Date:  Wed, 9 Apr 1997 09:33:30 -0000
From:  Dazaifu <dzfhs-02[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]MXW.MESHNET.OR.JP>
Subject: Fw: Not exactly double modals

"Used to could" is common in my (New Orleans area) dialect, although I
DON'T use double modals. Of course, now that I don't live in Louisiana any
more, I have had to start saying "used to be able to" :(

Another aspect of New Orleans dialect is the following. Do any other areas
have this, too?

"been _______ing"

Ex.   'Is that a new shirt?'
    'No, I ('ve) been having this shirt.'  (with stress on the 'been')

Ex.   'I've been knowing him all my life.'  (instead of 'have known')


I'm curious about this last form because I have never met anyone outside of
Louisiana who has even heard of it before.

Thanks,

Tara Sanchez
dzfhs-02[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]mxw.meshnet.or.jp