LL-L "Language varieties" 2005.08.08 (06) [E]

[Lowlands-L]

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L O W L A N D S - L * 09.AUG.2005 (06) * ISSN 189-5582 * LCSN 96-4226
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A=Afrikaans Ap=Appalachian B=Brabantish D=Dutch E=English F=Frisian
L=Limburgish LS=Lowlands Saxon (Low German) N=Northumbrian
S=Scots Sh=Shetlandic V=(West) Flemish Z=Zeelandic (Zeêuws)
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From: Críostóir Ó Ciardha <paada_please at yahoo.co.uk>
Subject: LL-L "Grammar" 2005.08.08 (03) [E]


Dear all,

On the subject of "do" and its uses...

There is a fair amount of grammatical interference from Cornish English in 
my speech, from my mother and because I half grew up in Cornwall. Most 
obvious is my use of "do". I understand that in most Englishes the 
construction "I do do that" (i.e. "I habitually do that") sounds odd - this 
has been remarked upon a number of times to me (my mother also uses it and 
has had the same response - she lives in Nottingham). Likewise, for emphasis 
I say, "I do like that" (i.e., "I like that very much"). In Irish English 
constructions like "You do be after that" (i.e., "you do that a lot") are 
common and easily analysable to myself, but apparently strange to users of 
other Englishes.

Go raibh maith agaibh,


Criostóir.

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

Críostóir, Lowlanders,

It seems to me that the language specific uses of auxiliary "do" overlap 
greatly, if not for the most part, among the Lowlands languages.  This leads 
me to join those that assume this is a very old feature, even though it is 
not represented all that much in the old written language varieties (perhaps 
because it has always been considered "low," casual mode).  Of course, 
German, Yiddish and other "high" varieties use auxiliary "do" as well, but, 
with the exception of North German dialects (which have Low Saxon or Low 
Franconian substrates or influences), these do not overlap with the rest to 
such a degree.  I have no idea if this means that they dissimilated or if 
the "do" feature developed (to this degree) in the north after some of the 
Elbe tribes moved to the south.

Regards,
Reinhard/Ron

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