I am confused by a Craig Hancock's recent post.  Craig has a theoretical
commitment to Halliday's systemic functional linguistics.  In the
preface to the 1994 edition of his Introduction to Functional Grammar,
Halliday writes, " Language has evolved to satisfy human needs . . . --
it is not arbitrary" (p. viii). 

In his recent post Craig appears to acknowledge there are arbitrary
aspects of language, especially in this interface between the lexicon
and syntax with respect to the verb graduate.

>>> Craig Hancock <[log in to unmask]> 12/18/06 7:49 AM >>>

   If we can "finish high school" I guess we ought to be able to
graduate it.
   I think we can confuse logic with what sounds right. And if it sounds
right, then we look for logical explanations.
   I like the way the talk has tended. We don't need to legislate as
much
as we itch to. Even though we like to think of ourselves as experts and
sources of good advice (with good cause), we need to be careful
observers from time to time.
   The language does have a life of its own. 

******
My own own understanding of the nature of language is what Craig posted
and not Halliday's claim that language is not arbitrary.  I am glad we
agree on something.

Bob Yates, University of Central Missouri

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