Date:  Fri, 29 Jul 1994 17:30:56 -0400

From:  "Becky Howard, Department of Interdisciplinary Writing,

     Colgate University" <BHOWARD[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]CENTER.COLGATE.EDU>

Subject: Re: Forrest Gump



A remark upon Alan Slotkin's observation of heavy a-prefixing near Sgt. York's

hometown: In the part of southern West Virginia where I grew up, I heard some

a-prefixing, but it was the mark of a *deepwoods* rube; town folks didn't say

it and looked down their noses at those who did. When I saw *Sgt. York* for

the first time just a year ago, I was struck by the a-prefixing as excessive,

artificial--and Hollywood. I'm impressed that it actually resonates with

Tennessee usage. Maybe Hollywood does get it right now & then!



Becky Howard

Department of Interdisciplinary Writing

Colgate University

BHOWARD[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]CENTER.COLGATE.EDU