THE EDITOR, Sir:
I write regarding the use of the word "condolence" as proposed by Mary Smith in The Sunday Gleaner (20/05/01). While I have no problem with placing the accent on the second syllable "do" I have grievous pain in dealing with "condolence" in the plural. Why plural? The logic of the meaning of the word does not admit a plural usage.
Do I say I send you my sympathies? Do I send you my "griefs"? My "sorrows"? In fact when I share my "griefs" or my "sorrows" it's a completely different meaning state isn't it? When I tell you of my "sorrows" it's time for you to send me "condolence"!
These words are "feeling" words and should not...repeat...not really be pluralized. Let us avoid what seems like middle class bigotry. The word is "condolence": No plural! (which I refuse even to write!)
I am, etc.,
HERBERT L. BROWN
P.O. Box 344
Mandeville