putative bidialectalism

[Gordon, Matthew J.]

To say that John Rickford is bidialectal is to undercount his range. I assume that Wilson had in mind John's command of AAVE, which I've never heard from him, but which I suppose he may have acquired. What's his "second" dialect?
Phonologically it's certainly not "General American". Rather, the other "dialect" in his repertoire is a creole continuum of Guyanese. 


-----Original Message-----
From: American Dialect Society on behalf of Wilson Gray
Sent: Fri 10/22/2004 4:15 PM
To: ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU
Subject:      Re: putative bidialectalism
 
My reference is to John Rickford. Once upon a time, I had a speaking
acquaintance with John, but that was a while ago.  If you mentioned my
name to him, I wouldn't be at all surprised if he replied that he had
no idea who I am. IAC, I have heard him speak before various audiences
and I've also chatted with him on a personal basis. I know nothing at
all about Allan Metcalf. His name means nothing to me. I've never heard
him speak a single syllable under any circumstances nor have I read
anything by him. As a consequence, I am unable to voice an opinion of
any kind regarding Mr./Dr./Prof. Metcalf.

Now, what is the point of your reply? That only your opinions based
upon your experiences are the only valid ones? Or is it your claim that
Rickford is unworthy of such praise?

-Wilson Gray