We don’t use it in English. We just retain the latin plural for Latin words.
The English plural of alumnus is alumni. Yes of course it’s retained from Latin. But it’s also become a word in the English dictionary. We actively use that form in English written and spoken communication. It’s been absorbed into the language. I’ve never once heard “alumnuses”.
No, we generally don’t use the “i” ending on new words, but we could. There’s no rule against it.
You made an appeal to authority when you provided the Steven Fry video
I never claimed he was an English professor, though he’s certainly an expert when it comes to usage. I shared it because I like his point, and I think you’re a bozo for ignoring it, since it makes a strong case against proscriptivism.
“though he’s certainly an expert when it comes to usage”
Appeal to authority popping up again? Fry is not an expert in usage. You are ceding him credibility he has not earned.
Your sociolinguist isn’t backing your claim like you think. Go to 2:45 and listen to her talk about how rules only need to be consistent within the dialect. What other Greek words ending in “pus” gets pluralized in English as "i? There aren’t any I can think of so your source might actually prove my point.
The English plural of alumnus is alumni. Yes of course it’s retained from Latin. But it’s also become a word in the English dictionary. We actively use that form in English written and spoken communication. It’s been absorbed into the language. I’ve never once heard “alumnuses”.
No, we generally don’t use the “i” ending on new words, but we could. There’s no rule against it.
I never claimed he was an English professor, though he’s certainly an expert when it comes to usage. I shared it because I like his point, and I think you’re a bozo for ignoring it, since it makes a strong case against proscriptivism.
But ok, if you like authority, here’s a similar point made by a PhD sociolinguist.
“though he’s certainly an expert when it comes to usage”
Appeal to authority popping up again? Fry is not an expert in usage. You are ceding him credibility he has not earned.
Your sociolinguist isn’t backing your claim like you think. Go to 2:45 and listen to her talk about how rules only need to be consistent within the dialect. What other Greek words ending in “pus” gets pluralized in English as "i? There aren’t any I can think of so your source might actually prove my point.
That part was my opinion. Sorry I didn’t label it with a big red marker. You’re welcome to your own opinions.
Overall though, I think you’re missing the forest for the trees a bit. This is tiresome so I’ll just leave it at that.
If you enjoy linguistics, I’m happy for that, and glad we have it in common. The minor quibbles don’t really matter. It’s been fun; take care.