Date: Thu, 23 Oct 1997 09:08:04 -0600

From: Bonnie Briggs BBRIGGS[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]ADMIN2.MEMPHIS.EDU

Subject: Re: "Bless you" (was "Good morning")





This stereotype of uncivil New Yorkers is once again refuted. New Yorkers are

brusque, but often quite compassionate. "Bless You" is just one example of

the unheralded side of this misunderstood breed of urban animal.



Since when was brusque considered polite? This type of speech is often seen

as a face-threatening act which in turn requires one to resort to "saving

face". The use of "Bless you" is a linguistic element of speech used more

extensively by some than others. The question is who is more apt to use it

and is this a regional thing. If so, why?





Bonnie Briggs

The University of Memphis