English is a schizophrenic language that borrows words from many other languages. The most basic linguistic operations, like taking a singular noun and turning it into a plural noun, are complicated by the language's mixed heritage. There are rules, and then there are exceptions to those rules, and then there are exceptions to the exceptions. -
In this chapter, you’re going to learn about about plural nouns. Also, functions that return other functions, advanced regular expressions, iterators, and generators. But first, let’s talk about how to make plural nouns. (If you haven’t read the chapter on regular expressions, now would be a good time. This chapter assumes you understand the basics of regular expressions, and it quickly descends into more advanced uses.) +
For reasons passing all understanding, I have always been fascinated by languages. Not programming languages. Well yes, programming languages, but also natural languages. Take English. English is a schizophrenic language that borrows words from German, French, Spanish, and Latin (to name a few). Actually, “borrows” is the wrong word; “pillages” is more like it. Or perhaps “assimilates” — like the Borg. Yes, I like that. +
We are the Borg. Your linguistic and etymological distinctiveness will be added to our own. Resistance is futile.
+
In this chapter, you’re going to learn about plural nouns. Also, functions that return other functions, advanced regular expressions, iterators, and generators. But first, let’s talk about how to make plural nouns. (If you haven’t read the chapter on regular expressions, now would be a good time. This chapter assumes you understand the basics of regular expressions, and it quickly descends into more advanced uses.)
If you grew up in an English-speaking country or learned English in a formal school setting, you’re probably familiar with the basic rules: