Language Log: gender variation in French Native Speakers

French can't do genders either, shock!

Though what really shocks me is that there seems to have been so little work done on the topic; it's a pity that there's no indication as to where the native speakers came from. Certainly in German it's well known that some dialects have divergent genders of common words (Swabians have a habit of referring to 'der Butter' instead of 'die Butter', for instance, and there are similar anomalies around Aachen). The only factor the article mentions is age - it's possible that a growing uncertainty about gender might be evidence of a process which, left to itself, lead to it dying out, but I doubt that that will happen in a language with a fixed written system, particularly one watched over by the Académie.

Hubble peers into the Eye of Sauron

Stunning image of a dust cloud around Fomalhaut (Alpha Piscis Austrini). And yes, New Scientist are right, it does look like the Eye.

A friend of mine works on dust clouds. I wonder if I should be worried about what looks back at him?

I know, I know, I'm spamming, but

This is a good idea: a Lenten initiative in Karlsruhe from the churches, environment groups and the local public transport (link in German) Basically, if you sign a statement to the effect that either you can't use a car during the period of Lent (for whatever reason), or that you will reassess your car use during Lent, you can buy a cheap pass for the local public transport network. Furthermore, taking part in the scheme entitles you to a subsequent discount on a season ticket.

... and now I ought to try to get some redrafting done. I hate editing my own work, at least academic work.

(no subject)

If you want a confusing evening, then I recommend watching a film of a musical where the dialogue has been dubbed but the songs are subtitled...