Dear fellow language enthusiasts,
Thanks for your kind words, Linda. I too feel enriched by two days of
stimulating discussions about our favorite subject. Forty-five of us
from all over the country came together to share methods of teaching
grammar from the kindergarten level, to middle school, to college. We
have returned to our homes energized and excited.
I agree with your interpretation,Linda. Sometimes people say
exactly what they do not intend to say. This is prime evidence that
grammar study is essential, and that those pauses make a critical
difference.
Sherry Saylors
>>> [log in to unmask] 08/01/11 12:13 PM >>>
Dear fellow language enthusiasts:
First, thanks to Sherry Saylors and PGCC for hosting a great ATEG
conference this past weekend!
We had a fabulous time. And thanks to Martha Kolln and Pam Dykstra for
inspiring keynotes, and to all of our presenters for interesting and
intellectually provocative presentations!
And ATEG must have put me in the mood: I cannot believe that the major
news stations keep playing Mitch McConnell's ridiculously ambiguous
statement over and over:
What he meant: "The United States will not for the first time in history
default on its debt."
What he said: "The United States will not-- for the first time in
history-- default on its debt."
The preferred reading of this statement is, of course, that the US has
always defaulted on its debt, but will not do so this time, for the
first time. Does anyone disagree with this? And to hear McConnell say it
only brings this interpretation home.
The secondary interpretation might be what McConnell intended: That we
have, in fact, avoided this first-time event that has never happened.
But given his pauses and the fact that his intonation seems to rise when
it should fall, his statement really signals the first interpretation.
This would be a good opener for a linguistics or grammar class today...
Linda
________________________________________
Linda Di Desidero, Ph.D.
Director, Communication Studies & Professional Writing
University of Maryland University College
School of Undergraduate Studies
3501 University Boulevard East
Adelphi, MD 20783-8083
College English Association
http://cea.stevensonuniversity.org/
Maryland Communication Association
http://www.marylandcomm.org/
(240) 684-2830 (Department)
(240) 684-2928 (Office)
(240) 684-2995 (Fax)
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OVPTS 12-07-09
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