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[OM] Re: OT complexity

Subject: [OM] Re: OT complexity
From: "Matt Bachofen" <bachofen@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2000 20:37:43 -0600
John Prosper wrote:
>>Actually, doesn't multiple meanings for words (overloading in
computer science lingo) INCREASE the complexity? ;-D <<

I agree.
It most certainly does!  Complexity in language change  is most difficult to
ascertain, which is why I questioned Volkhart when he stated, ">>. . . most
or all languages tend to develop towards more simplicity, with the
simplifications usually first being regarded as wrong until more and more
common usage
finally leads to their acceptance.<<

I agree completely that language_changes_and that those changes are
initially deemed incorrect, or 'common usage', but that they tend to be
simlified forms or less complex is, IMHO, not true.  Urban american
dialects, for example, are extremely complex in syntax, multiple meanings,
and the extreme number of cultural references used.  Not dissin' anyone,
jus' tryin' to get the 411 on the web; Dude  :^)

m.e. bachofen




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