health and prepare for phase transitions.
Rewards and Progression
Defeating Nex yields some of the most coveted loot in RuneScape, including:
Zaryte bow
Nex set pieces
Torva, Pernix, and Virtus armor parts
God Wars Dungeon unique drops
These rewards can significantly boost your combat power and allow you to tackle even tougher content.
Conclusion
Mastering Nex, the Ancient Summoner, is a milestone achievement in RuneScape. By understanding her phases, preparing the right gear, and executing careful strategies, you can overcome this formidable boss and claim its legendary rewards. Whether you choose to fight solo or with a team, Nex offers a challenging and rewarding test of your PvE skills.
Prepare well, stay focused, and face the wrath of Nex with confidence! Boost your RuneScape adventure with RSgoldfast— your trusted source for fast, secure, and affordable RuneScape Gold. Power up today and conquer Gielinor with ease!
Past perfect with until
- Lilidala
- August 11, 2025, 6:23am
Dune: Awakening plunges players into the brutal world of Arrakis, where survival hinges on mastering both environment and combat. Among the many powerful abilities at your disposal, the Sandstorm Reaper’s Wrath stands out as a game-changing skill that blends environmental destruction with lethal precision. This guide will dive deep into understanding, mastering, and maximizing the potential of this devastating sandstorm-based attack.
Understanding Sandstorm Reaper’s Wrath
The Sandstorm Reaper’s Wrath is a high-tier skill that summons a furious sandstorm around your character, dealing continuous area-of-effect (AoE) damage to nearby enemies while applying debuffs that weaken their defenses and reduce their accuracy. Unlike conventional attacks, this skill capitalizes on the volatile nature of the Arrakis environment, turning the harsh desert elements against your foes.
When to Use Sandstorm Reaper’s Wrath
Timing and positioning are key when wielding the Reaper’s Wrath. This skill excels in:
Crowd Control: Use it to disperse groups of weaker enemies, quickly softening them up or outright killing clusters before they overwhelm you.
Boss Fights: While its damage-over-time effect is slower than a direct strike, the debuffs it applies make bosses more vulnerable to your team’s focused attacks.
Defensive Maneuvers: If you find yourself surrounded or retreating, activating this skill can create a protective zone that discourages enemies from advancing.
How to Unlock and Upgrade Sandstorm Reaper’s Wrath
To access this skill, you’ll need to progress through the Desert Ascendancy skill tree, investing points in environmental manipulation and elemental mastery. Early investment in sandstorm synergy skills will boost the duration and damage of the Reaper’s Wrath.
Upgrades focus on:
Damage Increase: Boosts AoE damage output.
Debuff Strength: Intensifies enemy accuracy and defense reduction.
Duration Extension: Keeps the sandstorm active longer.
Cooldown Reduction: Allows more frequent use in combat.
Key Strategies for Mastery
1. Positioning is Everything
Since Sandstorm Reaper’s Wrath affects a radius around you, standing too close to your enemies can sometimes put you at risk, especially if they have strong melee attacks. Position yourself strategically—ideally on the edge of enemy groups—to maximize damage while minimizing incoming harm.
2. Synergize with Team Abilities
Coordinate with your team to stack debuffs. While your sandstorm weakens enemies, allies can follow up with high-damage skills or crowd-control abilities to capitalize on reduced defenses. Communication during raids or PvP scenarios can turn Sandstorm Reaper’s Wrath into a pivotal team asset.
3. Combine with Mobility Skills
Sandstorms can restrict your movement slightly. Pair this skill with abilities that enhance mobility or defensive buffs to maintain control over the battlefield without becoming an easy target.
4. Resource Management
Activating Sandstorm Reaper’s Wrath consumes significant stamina or energy resources. Manage your resource pool carefully to avoid being caught defenseless once the sandstorm fades. Use potions or skill cooldowns to regenerate quickly.
Optimal Builds Featuring Sandstorm Reaper’s Wrath
To get the most from this skill, consider integrating it into builds that focus on:
Elemental Mastery: Boosts all sand and wind-related effects, amplifying damage and debuff potency.
Survivability: Since you’ll be in the thick of combat, invest in defensive talents that increase resistance to physical and elemental damage.
Cooldown Efficiency: Lowering cooldowns allows more frequent use, increasing your presence on the battlefield.
Best Gear to Complement the Skill
Equipment that enhances environmental damage or reduces cooldowns pairs well with Sandstorm Reaper’s Wrath. Look for:
Sandstorm Amulets: These increase sandstorm duration and damage.
Desert Raider Armor: Provides bonus resistance while using sand-based abilities.
Windblade Weaponry: Amplifies elemental attacks tied to wind or sand.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overusing Without Backup: Sandstorm Reaper’s Wrath is powerful but can leave you vulnerable if used without team support or backup.
Ignoring Positioning: Standing in the wrong spot can lead to getting overwhelmed, especially against ranged enemies.
Neglecting Cooldowns: Without proper cooldown management, you might find yourself unable to use this skill when most needed.
PvP Applications
In player-versus-player combat, Sandstorm Reaper’s Wrath can disrupt enemy formations and break through defensive lines. Use it to zone opponents, control choke points, and create openings for your team. Remember that skilled players will try to evade or interrupt the skill, so unpredictable timing and mobility are your best friends.
Conclusion
Mastering Sandstorm Reaper’s Wrath transforms you into a formidable force on Arrakis. By understanding its mechanics, optimizing your build, and practicing strategic use, you can dominate both PvE and PvP encounters. The desert’s fury is in your hands—unleash it wisely and watch your enemies fall beneath the wrath of the sandstorm. Fuel your rise on Arrakis—buy Solari from MMOexp.com for fast, safe, and affordable delivery.
Treatment of abbreviations and superscript items in full capital case
- Lilidala
- August 11, 2025, 6:22am
Lineage 2M, NCSoft’s expansive mobile MMORPG, offers players a rich world full of sprawling dungeons, massive PvP conflicts, and terrifying world bosses. One of the most legendary foes in the game is Antharas, the Earth Dragon. In "Shadowstrike of the Antharas Awakening," players must prepare to face this titanic creature while mastering one of the game’s most lethal rogue-style abilities — Shadowstrike. This guide walks you through building for Shadowstrike and defeating Antharas in his awakened form.
Understanding the Shadowstrike Skill
Shadowstrike is a high-damage assassination ability used primarily by dagger-wielding classes such as Treasure Hunter or Abyss Walker. It’s designed for quick burst damage and mobility, ideal for both PvE boss fights and PvP ambushes.
Skill Traits:
Type: Active Melee Skill
Effect: Deals massive critical damage from stealth or behind the target
Bonus: Increased crit rate and chance to ignore defense
Cooldown: Moderate (requires precise timing)
Shadowstrike excels when combined with speed boosts, evasion, and stealth mechanics, allowing you to slip past guards or raid bosses’ AoEs for pinpoint lethal strikes.
Building the Shadowstrike Assassin
To maximize Shadowstrike’s potential, you need to optimize your character for speed, precision, and critical output.
Class Path
Start: Rogue
Advanced: Treasure Hunter / Abyss Walker
Specialization: Choose abilities that boost crit rate, evasion, and stealth duration.
Key Stats to Prioritize:
DEX (Dexterity): Increases accuracy and evasion
STR (Strength): Boosts melee damage and critical power
AGI (Agility): Reduces cooldowns and increases attack speed
Recommended Gear:
Weapon: Dual Daggers or Enhanced Assassin’s Blade
Armor: Light armor sets with evasion, speed, and crit bonuses (e.g., Phantom Set)
Accessories: Crit rings, evasion earrings, and cooldown reduction pendants
Enchantments: Focus on crit rate, movement speed, and backstab damage
Preparing for the Antharas Awakening Raid
Antharas, the Earth Dragon, is one of the mightiest world bosses in Lineage 2M. He awakens periodically and requires a full alliance raid or a highly-coordinated party to bring down. His mechanics challenge even veteran players.
Entry Requirements:
Character level 55+ recommended
Gear enhancement level +6 or higher
Access to the Dragon Valley Cave – Core Chamber
Time-limited event participation (Antharas Awakening events are typically scheduled weekly)
Antharas Awakening Boss Mechanics
Antharas uses a combination of AoE earth magic, tail swipes, summons, and rage phases. Knowing his patterns is critical for survival.
Phase 1: Earth Shockwaves
Antharas uses wide-range ground slams.
Spread out to minimize damage stacking.
Melee DPS should flank the rear and sides.
Phase 2: Stone Summons
He summons golems to protect him.
DPS should quickly clear adds to avoid overwhelming support roles.
Shadowstrike users can burst down casters or healers among the mobs.
Phase 3: Rage Awakening
At 30% HP, Antharas becomes enraged.
Increased damage and faster attack patterns.
He uses Roar of Destruction, which can one-shot undergeared players.
Shadowstrike Strategy vs. Antharas
Using Shadowstrike effectively during the Antharas fight requires both timing and stealth mobility.
Before Combat:
Use stealth abilities to close the gap safely.
Coordinate with your tank to avoid aggroing Antharas prematurely.
Activate buffs and cooldown reduction potions.
During Combat:
Circle around to Antharas’ back and wait for a moment when he’s not performing AoEs.
Use Shadowstrike when your crit chance is boosted (via buffs or class passives).
After attacking, immediately disengage to avoid retaliation — use skills like Evasion Roll or Shadow Retreat.
Mob Control:
During the Stone Summons phase, switch targets and use Shadowstrike to snipe high-priority mobs (casters or healers).
Shadowstrike’s burst makes it ideal for deleting low-HP mobs instantly.
Team Coordination Tips
Assign Shadowstrike users to flank Antharas and handle rear-side DPS responsibilities.
Tanks must maintain threat while leaving the back clear for assassins to operate.
Healers should prioritize movement-based healing to support mobile DPS like Shadowstrikers.
Voice or in-game chat is essential to coordinate AoE avoidance and burst damage phases.
Loot and Rewards
Defeating Antharas offers high-end loot including:
Earth Dragon Jewelry (rare accessories)
Dragon Scale Fragments (used for crafting)
Unique Dagger Blueprints
Antharas Rune Crystals (enhance Earth-elemental resistances and skills)
Shadowstrike assassins especially benefit from the Antharas Cloak, which boosts critical damage from behind and improves stealth duration.
Final Thoughts
In Lineage 2M: Shadowstrike of the Antharas Awakening, mastering both a deadly assassin build and one of the game’s most dangerous bosses offers a uniquely satisfying experience. Shadowstrike brings high-risk, high-reward gameplay, and when paired with strategic movement and precision, it can turn the tide of the battle.
Antharas may be a colossal threat, but with the right build, smart tactics, and a well-prepared team, even the mightiest dragon can fall to the blade of a silent killer.
So sharpen your daggers, step from the shadows, and let the Earth Dragon feel the sting of your Shadowstrike. Power up your journey in Lineage 2M with MMOexp.com fast, safe, and affordable Diamond services. Trusted by players worldwide, we deliver the edge you need to dominate.
“my” vs. “mine” in multiple owner possessive
- Azure Trainings
- August 8, 2025, 11:28am
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Past perfect with until
- JamalAmeen
- August 1, 2025, 10:32am
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Treatment of abbreviations and superscript items in full capital case
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Two egg or two eggs
- Hossam Fathy
- July 29, 2025, 2:44pm
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Why do sports teams take a definite article?
- Hossam Fathy
- July 29, 2025, 2:43pm
“my” vs. “mine” in multiple owner possessive
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Shrine Publishers | Open Access Peer-Reviewed Journals