Re: I need some help from native speakers of Japanese


Sean wrote:

I read "Aspects of the Theory of Syntax" about 25 years ago. I got an A+ in
a course called "Morphology and Syntax," etc. etc. I have a degree in
linguistics, believe it or not. Admittedly, I haven't thought much about the
abstract theoretical syntax stuff in quite a few years, since my involvement
with language is on the ground, teaching a language to teenagers. But I
would say I probably don't qualify as a complete idiot or ignoramus in these
matters. And I found your question opaque. You came to a group that is all



But the aspects book was written before J. R. Ross published his
groundbreaking thesis on island constraints, one of which is related to
my question.
The reason why you felt the question was opaque is because you didn't
read more recent stuff. And my question involves LF-movement, which
came to notice only in the GB era. That is why you didn't get it well.




about the Japanese language, plus whatever tangents it pleases the
participants to engage in. You didn't "ask" for help in your little problem,
you demanded it. When the phrasing of your question turned out to be opaque
to most of the participants, including the native speakers from whom you
were demanding answers, you were dismissive and insulting rather than taking


Again, please show me why my replies are "demanding". I didn't demand
my answer. I stated it, perhaps in a stilted way. And I am equally
eager to know why which remark by me is "dismissive". What have I done
that insulted anybody other than the one who insulted me first?





the responsibility to make your question clear. Some people tried very hard
to satisfy your demands, yet you remained ungracious.

I did show my gratitude each time I had a bona fide exchange with
Cindy, B. Ito, and Bart, although I didn't repeat polite formula every
time I had an exchange with someone on the same topic. Please refer to
my earlier posts.



Lucky for you there is a real, practicing linguist in the group. Bart is
also an example of an egghead who operates with some social grace.
Anyway, if most of the people who have followed the thread have ended up
thinking that you're a graceless prick, upon whom should we place the blame?


We could place the blame on our inattention to read the exchanges
between group members and our failure to understand the one whose
messages you consider insulting may not be able to use English very
well and to notice the tone and connotation carried by his words.
Please refer to my earlier posts for details.



The gentle residents of this cyber-village who did their best to help the
stranger with the strange demands, or the stranger himself?
Muchan gave you a few pieces of very wise and valuable advice. Consider his
words well after you have stormed off and eventually gotten over your
annoyance.

But he gave his advice AFTER he insulted me.
I think he is really patronizing.

Ray

.