Matt, Are you honestly arguing that a system of communication acknoledged and taught in a public school is satisfying a 'need or desire to communicate in a private way"? Or that Ebonics has anything to do with communicating in the presence of a police officer? Or that either of the above has anything to do with crypto? If so, then I think you've said more than enough. -j, who would like to note that nothing about my viewpoint on Ebonics has been stated in this message. At 6:06 PM -0600 on 12/21/96, Matthew J. Miszewski wrote:
Crypto angle, here? Much of Ebonics has been based upon a need or desire to communicate in a private way. "5-0" was initiated as a way to communicate the presence of a police officer. Surely, we are not arguing against the development of a low-level way to scramble language. Or in fact, are you arguing that attempts to curtail the police should *not* be encouraged? This seems odd coming from some members of the list (Collapse of Governments and all) ;-).
Matt
-- "I'm about to, or I am going to, die. Either expression is used." - Last words of Dominique Bouhours, Grammarian, 1702 ____________________________________________________________________ Jamie Lawrence foodie@netcom.com