2603: Utility of Yea and Nay: 2- & 4-Form Systems Jan 30, 2022

Latin had a somewhat complicated way to answer questions, but English's manner used to be more thorough as well. English is now a 2 form system meaning that is has one affirmative 'yes' and a negative 'no'. It used to be a 4 form system with 'yea' and 'nay' as well. The difference is that 'yea' and 'nay' answer questions that were stated affirmatively (a.k.a. positively), while 'yes' and 'no' were for questions stated negatively

For example:

Did he go?

Yes, he went

Did he not go?

Nay, he did not go

Eventually, these were lost and are now considered to be dated, without common understanding in the difference of the usage.