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