Matthew J. Miszewski writes:

Why is it that personal freedom, sometimes expressed by choice of dialect or language, seemingly has such arbitrary limits? Many on the list complain that they are subject to too many rules, and yet, seem to chime in on multi-linugual issues in this way.

Mr. Miszewski: As an attorney, you may be acquainted with the concept of "reasonableness." I can certainly express my personal freedom by passing wind at home (subject only to the possibly vociferous objections of my family). Were I to fart in church or in a board meeting, that would be a horse of a different color, nicht wahr?