On Sun, Jun 17, 2012 at 1:09 PM, Carolyn Kunin <chaiselongue@att.net> wrote:

But back to your female dogs. The proper English translation of sobaka is bitch. It is a touchy word, I know, but hasn't quite achieved the forbidden status of the so-called N-word (nigger, for those who aren't aware).

This is incorrect. Sobaka, although grammatically feminine, is the sex-neutral term for 'dog.' To specify 'bitch' in Russian (as in dog-breeding and insults) one uses suka.
 
Personally I am hoping to revive the nigger in its correct usages, which I believe has had a legitimate use in the past and should not be under the taboo that currently keeps it in exile.

I would wish you good luck, but in a world where one must choose one's battles this is one battle I can't imagine choosing, and I wouldn't want to encourage you.

Cheers,
David 

David Powelstock
Brandeis University
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