On: Five languages that came from English

[ekianjo]

The exact same thing is observed in Belgian French (wallonian) where they use "une fois" (same thing as "once") because of the dutch speaking influence locally.

[thaumasiotes → ekianjo]

Also in standard mandarin, where you can soften an imperative (I am told that the intuition is that the duration of such a modified verb is short) by adding 一下 "one time".

As far as I know (not authoritative), the construction is native.

[ksenzee → ekianjo]

"Une fois" means "once" in standard French ("il y avait une fois..."). Is there a specific context you're thinking of where it's used in a non-standard way?

[adrianratnapala → ksenzee]

But is it used to soften an imperative? "Once" is is not used that way in English, except aparently in Wisconsin.

Though I find it ironic, that in this context "mal" translates to "once". Since "mal" actually means "multiple times".

[ksenzee → adrianratnapala]

Oh, you mean like "Donne-moi une fois quelques minutes" - the exact same construction as the parent was pointing out exists in Wisconsin. Fascinating. Thanks for clarifying.

[taejo → adrianratnapala]

"Mal" means "time" (singular)

[jmadsen → adrianratnapala]

"mal" means time(s), but used that way in German is a shortened form of "einmal" (once)