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#116268 11/19/03 11:11 AM
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Norah Offline OP
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Hey, isn't the word "process" redundant in the example from the Borneo Bulletin?


#116269 11/19/03 01:27 PM
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Welcome to you, Norah. I had to go searching for your ref.--I am not meticulous in reading my W.'s A. D., I'm afraid. But you did make me go and check Monday's Word--I do love them the best, because of the little narratives that go with them. And I found out--Anu's back, Anu's back! All's right with the world again.
Anyway--the quote is "Japanese anger over the kidnappings and North Korea's nuclear weapons ambitions have stalled the rapprochement process between Tokyo and
Pyongyang."

And the def. is:
Establishing or reestablishing of cordial relation,
especially between nations.

Oh man--every time I'm about to type yes or no to your question, I see the argument for the other way! We need an expert, please!



#116270 11/19/03 01:38 PM
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In the context of Anu's definition, perhaps it could be considered slightly redundant (not that there's anything wrong with a little redundancy now and then for the sake of clarity, but). AHD4 gives another definition that has rapprochement as the product and not the process, and, using this definition I would say that is definitely not redundant.

http://www.bartleby.com/61/59/R0045900.html


#116271 11/19/03 01:52 PM
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I think "rapprochement process" is correct. Rapprochement between two countries that have been bitter enemies requires many conciliatory actions on both sides over a long period of time, so it is a process.


#116272 11/19/03 02:38 PM
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Norah Offline OP
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Let's see, I think my point is that rapprochement is a state, not a process, and that it may take a process to reach it but in this context whether or not there's been a long history of friction it's a little like saying "enmity process" ...


#116273 11/19/03 02:39 PM
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Norah Offline OP
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you're arguing for my side, honey


#116274 11/19/03 02:47 PM
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I dunno. Anu's definition was that of a process, so, given that definition, I'd go along with the idea of its being redundant*, with the disclaimer of my first post. If we are defining it as a state, the rapprochement process is the process of reaching that state. I still see no problem with that usage. But I'm just one voice in the AWAD Usage Panel.

*Remembering that the language is full of redundancies, many staunchly defended by the most prescriptive of grammarians.


#116275 11/19/03 02:49 PM
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arguing for my side

And reaching a different conclusion?


#116276 11/19/03 02:57 PM
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My dictionary gives two definitions, one "the re-establishing, etc..." and the other "the state of...", so I stand corrected, both are acceptable uses.


#116277 11/21/03 06:46 PM
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I stand corrected

Why is it we "stand" corrected? Does that imply that we have been corrected but our dignity remains intact because we have not been knocked off our feet?

Just wondering where the term came from?


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