On Mon, 26 Nov 2007 00:01:09 -0700 Craig White <craigwhite@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: > English is not the primary language for many of the list users and the > point is communication. Patrick Quinn's primary language, on a balance of probabilities, is most likely English. Point the first: Both his first and last name is of Irish origin. It is extremely unlikely, though not completely impossible, that his first language spoken is Gaelic. Ireland has two official languages, though, English and Gaelic. However, Gaelic is a minority language even in Ireland and most references state that the official languages are "English and Gaelic" rather than "Gaelic and English". Point the second: Mr. Quinn's message showed a greater-than-minimal grasp of the English language; the phrasing and format demonstrated carelessness rather than a lack of knowledge, and the signs of great effort normally seen in a post by a non- or minimal-English speaker were not present in his message. Point the third: No capitalization and minimal punctuation were present in Mr. Quinn's message. This is a further indication of carelessness rather than a lack of knowledge, and betrays a lack of any serious attempt to make his message correct in any way. Speed over accuracy, as the old saying goes. Accordingly, Gene Heskett's response was completely appropriate in this particular instance. In my humble opinion, of course. -- MELVILLE THEATRE ~ Melville Sask ~ http://www.melvilletheatre.com
