Comments on: I Miss My Girl, and other stuff

By: Rex Parker

Rex Parker — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:09:22 +0000

Bryson is a polymath, which is good, but his usage guide irks me (in the way any usage guide is bound to, I suppose). I mean, he says that “alright” is always incorrect, but it’s perfectly good Middle English, quod I.

By: adsoofmelk

adsoofmelk — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 18:59:27 +0000

Fascinating excerpt from the book. It reminds me of the whole knight/knife issue in English that I’ve often had to explain to my students, especially the ones who aren’t native speakers.

I love “Shawn Bawn,” though.

By: Mariposa

Mariposa — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 15:41:30 +0000

I remember Violet going last year. I think it is a great adventure.

We are home this weekend except for a day trip. Too bad we couldn’t have met last year.

By: haven

haven — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 06:43:06 +0000

You are so brave sending your girl to camp. I don’t think I could cope!!

By: Sheila

Sheila — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 05:05:16 +0000

Ooh, Shaun, thanks. I feel awkward tagging people but I find stuff like this strangely compelling and I love to see what people are reading. You’ve reminded me of something my husband and I joke around with all the time: actors with names like Sean Bean we refer to as Shawn Bawn, or Seen Been. Now I feel like digging out my copy of Mother Tongue to see if he explains this.

Wasn’t that a great anecdote about the Greek instructor?