Dear all:I thought the discussion was drawn to a close, but then I read this:On the one hand, I'm grateful that Chris is further elaborating on the topic.On the other hand, however, I need to make clear one simple thing that somehow cannot get through to Chris for quite some time:I am not Robin Fawcett, contrary to what Chris insinuates here and in each of his periodic 'Stats' posts in his Cardiff Grammar blog (latest example here).All of this is all the more strange (not to say ridiculous!) given that Chris is so eager to speak the truth and strive for integrity (both academic and personal). What is more, Chris is familiar with my Facebook profile, which I run almost entirely in Russian (one of my mother tongues).Gordon Tucker and Ruslana Westerlund have corresponded with me and can hopefully confirm that Dmytro Poremskyi ≠ Robin Fawcett.Chris, I'm afraid you're getting carried away...I hope for your understanding.Respectfully yours,Dmytro
Blogger Comments:
To be clear, there is ample evidence that 'Dmytro Poremskyi' is in fact Robin Fawcett.
For example, in the email above he cites, as proof of his identity, the testimony of two people with whom he has corresponded using the name 'Dmytro Poremskyi'. Crucially, if he were not Robin Fawcett, the most credible person to call upon to verify the fact would be Robin Fawcett himself.
Neither Gordon Tucker nor Ruslana Westerlund responded to the invitation to verify Dmytro's separate identity, and "the real" Robin Fawcett did not intervene in the list discussion to complain about the "false" identification of him with Dmytro Poremskyi.
And according to Ukrainian-born Ruslana Westerlund (NASFLA 17/12/22), SFL is not taught in any universities in Ukraine.
On Facebook, Dmytro Poremskyi opened his first message to the NASFL group with Robin Fawcett's longtime signature opening
'Dear fellow SFLers'
and in reporting the blog that critically examines Robin Fawcett's theory, The Cardiff Grammar, Dmytro took personal offence, as if he were personally invested in the theory himself, writing:
'I am no less disappointed with the whole thing.'
'…it's no less distressing for me…'
'… the lot could have easily discredited you but for the fact that you had already been discredited in the SFL community (I'm now commenting here on whether it was justified or not, just stating the obvious).'
It makes sense that Robin Fawcett would want to discredit someone who has demonstrated that his Cardiff Grammar is based on theoretical misunderstandings and is inconsistent both with itself and with SFL Theory, but it makes no sense that anyone else would react so vehemently.
And it does make sense that Robin Fawcett would want to engage in this sort of activity incognito.