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From: Berlant@dynanet.com (Stephen R. Berlant)
Subject: SIBILANTS AS VOCATIVES
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Date: Mon, 26 Feb 1996 14:29:12 GMT
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I seem to recall that while traveling either through Italy or Spain sometime 
back I observed people getting another's attention by sibilating 
"T-s-s-s-s-t!" or "S-s-s-s-t!" 

I was wondering if anyone could confirm this and/or tell me whether the 
practice was idiosyncratic or widespread?


My thanks in advance.

Steve Berlant 
