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One "probability zero" thing I've wondered about-- If the songs have been preserved so accurately, then what about the dialect?

Perhaps Shakespeare spoke like Jed Clampett and young Queen Elizabeth sounded like Elly Mae? <g>



According to the book "The Story of English," American English sounds sounds like antiquated English English to British ears.

A handful of 19th-century American expressions such as "California or Bust" (burst), "gal" (girl), and "the spittin' image" (the spirit and image) come to mind. Perhaps a Brit could clue us in on more.

R.

"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."