Klarinet Archive - Posting 000063.txt from 2000/11

From: "Kevin Fay (LCA)" <kevinfay@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Xenophobia?
Date: Wed, 1 Nov 2000 20:04:03 -0500

Tim posted:

<<<I wonder if I'm becoming xenophobic or paranoid, but it seems that there
are two distinct, usually separate, "klarinet" dialogues in progress much of
the time. My perception is that they're divided into "American speakers" &
"English speakers" the latter including UK residents, many Europeans,
Australians (I'm one), New Zealanders and most Canadians. There American
group seem to prefer conversation amongst themselves. I hope this post
stimulates multitudes of protestation arguing the contrary. (Mark Charrette
certainly objected strongly to being accused of xenophobia but perhaps he's
an exception).>>>

I protest! (Not strongly, but you stimulated me) ;-).

To be honest, I haven't noticed the conversational bifurcation. I have some
theories -- OK, conjectures -- why you might perceive this:

-- While Roger is obviously from the U.K. -- you can tell from his email
address -- yours doesn't identify you as Australian. (Now we know). Maybe
some of the folks you think of as "American" are not?

-- Is this perhaps a linguistic phenomenon; the old canard about being
separated by the same language?

-- Maybe the time zones have an effect. Except for Hawaiians, all of us
United Statesians live in time zones within three hours of each other; the
list can function much like a chat room. Messages you send us aren't
returned conversationally because we're asleep (but for those with
occasional bouts of insomnia).

I don't *consciously* identify listmates by country of origin. I will check
my thoughts from now on.

kjf

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