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How many meanings does the below sentence have? How many meanings does the below sentence have?
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Old 21-Feb-2007, 08:18
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Default How many meanings does the below sentence have?
Hi,

Can anyone help? I am trying to work out the number of meanings the below sentence can have depending on the tone of voice and context.

"Can I not celebrate my birthday please?
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Old 23-Feb-2007, 08:34
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Default Re: How many meanings does the below sentence have?
I'll start

1 May I celebrate it?
2 Will you stop ruining things and let me get on with my celbrations
3 You don't want to let me celebrate it, but can I
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Old 23-Feb-2007, 14:38
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Default Re: How many meanings does the below sentence have?
4 [I'm sick of celebrating other peoples' birthdays.] Can I not celebrate mine [for a change]?
5 [The Government is banning celebrations.] Can't I even celebrate my birthday?



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