LINGUIST List 12.2275

Mon Sep 17 2001

Qs: Verb Suffix -s, Referent Discontinuity

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Directory

  1. Bingfu Lu, verb suffix -s in English and else
  2. Chrystalla Thoma, Referent discontinuity

Message 1: verb suffix -s in English and else

 Date: Wed, 12 Sep 2001 08:28:32 -0700
From: Bingfu Lu <bingfumizar.usc.edu>
Subject: verb suffix -s in English and else

Dear linguists:

I know Ebonics (African American English) does not use the third
person singular present tense suffix -s. I wonder whether there are
other English variations that don't use verb suffix -s. I am also
interested in the process of children's acquisition of -s.

I have read that there is a tendence in colloquial English to use
"there is...." to replace "there are...." regardless the following NP
is plural. But I forgot the source.

I should appreciate it very much if you can kindly provide me with the
related information.

	Thanks
	Bingfu Lu
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Message 2: Referent discontinuity

 Date: Fri, 14 Sep 2001 11:54:07 +0200
From: Chrystalla Thoma <cthomauni-bremen.de>
Subject: Referent discontinuity


I am doing my PhD in linguistic analysis and translation of Greek
Cypriot folktales. Can anybody tell me if any study has been made of
referent continuity/discontinuity in Greek? I am particularly
interested in oral narrative discourse, but any reference will be
welcome. Thank you

Chrystalla Thoma
cthomauni-bremen.de
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