Molochai
Inscrit le: 03 Mar 2007 Messages: 4 Lieu: Rouen
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écrit le Wednesday 07 Mar 07, 19:32 |
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Hello!
I was reading some songs of Bob Dylan when I noticed that he has a strange way to write the gerund: He writes an "a-",then he adds the verb conjugated in the gerund (Actually, it's the "short" form of the gerund, like "changin'"). What is this? How is it called? I thank you in advance.
Adrien. |
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Zwielicht
Inscrit le: 30 Jan 2007 Messages: 1227 Lieu: la rencontre des eaux
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écrit le Thursday 08 Mar 07, 0:25 |
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This type of conjugation appears in old English poems and English American folksongs.
Little Mohee
As I was a-walkin' upon a fine day
I got awful lonesome as the day passed away
I sat down a-musing, alone on the grass
When who should sit by me but a sweet Indian lass.
(American folksong, year?)
As Tom Was A-Walking
As Tom was a-walking one fine summer's morn,
When the dazies and goldcups the fields did adorn;
He met Cozen Mal, with a tub on her head,
Says Tom, 'Cozen Mal, you might speak if you we'd.'
(Ancient Cornish Song, adapted?, year?) |
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