LL-L "Lexicon" 2007.11.24 (08) [E]

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L O W L A N D S - L  -  24 November 2007 - Volume 08
Song Contest: lowlands-l.net/contest/ (- 31 Dec. 2007)
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From: heatherrendall at tiscali.co.uk <heatherrendall at tiscali.co.uk>
Subject: LL-L "Lexicon" 2007.11.23 (01) [E]

Paul wrote "But I'd still rather walk in the hills than perambulate in the
elevated terrain."

Trying to unpick prejudice is a long slow process: some decades ago it would
have been generally accepted that " perambulate in an elevated terrain" was
an indication of  the speaker's " higher (better) education" or "higher
thinking".

The classic example ( sorry about the pun) came from the Classics Society
some 20 years ago, who asked teachers to make a judgement between two boys,
who had been asked what they would do, if they were Chancellor for a day.
One replied: " Well I'd keep most of the laws but I'd get rid of some of
them." The other replied " I would abolish a minority of laws but would
retain the majority." Most of the teachers judged the latter boy 'more
intelligent' / 'better educated' than the former.  Yet in fact both boys are
thinking exactly the same thing and neither is cleverer than the other.

Then there was a swing ( in teaching at least) to avoid the latinisms /
classical English, and heap extra praise on those who spoke simple
straightforward language. And heap contempt on those who did use 'long
words'. I wonder if the above test were re-run now, what the reactions of
teachers would be.

I have tried all my career long to get teachers to understand that it is not
how one says something, but what one says that is important. That vocabulary
is accident of environment: you learn what you hear and it would be
extraordinary for the 5year old boy who on seeing someone coming through a
window said: What an unorthodox method of entry! if he were to say instead:
'ere wha' a funny way to come in. He is as likely to say it in Chinese or
Pidgin - because if that is not the language of his environment, he won't
know it to use it.

When it comes to languages changing or creating new words for new ideas or
objects, I sincerely believe that 'the grass roots will out'! Logie Baird
did not use the word television for his invention but that's how it is known
worldwide . Who gave the Germans 'Handy' for a mobile ( and what other terms
have become accepted elsewhere for this new invention?) The French Govt has
tried for years to stop / discourage the use of weekend/ hamburger/ jeans
etc etc to no avail.

People will use what people will use and it is nigh impossible to legislate
for or against anything to be imposed ( unless you make it a condition of
employment - then necessity beckons)

But even in these situations , the grass roots version of the language will
start to be more creative and inventive than the language tsars officially
tolerate. And long may that be!

Heather

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