[etni] Re: comparative adjectives and geographical slurs

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>I think that accusing someone of using slum English, because they
>recommend a perfectly acceptable--and even more popular--variation of
>expression, is counterproductive, and contrary to the spirit of this
>list.  I appreciate the various ways that people from many English
>speaking countries--and especially the great variety within
>countries--speak and use English.  And explaining this variety, along
>with tolerance of the ways in which people speak English, is what we as
>teachers are supposed to do.
>

Hi Ellen,
I know some but not all of NY State as well as some but not all of NYC. I 
lived in Toronto for the first half of my life. NY is our neighbour. I had 
relatives from Buffalo.
This has nothing to do with the 'spirit of the list'. Let's not get all 
politically correct here over a discussion of what is right/wrong or what is 
better/worse. That would just stifle opinion. Let's leave political 
correctness to the politicians and the campuses. It's bad enough there!
The fact that the site you quote says that the first form, i.e. '-er' is 
most prevalent doesn't mean much to me, even if that is so in the cultured 
South. I don't know the reference and I dont' believe everything that I read 
on the Web despite the fact that it is the written word.
Some of the adjectives listed are best with the '-er' form (quieter), but 
some are 'slum English'. I have not thought on it much but I would think 
that words that end with 'ed' (i.e. past participles) and adjectives with 
more than two syllables would not fall into the '-er' category. So, 
blesseder, entranceder, despondenter are out.
And the fact that you mention that English is being degraded in certain 
areas does not make it better. Most of it is in the sound of the word. 
'Tireder' just sounds uncultured and unlearned. Sorry, but that's the way I 
see it. But English is very democratic so in the end, anything goes and 
anything may triumph. That doesn't make it finer, just more acceptable.
I would caution your students though, if they want to appear learned and not 
low-class. Except maybe in the Southern States. BTW, do you hear 'tireder' 
spoken on TV or radio, not by the common people but by the announcers (of 
news, etc.). They usually conform to the accepted standards.
Perhaps you can fault me for using the term 'slum English' but that was just 
my way of emphasizing the uneducated sound of the expression. Ain't that OK?

Gary
Dare I say, Calgary, Canada

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