What makes a person a particular race?

[Iormlund]

Most languages have a regulating body. English is almost alone in this. Its role has been filled by "institutions" like the OED.

The OED doesn't regulate, it records

When the OED (or other dictionaries - I'm not an expert in the subject) is used by, for example, teaching institutions as a reference, it is in practice regulating.

[garbon]

When the OED (or other dictionaries - I'm not an expert in the subject) is used by, for example, teaching institutions as a reference, it is in practice regulating.

So you're talking out of your ass, gotcha.

[BuddhaRhubarb]

Oh and is this an appropriate time to say that I think that what the French (and by extension the Spanish) do is completely inane?

Most languages have a regulating body. English is almost alone in this. Its role has been filled by "institutions" like the OED.

we don't need a regulating body... English is the "borg" of languages... we assimilate your language and pronounce it however the hell we feel like. Also we randomly change the meaning of words and use outdated slang simply to mess with non-native speakers.

All Your Base are belong to us!

[Jaron]

So let me get this straight..

Merithyn is "hispanic" because she knows a few words of Spanish and eats beans and tortillas?

[Sheilbh]

When the OED (or other dictionaries - I'm not an expert in the subject) is used by, for example, teaching institutions as a reference, it is in practice regulating.

Well I used the OED a lot at university and its main use is as a record of the changes in the English language and the eymology of it.  It's used to refer back to for meaning and spelling but it's in no way like the Academie.  Its role is to study and record the changes taking place in the English language (which is why it adds thousands of words every year) not to regulate it.

[Eddie Teach]

So let me get this straight..

Merithyn is "hispanic" because she knows a few words of Spanish and eats beans and tortillas?

You're one to talk, homie.

[Jaron]

Am I?

I don't really claim or make boastful claims about being of the hispanic race.

Culturally though, I suppose I don't qualify as being very hispanic. My physical appearance though demands I not downplay the part.

[Eddie Teach]

Am I?

I don't really claim or make boastful claims about being of the hispanic race.

Culturally though, I suppose I don't qualify as being very hispanic. My physical appearance though demands I not downplay the part.

I was referring to you claiming to be black at one point in forum history.

[Jaron]

Am I?

I don't really claim or make boastful claims about being of the hispanic race.

Culturally though, I suppose I don't qualify as being very hispanic. My physical appearance though demands I not downplay the part.

I was referring to you claiming to be black at one point in forum history.

You have me confused with CdM.

[derspiess]

Am I?

I don't really claim or make boastful claims about being of the hispanic race.

Culturally though, I suppose I don't qualify as being very hispanic. My physical appearance though demands I not downplay the part.

No shit.  Now do the hat dance for us.

[Jaron]

Am I?

I don't really claim or make boastful claims about being of the hispanic race.

Culturally though, I suppose I don't qualify as being very hispanic. My physical appearance though demands I not downplay the part.

No shit.  Now do the hat dance for us.

[Caliga]

So let me get this straight..

Merithyn is "hispanic" because she knows a few words of Spanish and eats beans and tortillas?

Princesca got one of those Berlitz CDs and has been learning elementary German while driving around.  Now she can count to ten in German.

LOL German! 

[Jaron]

I am Byzantine.

[merithyn]

No shit.  Now do the hat dance for us.

I can do the hat dance.

And the Macarena.

[Caliga]

I'm glad you're not getting mad at us for our playful mocking, Meri.

That was what I always hated about Horty: no sense of humor about himself.