Re: [tied] Re: Convergence in the formation of IE subgroups

On 2006-05-13 20:48, Patrick Ryan wrote:

> What you have described certainly does not conform to my definition
> of 'imperfect transmission'.

Your definition, your problem.

> It is instead an example of the rather common phenomenon of
> lower-class elision and slurring of sounds, sometimes unfortunately
> imitated by youth of other classes.

This is really astounding. You've made my day. Lenition as a lower-class
phenomenon! If the Queen were aware of your theory, she'd immediately
switch to some rhotic variety such as West Country British English or
General American. But of course all early humans were linguistically
upper-class and studiously avoided all forms of slurring and elision.

> The norms were certainly perfectly transmitted but the speech-habits
> of the lower-class ignored them.

And, pray, sir, what happened to the norms? In the next generation "the
best speakers" of England were already non-rhotic.

Piotr