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What does "So what then?" mean?

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Jun 05th 2012 01:40 usage English conversation question
I was watching a TV show. Then, I heard this sentence. What does it mean?
When can I use it?

A: Does nobody here speak English?
B: No, he can.
A: Do you speak English? (facing on Mr.C)
C: Yes.
A: So what then? <--------★

I hope you will tell me about the meaning and usage.

Thank you!
Fiddle
Jun 05th 2012 01:46
It's just a little idiomatic/slang sort of thing. As such, it's kind of hard to pin it down with a perfect definition, but it more or less means, "so what happens now/next" or "so what?" It can actually mean a lot of little things...it's probably mostly used sarcastically, like, "so what."
Jun 05th 2012 01:48 superlearn
I agree with fiddle. I think in this case it's being used sarcastically to say: So what if he speaks english? what's the big deal?
Jun 05th 2012 02:27 Veniza
Hmmm.. actually, it's difficult to judge since I haven't seen the whole TV show..but basing on the dialogue that you have written there..the expression "So, what then?" means, "So what if you know how to speak English?"
..So you can use this expression if you want to be sarcastic with somebody..a not so good expression for me actually..haha :D

*I hope this had help you! :)
Jun 05th 2012 12:16 Cook*Sakae
Thank you Fiddle, superlearn, Veniza !!!

Oh, it has sarcastic meaning... I won't use it. (^^;) It's so dangerous.
Thank you for your help!

Anyway,
would you tell me the meaning of "what if he speaks english"?
Does this mean the same as "why doesn't he speak english"?

Is "Why don't you～" bad sentence???
Jun 05th 2012 13:02 superlearn
it's hard to explaine "what if he speaks english" using english. but i will try. What if he speaks english is just a question you're asking. it's like saying "who will win the baseball game" except with what if he speaks english there is some consequence implied. that's probably a poor explanation and someone can do much better.

Why doesn't he speak english is more of a surprised question. You usually ask that if you expected the person to speak english but he does not so you ask :why doesn't he speak english?"

Why don't you is a fine sentence. English speakers (well american speakers) use it all the time, myself included!
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I was watching a TV show. Then, I heard this sentence. What does it mean? When can I use it? A: Does nobody here speak English? B: No, he can. A: Do you speak English? (facing on Mr.C) C: Yes. A: So what then? <--------★ I hope you will tell me about the meaning and usage. Thank you!


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