Xref: utzoo comp.ai:1166 sci.lang:1699
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From: jnp@calmasd.GE.COM (John Pantone)
Newsgroups: comp.ai,sci.lang
Subject: Re: Language Learning (anecdotes)
Message-ID: <2567@calmasd.GE.COM>
Date: 18 Dec 87 17:12:52 GMT
References: <1966@uwmacc.UUCP> <12400009@iuvax> <1117@uhccux.UUCP> <709@cblpe.ATT.COM>
Organization: G.E.- Calma R&D, San Diego, CA
Lines: 31
Summary: Generally true, but only generally

(Douglas Moreland) writes:
>Though news announcers are subject to the firing and hiring whims of their
>bosses, ...  The language of news announcers thus becomes a standard dialect
>...

I agree, in general Doug, but there are some notable exceptions: Bill Moyers
has a very distinct(ive) southern accent (sorry - can't place it better than
that - I am not familiar with the various southern accents) and in addition
uses phrases which are, at least to me, characteristic of southern speakers.
I wonder if he writes/wrote most of his own editorials?  

My guess is that the copywriters on major news programs assiduously avoid
regional dialect, and opt for a "bland" non-colloquial form of speach.
There is, to my ear, a "typical" news-show dialect, somewhat different than
that I've ever heard anyone speak on the street - but very understandable
and un-ambiguous.

Example?

"The President announced, today, that there will be ..."

"<reporter>, our reporter on the scene, reports..." (not has reported, or
will report)

etc.


-- 
These opinions are solely mine and in no way reflect those of my employer.  
John M. Pantone @ GE/Calma R&D, 9805 Scranton Rd., San Diego, CA 92121
...{ucbvax|decvax}!sdcsvax!calmasd!jnp   jnp@calmasd.GE.COM   GEnie: J.PANTONE