Doug Ewell wrote:

>>> As Suzanne has pointed out many, many times, that's the sort of
>>> alien thing that is imposed on native literacies by outsiders.

>> No, you stated it many times. You stated your interest in this topic
>> is political.

> I did say that, defintely, but because it is the kind of thing that is
> little mentioned in research literacture, I feel on uncertain ground
> about *proving* it. However, I have been told where us linguists
> can stick our dictionaries rather emphatically by a university
> educated Cree literate. Other Cree have a lot invested in these
> dictionaries, so it is a complex issue.
>
> There are two sides to this. Yes, standardization by dictionary is
> alien. But is there a benefit from standardization that justifies it?
> Other than google, of course.
>
> And it is political but I refuse to discuss politics because it is
> easy to sympathize with both positions, if you have been given
> enough information.

> What a mean-spirited place Qalam has become. Again.

I don't find the exchange you quoted "mean-spirited" whatsoever; I'd call it
"refreshingly frank".

As to the academic testosterone exhibited elsewhere, well, perhaps a bit.
OTOH, I've haven't learned so much while laughing so hard in quite some
time...


/Jelks