Re: Onion (was: Goats)

From: Peter P
Message: 29827
Date: 2004-01-20

--- In cybalist@yahoogroups.com, "Peter P" <roskis@...> wrote:
> >
> What's a green onion? Interesting that we try to be precise in
two
> or more different versions of English at the same time. Grocery
> stores in North America have abundant stocks of 'green onions' on
> the shelves. You may know them as scallions. Perhaps the
> dictionary would help.
>
> http://www.bartleby.com/61/81/S0118100.html
>
> Peter P

I just read my post and it has a bit of terse flavour, which is
unintentional.

I did want to stray a little OT and ask if English is generally
diverging due to geographical separation or is it remerging due to
improved mass communication. I guess it's a matter of degrees and
sectors. Are there any studies that suggest that improved
communication is offsetting the natural tendancy to diverge with
geography.

I have noticed that sometimes examples from English are given when
discussing word development so this question may be marginally 'on
topic'.

Peter P