Regionalism and Language: "Of Course!"

O'Neils to see the Irish Dancers

We take into consideration that language is a shifting element in society.  What was once "far out" turned "cool", or even "hot", while some parts of the country retained their own expressions (regionalism), more than others.

We've talked about it being "wicked hot" in New England, indicating a warmer than normal temperature, and not inherent evil within the temperature.  This is why context is so important.

We had a lesson in regionalism this past week.

At a restaurant in Colorado, each time we said, "Thank you", we were met with "Of course", rather than "you're welcome" (which is often written as 'your welcome' or 'your wellcome' in today's communications).

We thought it might just be our waiter, but soon heard others say the same.  Perhaps it was just this particular restaurant.

We went to another restaurant the next night, and, sure enough, rather than hear, "you're welcome" we received, "of course!" (with some emphasis) from our greeter, waitress, and busboy.

Hearing it in some local stores convinced us that this was, perhaps, a regional expression, since we had not heard it in our part of the country.

It also makes sense.

"Of course" means to take for granted, without question.  It is in this sense, that "thank you" being answered by, "of course", as if "it is expected service, without question."

It was good service.

Boulder had lots to offer, and the Pearl Street Mall was a lot of fun, including the thunder storm that came and went and gave us quite a show.

As language changes, Statement Analysis works with clay blocks, not cement, and is pliable.  Anything that is intended for communication presupposes understanding.

We can analyze it.

Can do it.

Even when pronouns dropped in text messages!

Can you think of anything from your region that is exclusive?