Descriptive Linguistics

[tahnan]

And observe how, even at the highest levels of government in England, spoken usage changes:

From now until May 5, me and my colleagues will be out every day in every part of Britain talking to the British people about our driving mission for a third term.. --Tony Blair, announcing the upcoming election.

Comments

[cyranocyrano.livejournal.com]

Me want re-elected. Me good for nation. Vote me! Vote Labour!

[tahnan.livejournal.com]

But I think it's a genuine change in usage (and one with a sensible linguistic explanation). I think more and more people are actually using "me and _____" as a subject in spoken English, even when they'd never think of using "me" as a subject.

[tablesaw]

While simultaneously opting for "_____ and I" as an object, even when they'd never think of using "I" as an object. Watching the language shift like this is really freaky.

[cyranocyrano.livejournal.com]

Well, see, you're a linguist so you have to accept this idea that however somebody uses the language is appropriate, at least to them. Whereas I have my High Horse and I can sally forth on it into battle and make as much fun of people as I like. Plus, I like imagining Tony Blair with a fur caveman outfit and a big club talking with a funny voice.