Don Livingston (Graduate Student)

4500 Whitman Ave. North #2 Dept. Slav. Lang. & Lit., DP-32

Seattle, WA 98103 University of Washington

Phone/Fax (206) 634-1539 Seattle, WA 98195



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Date: Mon, 29 Nov 1993 18:11:29 -0800

From: Donald Livingston deljr[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]U.WASHINGTON.EDU

Subject: Re: Language variation



Granted that the article that appeared in The Washington Post was

embarassing by educated standards. As one of those quoted, I imagine I

might have the right to be embarassed or offended. But take a look at the

article immediately preceding the one under discusiion (it's in the

Why_Things_Are section):



"Why do objects appear smaller the farther we move from them?"



Some nerds will tell you that the apparent size of objects is a

function of straight-line geometry ... But ignore all that. These are

the '90s, an age of heroic action and positive thinking. The new rule

is, when objects recede they don't get smaller -- YOU GET BIGGER.







Though people will, doubtlessly, take the regional accent section more

seriously, I somehow can't find it in my heart to be too horrified,

embarassed, or offended.



All the best, Don.



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