Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Language/2023 August 7

= August 7 =

Neko bowl text
I am interested in buying these bowls, but before I do, I want to know what they say to ensure they aren't offensive in any way if I bring them to work. Is it actual Kanji or just artistic stuff? 97.82.165.112 (talk) 14:17, 7 August 2023 (UTC)
 * I think it just says maneki-neko although the kanji for 'neko' is very roughly drawn. 惑乱 Wakuran (talk) 15:11, 7 August 2023 (UTC)
 * I think the textured surface of the bowl interferes with printing. Then again in these versions it has an even more confusing shape. There's also something written on the cat's chest, and on its ... cookie? Plus I guess a signature or trademark (clearer on this sugar bowl). Incidentally, look at the size of that cherry. These bowls might not be as big as you expect. Card Zero  (talk) 15:49, 7 August 2023 (UTC)
 * Thanks. I just realized that I should have shown the image to the coworker who would try to find a reason to be offended by it and ask her what her opinion is before I purchased them. But, as you noted, they are very small, so I will keep looking. 97.82.165.112 (talk) 16:39, 7 August 2023 (UTC)
 * The "cookie" in the cat's paw was mentioned. I have been told that it indicates the cat is holding a lot of money and is used to mean it is a rich cat. This comes from stores placing the cat on the counter where it is intended to bring financial success. Also, a pot with the same design had Kanji on lid that literally meant "open/close". Not as creative. 97.82.165.112 (talk) 17:59, 8 August 2023 (UTC)

Diphthong question
--40bus (talk) 21:09, 7 August 2023 (UTC)
 * 1) Does English have any height-harmonic diphthongs, long diphthongs or rising diphthongs?
 * 2) Is there any modern language which marks lenght of diphthongs and monophtongs marked by digraphs by diacritic or doubling?
 * Regarding #1, see Vowel length. Australian English and other Southern Hemisphere varieties, which are often strongly non-rhotic, often use vowel length as a marker of what is a vocalic "r" sound in other dialects.  For vowels that are diphthongs, this trend holds as well, I believe.  -- Jayron 32 12:41, 8 August 2023 (UTC)
 * Welsh English retains the contrast between /ɪʊ̯/ and /(j)uː/ (as in chews vs choose). RP also has [ʊɪ̯] in ruin, fluid, etc., though this is usually analyzed as /uː.ɪ/. All accents have rising diphthongs of /j, w/ + vowel, though not distinct phonemes. Nardog (talk) 14:40, 8 August 2023 (UTC)