Date: Fri, 12 Dec 1997 11:40:41 -0800

From: Peter Richardson prichard[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]LINFIELD.EDU

Subject: Re: getting along



I agree with Jody and Kendra, who suggest that this list is a fine way for

students to see what thoughtful and articulate academics talk about. As I

mentioned earlier this term, I asked my students to eavesdrop on the list

for this reason, and we found ourselves coming back again and again to

topics under discussion here on these very screens. Especially

challenging--and therefore ultimately rewarding--was the flurry of

exchanges about _nigger_ at the end of October. Because this course is an

ersatz freshman English class, the students were grateful to have a

specific topic (title: "Language Matters") and to be expected to engage it

as adults. I'm indebted to the members of this list, therefore, who

so successfully demonstrate what a privilege and a joy it is to indulge

in scholarly discourse without losing sight of the human foundation that

must underlie the entire enterprise.



Peter Richardson



On Mon, 8 Dec 1997, Kendra Banks Perry wrote:



I would just like to give a hearty "Amen" to Jody's statements. As an

undergraduate English student, I have found this list to be an

interesting, informative, and even inspiring window on profesional

linguistics.

.....