SWAE relative "what"

[Charles Doyle]

Yes, all Southerners--nonwhippers, at least--should be familiar with relative "what."  Well, maybe not those of the "higer orders" up yonder in the big house (who knows?).

--Charlie
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---- Original message ----
>Date: Wed, 23 Aug 2006 17:05:10 -0400
>From: William Salmon <william.salmon at YALE.EDU>
>Subject: Re: SWAE relative "what"
>To: ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU
>
>I agree with Wilson on the relative 'what' and Southern English. I recall hearing it pretty commonly in South Texas.  Especially with older speakers.
>

>> Really, Wilson?  I've never heard it, in lower or higher orders (a horrible phrase, btw, even though I know you're implying a smiley face).  But I do hear it from foreign-born English speakers often, including those who have lived here a long time.  I doubt the blend theory though; let's not get carried away with blending as an explanation.
>>
>> Beverly

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