Date: Thu, 16 Dec 1993 22:26:16 -0700 From: Rudy Troike Subject: Re: modren metathesis Dennis, Thanks for your quote from Chomsky. I've just finished an interesting seminar on [intrasentential] code-switching, a topic in which Don Lance pio- neered. It is easier to detect and analyze switching between completely different codes, but the subject does have potential relevance for re-examining language-internal switching, whether between different styles, regional varieties, or social varieties. Unfortunately the basis for constraints on switching is still not fully understood, and the evolution of Chomsky's model makes it a moving target for explanations. Nevertheless, code-switching is an exciting area to look at, since it offers one of the clearest windows into real-time language processing in the brain. Just as a side-note: some of those in the field unfortunately use "code-mixing" to refer to intrasentential code-switching, perpetuating the old stereotype that it is "mixed-up" language reflecting incompetence in both languages. I welcome volunteers in trying to resist that unfortunate usage. --Rudy Troike