LINGUIST List 7.942

Thu Jun 27 1996

Qs: Phonetic analysis, Dutch, Yiddish, Progressive aspect

Editor for this issue: Ann Dizdar <dizdartam2000.tamu.edu>

Directory

1. Adrian Clynes, Software for phonetic analysis
2. HOWARD GREGORY, Dutch dialects
3. caroline nachman, yiddish-speakers
4. "Bethany K. Dumas", Uses of the Progressive Aspect

I would like to find out about software packages which do basic
instrumental phonetic analyses - spectrograms, etc. I am aware of the
SIL Cecil package, but only in its early (non-windows, 'blue box'
version). I would like to get users opinions about different packages
available, with the hardware requirements for each, and how one could
get hold of them from Borneo. I will post a summary of replies.
Thanks in advance to anyone who responds.

Adrian Clynes
aclynesubd.edu.bn

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I have been looking into some Dutch data involving preposed indirect
objects. There seems to be general agreement in the literature (Koster
(1978), Hoekstra (1984), Den Besten (1985), ...) that they have
certain subject-like properties, even to the point of controlling
agreement for some speakers (Wechsler (1995)). However all the Dutch
speakers (mostly, in fact, living in Belgium) who I have consulted
have largely contradicted the data on which this is based. Can anybody
confirm for me that this is in fact a known dialectal difference,
e.g. between Belgian and Netherlands Dutch?

I will be grateful for any help.

Howard Gregory
hg4soas.ac.uk

i am not a yiddish speaker, but have recently thought of studying it
because i don't want the language to die out. are there stats
available on the % of yiddish speakers under 50 in the u.s.?

thanks,
caroline
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The Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language (CGEL) discusses
uses of the progressive aspect and says, among other things, that use
of the past progressive may suggest either politeness (particularly
when combined with the attitudinal past tense) or casualness of
conversational intent (as opposed to purposeful discussion)
(pp. 209-210). I am seeking published research (or research in
progress) discussing these uses of the past progressive in American
English.

Thanks,
Bethany Dumas

Bethany K. Dumas, J.D., Ph.D.	Applied Linguistics, Language & Law
Department of English		EMAIL: dumasbutk.edu
415 McClung Tower		(423) 974-6965, (423) 974-6926 (FAX)
University of Tennessee		Editor, Language in the Judicial Process
Knoxville, TN 37996-0430 USA	<http://ljp.la.utk.edu>;