In a message dated 7/26/06 10:46:14 AM, [log in to unmask] writes:

Parts of Speech if fine for me. It recognizes the more primary aspect of language as Speech. The ability to analyze all Speech (not just writing) is what grammar offers.

But wouldn't phrases and clauses and, for that matter, paragraphs also qualify as parts of speech? It seems to me that "word classes" captures much more precisely the meaning we intend. I fear that parts of speech doesn't only "recognize the more primary aspect of language as speech," but it could be understood as applying only to speech, which, of course, is not the case. "Word classes" more accurately captures the fact that what we are talking about is a feature of both speech and writing. I would love to see the term "word classes" used more widely.

Peter Adams
To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web interface at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html and select "Join or leave the list"

Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/