Of _theeA¤ze_, used as a demonstrative pronoun, both in the
singular and plural, for _this_ and _these_, it maybe
observed, as well as of the pronunciation of many other words in
the west, that we have no letters or combination of letters which,
express exactly the sounds there given to such words. TheeA¤ze is
here marked as a dissyllable, but although it is sometimes
decidedly two syllables, its sounds are not always thus apparent
in Somerset enunciation. What is more remarkable in this world, is
its equal application to the singular and the plural. Thus we say
_theeA¤ze man_ and _theA¤ze men_. But in the plural are
also employed other forms of the same pronoun, namely _theeA¤zam,
theeA¤zamy_ and _thizzum_. This last word is, of course,
decidedly the Anglo-Saxon A issum. In the west we say therefore
_theeA¤zam here, theeA¤zamy here_, and _thizzam here_ for
these, or these here; and sometimes without the pleonastic and
unnecessary _here_.
For the demonstrative _those_ of our polished dialect
_them_, or _themmy_, and often _them there_ or
_themmy there_ are the usual synonyms; as, _gee I themmy
there shoes_; that is, give me those shoes.
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