One of the small notes about research in one of Stephen Pinker's books concerns the correct use of English grammar by lower socio-economic/educational groups.
Essentially, the correct use of grammar (full sentences, correct syntax, etc.) is much more prevalent in lower-education groups.
Anecdotally - TRUE.
I find it fascinating that indivduals in this town who cannot spell, or string a logcal sequence of thoughts together, can speak in plain, simple, CORRECT ENGLISH. And do so regularly!
I suspect it has to do with the assumption of intelligence and analytic ability on the part of the speakers. When we deal with somweone intelligent, we can assume that the listener can "fill in the blanks" correctly. Hence the use of fragments, half-sentences, and incomplete thoughts. But with the simple, everything must be fleshed out, else there may be considerable misunderstandings.
Fascinating. (With apologies to Mr. Spock.)
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Church-Goers?
Just a quick observation: It's interesting here how many people view church as entertainment in this town. It is obviously a social club. I'm not really sure how that sits with the power-that-bes, but it certainly does not conform to my concept of faith.
Yes faith can be warming, gratifying, all that. But entertainment?
Sorry folks; I think rather the less of you for that.
Yes faith can be warming, gratifying, all that. But entertainment?
Sorry folks; I think rather the less of you for that.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Hortons here are who?
Excuse the indulgence in the title (not a bad pun eh?).
It occurs to me that the Tim Hortons donut shops here (a smallish town) are set up for seating in a more congenial fashion than most. The design lends itself to sitting in groups and gabbing (did I just use that word?), which residents here do quite a bit.
This habit seems to be centred in the not-so-well-off group, who have3 less money for entertainment, and thus end up at Timmy's with a drink and donut and a talk.
Perhaps there is a business window here in smaller towns? The locations I have seen evidently have a great deal of traffic; probably more than larger cities.
It occurs to me that the Tim Hortons donut shops here (a smallish town) are set up for seating in a more congenial fashion than most. The design lends itself to sitting in groups and gabbing (did I just use that word?), which residents here do quite a bit.
This habit seems to be centred in the not-so-well-off group, who have3 less money for entertainment, and thus end up at Timmy's with a drink and donut and a talk.
Perhaps there is a business window here in smaller towns? The locations I have seen evidently have a great deal of traffic; probably more than larger cities.
Geese
It seems the Canada geese are returning (yay) earlier than last year. Large formations (?) of them have been heading roughly north for several days now. Of course, one example does not make a trend. Nice to see anyway, even if they are noisy (and dirty, too).
OTOH, there have been far more coyotes locally than before. I was even asked to come over and "take out" a few for customers who have had problems. It would seem that coyotes are not averse to eating family pets, especially smaller ones.
I don't knpow the regulations for sure, but it would give me some practice with my 243 at decent ranges (>300 yds). So we'll see. Need to upgrade the scope maybe?
OTOH, there have been far more coyotes locally than before. I was even asked to come over and "take out" a few for customers who have had problems. It would seem that coyotes are not averse to eating family pets, especially smaller ones.
I don't knpow the regulations for sure, but it would give me some practice with my 243 at decent ranges (>300 yds). So we'll see. Need to upgrade the scope maybe?
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