Posted by Peter R on December 04, 2002 at 09:19:53 from 62.64.239.39 user badboy.
In Reply to: Re: The evolution of language; was Re: Semaphore - needs practice posted by John Lambert on December 03, 2002 at 22:52:24:
John; history and language are of the moment. What's spoken, written or recorded one day can be changed the next, especially where language is concerned. A Dictionary, like a map of Metropolis is/are out of date the moment it/they are published. Roughly annually dictionaries record the use of the written word but when the next edition comes out there are aditions and alterations.
One constantly hears the comment 'it changed the course of history'. One cannot change history - anymore than one can stand on the premise that words must be spelled or spoken in a particular way - history has no course, it happens, like language. Admitedly history does get altered by succeeding generations, especially the victors, but only for their particular purpose, which can alter when the next regime gets into power.