Re: Free Lisp download

On 2009-07-30 02:25:17 -0400, Kaz Kylheku <kkylheku@xxxxxxxxx> said:

Umm, no. Language is a natural phenomenon. What you observe is what it is.
The majority of speakers can't be wrong, by definition.

natural
adjective
"existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humankind"

Language is an activity of human beings, so by definition, it is not "natural."

Language is acquired in at least two ways; by imitation of others, and by understanding the relevant grammatical rules that generate speech. If one has broken models, one never learns certain rules, and one simply repeats mistakes. This doesn't mean the relevant rule doesn't exist, or doesn't apply, merely that a large number of speakers are ignorant of it.

Let's apply your logic in another sphere. Geology and Zoology are aspects of culture that have developed out of human brain activity just like language. A majority of Americans believe that the Devil literally exists. Since a majority of Americans believe that a humanoid creature with hooves and a tail lives in a very hot place under the surface of the earth, this is, by your logic, standard Geology and Zoology.

Hardly. Again, you're neglecting the fact that all aspects of human culture admit of varying degrees of expertise. Some people are more expert at Geology than others, and it is their understanding that is the standard, not folk belief. Similarly, some people are more expert at language than others, and it is their understanding that is the grammatical standard, not folk usage.

Raffael Cavallaro

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