Philip

I suppose my rant and yours are in some ways opposed to each other. Ah well, it wouldn't be fun if we all agreed on everything...

Actually, I agree with you that influences like African forms on West Indian English, and similar influences on English versions in other places, lend a great deal of richness to the language. And I tend to agree that comprehension is probably the best test of whether or not the language is being used well.

I just thought I'd point out, however, that Shakespeare was not necessarily as free and easy about English usage as some might think. The entire satire on Don Armado in Love's Labours Lost shows some of the linguistic snobbery that Shakespeare himself, and presumably the English court or intelligentsia of the time, had.

cheer

the sunshine warrior