LL-L "Idiomatica" 2004.09.10 (04) [E]

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From: Críostóir Ó Ciardha <paada_please at yahoo.co.uk>
Subject: LL-L "Phonology" 2004.09.10 (03) [A/E]


John Feather wrote:
"The "might" forms of the verb "may" have almost disappeared. It's easy
to understand how "He said he may come tomorrow" arises though in true
reported speech the form should be "might". The same occurs with "can" and
"will"."

My wife is West Australian, and habitually uses _can_ for _will_, e.g.,
"Will you pass me that?" is always "Can you pass me that?" I find it a most
strange construction. I always reply with "Yes, I can, but whether I will or
not is another matter." Younger Australians also display a characteristic
use of _might_ to mean _will_. It is confusing. When a young Australian says
"I might be going out tonight" he or she means "I will definitely be going
out tonight".

I don't observe the fuzziness around _can_ and _might_ in older Australians
(who are generally admirably straightforward), so I suspect it is down to
American influence, because in the US it is common (fashionable, perhaps) to
be unclear in sentences, e.g. "I'm kind of busy right now". (There are many
other examples, burt they evade me.)

Go raibh maith agat,

Criostóir.

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From: R. F. Hahn <sassisch at yahoo.com>
Subject: Idiomatica

Hi, Críostóir!

Having lived in Western Australia for a long time before ("temporarily")
moving to the States, I can understand your level of confusion, and I too
suspect American influence in the newer use of "might."

I have found Americans in general to be very careful (some would say to an
obsessive degree) to avoid sounding aggressive and offensive (which is in
itself not a bad thing at all, especially when you are dealing with so much
diversity).  This tends to lead to what others might (may? will? would?)
regard as sounding "wishy-washy," "non-committal."  The use of "might"
instead of "will" is just one example.  "I don't know ..." is another
example where it actually means "I disagree" or "You're wrong."  I've found
this to be more prevalent among women, the aim being to sound "nice,"
"non-confrontational," etc. (in fears of being considered a "b..."
otherwise), and it has spilled over into men's speech modes in polite
("non-chummy") company.

Furthermore, it is also true that, generally speaking, Australia has a
cherished tradition of straightforwardness in attitude, speech and
interpersonal dealings.   Calling a spade a spade is a traditional ideal.
However, even among older Australians there are expressions that to
outsiders come across as ambiguous, "wishy-washy."  Before I mended my ways,
my American wife got irritated whenever I said "I wouldn't mind (to)"
instead of "I want (to)" or "Sure!"  There are other examples, but this is
all I can come up with off the top of my head.  On the other hand, there are
many instances in which she chides me for sounding "too pushy with people"
because I voice a request or complaint in a manner that to me seems neutral
and straightforward ...

Regards,
Reinhard/Ron

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