> BE: 'You have (got) the new Rowling book, haven't you?'

> NA: "You have the new Rowling book, don't you?"
>
> I've been reading the first Harry Potter book and backwards-comparing it to C.S. Lewis and Conan Doyle, and basically realizing that "Standard English" is... well... not necessarily so Standard.

The first one reads better on the page as standard english. To me, anyway. What's weirder is that I got the impression the first one is definitely in an accusing tone. i.e. The questioner is insinuating that if you don't have the book you're inferior. The second one is polite enquiry. i.e. Well, if you don't have it I'll just look elsewhere.

Is that strange? Finding hidden meanings in two perfectly innocent questions. Or is it just a side effect of being a rinkworks addict?

I'll just go and lie down now!

Be 'afraid! Be very afraid! or I'll get n' asty