8 Mar
2000
8 Mar
'00
3:01 p.m.
English is my second language, though I've been using it as my primary
language since I was 6. Because I learned it as my second language, I've
developed into one who's somewhat stilted in his usage of the language, and
also one who's very much aware of the application of grammar, syntax, and
orthography. I am, therefore, thoroughly convinced that American English,
if it follows the current trend, will degenerate into a sequence of
monosyllabic grunts and whines by the time another couple or three
generations have passed. Just look at the more recent additions to the
Webster International Lexicon of the English language: words like "duuhh"
...
Dick
-----Original Message-----
From: Gary Hildebrand <ghldbrd(a)ccp.com>
To: classiccmp <classiccmp(a)classiccmp.org>
Date: Wednesday, March 08, 2000 9:37 PM
Subject: languages
Interesting dialog on languages . . . .
I myself have barely mastered English, american style. Somewhere along the
way I took three years of French in High School, the result being that my
English grades shot through the roof. Seems learning a foreign language
helps one master English grammar. Maybe the problem is that one can't
speak correct English in the first place.
As for the Morse code, I've talked to many people who's answer was "I
don't
think I can learn the code." It isn't a matter of skill -- five year old
kids have learned Morse code. I call it a case of 'wanna'. If you wanna
you can learn anything. But since the FCC deregulated the Amateur
licencing
structure, getting 5 wpm is fairly easy, if you wanna.
Gary Hildebrand WA7KKP