ESL and Austen
Posted by Mary B on August 07, 1998 at 10:48:43:
In response to 3rd person don't, written by Kathi on August 06, 1998 at 00:38:49
] When I visited Williamsburg with my Japanese students, I remember that the guide told us that some forms that were no longer acceptable were used in the 1770s, and I believe third person don't was one of the forms she cited. What was funny was that as she listed the unacceptable forms, my students were carefully repeating them after her! I had to interrupt to make sure they understood that these are the forms they aren't supposed to use.
Too funny! That's happened to me sometimes in Russia. English is just plain confusing...those of us who spoke it from the cradle should be glad; it gives us an edge in seeing the crystal clarity of Austen's work.
That sounded like the biggest plug. Maybe it was. :)
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