I am still here, listening quietly to the interesting conversation.  I have
such respect for all of you who are making contributions to the goal of
convincing society that language is worthy of study and an interesting topic
of discussion!

Something Johanna said drew my special attention:

<I'm a linguist, and though I recognize and decry the prejudice that
underlies insistence on standard grammar, I also realize that the
insistence is there.>

We need to recall that there is more reason for a "standard grammar" and a
"standard English" than just to feed our prejudices.  Call it "language of
broader communication" if you wish.  Call it whatever is properly
euphimistic.  But we need a language in the English-speaking world that can
communicate thoroughly and precisely the meanings we need to communicate
across geographical, cultural, and ethnic boundaries.  We, as teachers,
scholars, writers, editors, etc., have a responsibility to ensure the
availability of that language to all persons who need to communicate across
those boundaries.  Of course, we cannot accomplish this by insulting other
dialects of English.  My freshman English classes provide ample evidence
that many of the children of America are not being offered the gift of a
language of broader communication to the extent they need it for "broader
communication."

But I know that I am only saying what is obvious to all of you.  And,
Johanna, I know that you are sensitive to this.  I used your statement out
of context.  Consider it my crime of passion.  I now return now to silence.


Jeff Glauner
Associate Professor of English
Park University, Box 1303
8700 River Park Drive
Parkville MO 64152
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http://www.park.edu/jglauner/index.htm

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