Submitted by awaythrowing333 t3_1177ob6 in massachusetts
pillbinge t1_j9at3bt wrote
Reply to comment by lufecaep in Tweksberry, MA? by awaythrowing333
That implies "guys" needs to be replaced when it doesn't.
The real issue is that English got rid of the plural second-person. So you know what's really acceptable (and I'm hardly a prescriptivist)?
Just "you".
Roberto-Del-Camino t1_j9avusf wrote
Actually English got rid of the singular 2nd person (thou). “You” was originally the plural.
We need to start a movement to bring back “thou.”
pillbinge t1_j9awz1k wrote
Whoops! Yes, it got rid of the singular. I was just thinking about the plural of "y'all" since it basically moves "you" to the singular" and creates a plural in its stead. I meant to say it switched over but had a crossed wire. There are some movements to get back "thou" in some cases. Probably a sub. I spend time on r/anglish as well, and you have big advocates there.
Roberto-Del-Camino t1_j9b61xi wrote
I’ve seen that sub. It’s a little “white supremacyish” for my liking.
pillbinge t1_j9baftb wrote
I've seen that reaction, but nothing of substance when it comes to claims. It's usually someone who Googled it and ran across that SPLC article, which is quaint, but stupid. White supremacists love Rome and Latin - that sub does not. The idea that language needn't be convoluted to gatekeep shouldn't scream radical identity to you.
What in particular makes you think that sub has anything to do with race?
Roberto-Del-Camino t1_j9ddzem wrote
They want to purge English of all of its non-Anglo Saxon words.
pillbinge t1_j9dvsvi wrote
We don't. It's mainly a fun experiment to look into the etymology of words outside of Greek and Latin, introduced by way of French in 1066, to see what words either already existed, or what words we could use now.
And just to check: you know the Anglo-Saxons weren't synonymous with all of Europe, right? The language most Anglish adherents rail against is French, which is also very White. Greek and Latin - amazingly White. In fact, White Supremacists have a sort of affection for antiquity that isn't shared with Anglish at all.
A lot of words, especially from science, came from scientists coming up with words on the fly. Neat, but not very rooted in the vernacular. I can personally attest to how that affects us because it's always these types of words that students struggle with and have to learn. It's why English has spelling bees for its own people. It's easier to teach "bird study" than "ornithology", as the classic example goes. These are the kinds of words my students who are learning English struggle with. I don't consider making English easier to learn for non-White people to be very supremacist.
And for anyone still reading: words from Latin before 1066 are usually fine, as long as the concepts are unique. But plenty of Old English words existed for concepts we have now. They were just replaced with French for no reason other than classist belief.
Roberto-Del-Camino t1_j9f6a66 wrote
I understand YOUR motivation. And I do find it interesting. But, unfortunately, your innocent etymological exercise has been latched onto by groups like storm front. It’s a shame. But it’s predictable. Anything that celebrates Anglo Saxon/Nordic/Celtic culture is their nectar.
pillbinge t1_j9fkjw3 wrote
Okay - but where? They certainly aren't in the sub itself, and if they are, none of their dogshit beliefs come up. You don't have to link it here but feel free to message me instances of it.
Otherwise this is all just fear voiced as a solid opinion.
Roberto-Del-Camino t1_j9fz7ck wrote
I didn’t mean to say they’re in the sub. What I meant was that Anglish has been latched onto by white supremacists in real life. Sorry for the misunderstanding.
pillbinge t1_j9g20ah wrote
I totally get it, and feel free to look into users you think may be doing that. But this is all very "out there". I'd like actual proof, though. And since this conversation is happening in view of others, they need it as well.
I've had nearly this exact conversation about three times now and it's never gone further than this point. Anglish doesn't exist outside these limited websites. We don't meet in person. "Real life" isn't an excuse not to show proof. I just really want that proof.
Roberto-Del-Camino t1_j9hi1ig wrote
I have twice said that I am not referring to your sub Reddit. What are you asking me? Do you want me to give you links to examples outside of Reddit of white supremacy, groups being drawn to Anglish?
I’m not going to do that. If you can’t see why a movement to purify the English language back to its German roots is appealing to white supremacists I can’t help you.
I’m not saying that your sub Reddit is a haven for white supremacy. I’m saying that I, personally, don’t want anything to do with it based on my personal experience of having a step son who is a white supremacist.
https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/intelligence-report/2018/blue-eyed-english
pillbinge t1_j9hs39a wrote
I understand you're not referring to that specific sub. I'm putting out a general call to show real intentions. Keep in mind that this is all read by other people.
You don't have to give links to pages outside of Reddit as proof - whether here (not advised) or in a message (doable, but I get any trepidation). You just can't carry on like you have proof - especially if you're just going to post the exact article I referenced very early on.
It's obvious why dipshit White supremacists would want to "purify" English. The problem is that I have no issue with that alignment, given that English is one of many languages of Europe, and English itself isn't a default state of Whiteness. English belongs to many people - many who aren't White. That is well understood. You are understood. It's just not a very appealing exchange when you don't have real, direct proof. I need that.
Roberto-Del-Camino t1_j9hsdkq wrote
I think I’m done. I’ve already explained my intentions and my personal experience. This may be a public forum, but I’m pretty certain nobody is reading our exchange right now, except for you and me.
pillbinge t1_j9hsht3 wrote
No one's reading your proof either, including you or me. I don't know what's therefore "done".
Roberto-Del-Camino t1_j9hyqqf wrote
Dude, we’re done. I made the mistake of engaging you. But I’m done with that. Have a good life.
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