It would be better if contibutors would learn to read as well as to
write.
At least two people have commented unfavourably on my use of the
expression *mother tongue*. Look again folks: you will see I never used
it.
I did use the expression *the mother country* when referring to England.
But that happens to be where English was born (does that surprise you?)
and in that context the usage is perfectly legitimate.
I have been accused of being ant-American and that I am not. What I am
is anti-prejudice, anti-lack-of-tolerance, anti-parochialism, anti-you-
can-write-what-you-like-so-long-as-you-only-use-the-words-I-specify.
OK so I did poke a little gentle fun at those Americans who seemed to me
to be lacking an understanding that the English language is much larger
than the USA. I am also very anti the people who can't see the funny
side of things.
If I came through as arrogant, I apologize. That is due to my age and
my character and not to my sex or my nationality.
I wanted to preach for more tolerance, understanding and humour - there
seems to be precious little of it around the List at the moment.
Dennis