Re: THEORY: Natural language change (was Re: Charlie and I)

"Thomas R. Wier" wrote:
> and I think the preterite is slowly edging
> the present perfect out.  I remember distinctly a couple months
> ago hearing someone at the elevator in the complex where I live
> saying "Did you do your homework yet?"
Strange!  I've heard the perfect used where I'd use simple forms, like
(actual sample from a co-worker) "The reason I had said that was that
everyone had been looking at you", whereas I'd say "...I said that ...
was looking at ..."

> I think there has also been an increased recognition of the importance
> of linguistic tolerance in those who become teachers nowadays.
Hmm, if so that would be promising.  But, I've never encountered such a
teacher in my public school career.  They were all prescriptivists.

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