Quick question: Do you say this in English?

[Lissi]

Hello,

thanks for this forum. I have a quick question: I've written an email and want to send it but I'm not sure with the language. Can you say it like this in English?

It is certainly not easy to respect human dignity without playing down impoverished conditions. I think you did a great job in marrying the two together.

You're right, it is frightening how quickly one slips back into the daily routine. What helps me not forget about (placeX) is when I get a chance to talk about it.

I wanted to say: the people look good in your pictures, you retain their dignity, they laugh often, but at the same time you do not play down (other word?) the very extremely poor living conditions of them (slum area)...
The the last sentence is it correct?

Thanks a lot for answering quickly, L

 

[BobK]

:hi: Both sentences are fine, and 'play down' is perfect.

Personally I'd avoid 'not forget', as forget implies a negative and I prefer to say something like 'what prevents/stops me forgetting' - or in my more flamboyant moments I might say 'what keeps (placeX) alive in my memory' or 'what keeps my memories of (placeX) alive'. But your version's fine. ;-)

b

 

[Tdol]

You could use downplaying.

 

[Lissi]

thank you very much, great forum!!!

 

[Lissi]

Do you say:

Are you often travelling overseas?

or rather:

Do you often travel overseas?

 

[Rover_KE]

Thank you very much. Great forum! ​[STRIKE]!![/STRIKE]

Lissi, there is no need to write a new post to say Thank you. Simply click the Thank button on any posts you find helpful. It means that we don't have to open the thread again to read your new post and then find that it doesn't include any new information or an additional question.

It saves everybody's time.

 

[Rover_KE]

Do you often travel overseas?

In future, Lissi, please ask unrelated questions in separate threads.