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From: smryan@netcom.com (Ahmed)
Subject: Re: Differences between American + British english
Message-ID: <smryanD7A7sn.4rM@netcom.com>
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Date: Wed, 19 Apr 1995 12:24:23 GMT
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Dave Bass (dave@esatstyc.estec.esa.nl) wrote:
: > : of real examples, but includes a lot of television stuff. In the latter case 
: > : there does not appear to be a consistent use of grammar.

We all actually speak about half-dozen languages. Among friends and
families, our language can be very fragmented, depending as much on
connotations and gestures as what as actually said. In a different
context, we use different syntax and lexicon. Similar, yes, but not
the same. I do not speak as I write.

I haven't studied british tv usage, but it may be that american tv
simply tends to use the more fragmented variety of english we all
use in informal settings. Most tv shows are very carefully scripted
to appear spontaneous. If british and american tv differ, it may be
one switches to a more formal usage because of the scrunity, while
the other switches to informal for the same reasons.
-- 
He grudges Dawn its gracious light,     | smryan@netcom.com     PO Box 1563
the dance defying dark of night.        |             Cupertino, California
Her fleeting tread is flickerred red,   | (xxx)xxx-xxxx               95015
and wakes the world to waxing bright.   |                      Russkie-POW!
