form

[Frederick Newmeyer]

I hope it is clear that the quote stops where the quote stops. Not only
did I NOT speculate that there might be a 'gene for the subjunctive', I
patiently explained to the reporter that such would be utterly implausible
and was careful (I thought) to dissociate any claims about a genetic basis
for grammar from discussions of prescriptivism, Ebonics, and whatever else
the public might associate with the notion 'grammar'. But, alas,...

--fritz

On Wed, 22 Jan 1997, Elizabeth Bates wrote:

> I just thought I would include, for the edification of all on this
> list, a quote that I just read from this week's Newsweek Magazine,
> from our very own Fritz Newmeyer.  Anyone care to add this tidbit
> to the running discussion? -liz bates
>
>
> The new millennium will also bring the discovery of genes for
> specialized bits of language.  Already, researchers have found
> a genetic mutation that shows up in an inability to put suffixes
> onto words: people who carry the gene cannot add "-s" or "-er"
> or _ed" to words, explains [linguistic Fritz] Newmeyer [of the
> University of Washington].  "In the next century we will locate
> other aspects of language in the genes," he believes.  Could a gene
> for the subjunctive be far behind?  Next time you don't know whether
> it's "if she was" or "if she were," you'll be able to blame your DNA.
>
> from Sharon Begley, "Uncovering secrets, big and small".  In Beyond 2000:
> America in the 21st Century.  Newsweek, January 17, 1997, pp 63-64.
>