2 AUGUST 1997, Page 23

Sir: Digby Anderson's article about work- ing-class habits is wrong

in at least one respect. The 'rhetorical question tag' as in `I was just gonna do it, wasn't I' is extremely common on television, which Dr Anderson probably doesn't see much, but which bears a lot of responsibility for influencing our children's speech. The tag shouldn't have a question-mark at the end, for its purpose is not interrogative but ignorantly self- assertive. If only it were disappearing.

Donald Clarke

Sycamore Barn, Station Road, Yaxham, Dereham, Norfolk