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b-hebrew - Re: [b-hebrew] 'iysh and zakar

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  • From: Peter Kirk <peterkirk AT qaya.org>
  • To: George F Somsel <gfsomsel AT juno.com>
  • Cc: b-hebrew AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: Re: [b-hebrew] 'iysh and zakar
  • Date: Tue, 01 Mar 2005 00:45:26 +0000

On 28/02/2005 18:17, George F Somsel wrote:

...

Uri,

Ignore what Peter and Karl have said. The Brits have forgotten how to
speak English ...


George, I demand a public apology for this offensive comment. I specifically spoke only for British English. What gives you the right to say what is good British English and what is not? Languages change, and British and American English have both changed considerably since they started to diverge. I could point to many ways in which Americans have forgotten how to speak English. But I am happy to let you speak as you do if you let us speak as we do.

... There is a
politically correct movement in which "he or she" is constantly used, but
the generic usage is still valid.


What do you mean by "valid"? Still used by some, yes, but offensive to at least 50% of the population. Would you claim that certain words e.g. for African-Americans once in common use but now widely rejected as racist slurs are "still valid", just because some people do still use them, and that you have the right to teach others that they ought to use such terms? The kind of sexist language you are advocating falls in the same category, or at least is viewed as such by many, in all parts of the English speaking world except for the Deep South.

--
Peter Kirk
peter AT qaya.org (personal)
peterkirk AT qaya.org (work)
http://www.qaya.org/



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