Here is an article on the word of 2014 - 'vape'. Oxford dictionary has added 'vape' to their dictionary and nobody knows what it means - well, excluding stoners in America, where 'to vape' is to go and smoke weed (here in the UK we like to 'blaze').
This article supports the idea that lanuage is changing in relation to new technology being created. The verb 'to vape' apparently means to take a puff on an electronic cigarette - it was created due to the rise in popularity of e-cigs.
This new word in our lexicon was brought about by new technology, so this illustrates just how often and quickly language changes.
Saturday, 22 November 2014
Ted talks: Txting is killing language. JK!!!
In this TED talk (click here), John McWhorter confronts the common fear that new technology is destroying our language. According to him, the contrary is in fact true.
He says we speak how we write so we write how we speak. We text not thinking about grammar rules because we do not think about it when speaking - why would we?
Now however, technology has given us smartphones, and it's actually easier to click the predicted word than use an abbreviation - so now we have less 'text talk'!
McWhorter also goes on to say that nothing has changed since 100 years ago to today. There will always be students who struggle with reading and writing, but texting and new technology (such as simply having a dictionary on your phone) is actually helping kids to better their literacy skills.
He says we speak how we write so we write how we speak. We text not thinking about grammar rules because we do not think about it when speaking - why would we?
Now however, technology has given us smartphones, and it's actually easier to click the predicted word than use an abbreviation - so now we have less 'text talk'!
McWhorter also goes on to say that nothing has changed since 100 years ago to today. There will always be students who struggle with reading and writing, but texting and new technology (such as simply having a dictionary on your phone) is actually helping kids to better their literacy skills.
Summary notes on Stephen Fry documentary 'Planet word'
-Prescriptive attitudes are often used for control.
-Political correctness also has some element of control.
-Any society will have taboo words, including reclusive tribes in the most remote parts of the world.
-Professor Stephen Pinker says that the source of our obscenities generally tend to be topics surrounded by negative connotations/emotions. For example, a lot of our own swears stem from sexism. Our taboo language reflects the patriarchal society we live in.
-Sex has actually given us our most used swear - 'fuck'.
-According to research, taboo language is actually marked by parts of the brain.
-Swearing helps to relieve pain. However it is only most effective when the person in pain is not a regular swearer.
-Taboo language is only given power by the taboo we put on it.
-The acceptability of taboo language has changed over the last 100 years.
-In terms of taboo language, sexual language has lost its impact due to contextual factors - sex was a much more taboo subject when your grandparents were kids than it is now! - but any kind of prejudicial language is still extremely powerful.
-Politeness is euphanistic language. In older times women would 'powder their nose', whereas now they might proudly 'go for a piss'.
-We use euphanisms to protect delicate ears (i.e, children). We have euphanistic language to be less direct with children.
-Latinate lexis - Language from Latin - is used throughout a range of subjects, such as medicine, history, philosophy, science, and just academic subjects in general. This indicates that Latin at one point (perhaps even still to this day) was the language of power, because you would have to be educated to an extremely high level to be able to study these subjects, and this often was linked with wealth as well. This is why Latin was a compulsory subject in schools years ago; it is the language of power.
-Death and sex appear to harbour the most euphanisms, most likely as they are the two most sensitive topics to touch upon.
-Semantic shifts are forever occuring throughout history. For example, the term 'trolling' once meant cruising, whereas now it means to be abusive. In the same way the phrase 'to sex up' has become a way for politicians to exaggerate something.
-Studies show that non-standard English bonds people together. In fact, slang empowers young people (perhaps because it is the most subtle form of rebellion).
-Hip-hop (full of slang) is influential as it acts as the voice of the disinfranchised.
-Does language really have a 'right' or a 'wrong' or is this dictated purely by the context in which is it used?
-Lanuage seems to circulate: once you put it out there other people will pick it up.
-Political correctness also has some element of control.
-Any society will have taboo words, including reclusive tribes in the most remote parts of the world.
-Professor Stephen Pinker says that the source of our obscenities generally tend to be topics surrounded by negative connotations/emotions. For example, a lot of our own swears stem from sexism. Our taboo language reflects the patriarchal society we live in.
-Sex has actually given us our most used swear - 'fuck'.
-According to research, taboo language is actually marked by parts of the brain.
-Swearing helps to relieve pain. However it is only most effective when the person in pain is not a regular swearer.
-Taboo language is only given power by the taboo we put on it.
-The acceptability of taboo language has changed over the last 100 years.
-In terms of taboo language, sexual language has lost its impact due to contextual factors - sex was a much more taboo subject when your grandparents were kids than it is now! - but any kind of prejudicial language is still extremely powerful.
-Politeness is euphanistic language. In older times women would 'powder their nose', whereas now they might proudly 'go for a piss'.
-We use euphanisms to protect delicate ears (i.e, children). We have euphanistic language to be less direct with children.
-Latinate lexis - Language from Latin - is used throughout a range of subjects, such as medicine, history, philosophy, science, and just academic subjects in general. This indicates that Latin at one point (perhaps even still to this day) was the language of power, because you would have to be educated to an extremely high level to be able to study these subjects, and this often was linked with wealth as well. This is why Latin was a compulsory subject in schools years ago; it is the language of power.
-Death and sex appear to harbour the most euphanisms, most likely as they are the two most sensitive topics to touch upon.
-Semantic shifts are forever occuring throughout history. For example, the term 'trolling' once meant cruising, whereas now it means to be abusive. In the same way the phrase 'to sex up' has become a way for politicians to exaggerate something.
-Studies show that non-standard English bonds people together. In fact, slang empowers young people (perhaps because it is the most subtle form of rebellion).
-Hip-hop (full of slang) is influential as it acts as the voice of the disinfranchised.
-Does language really have a 'right' or a 'wrong' or is this dictated purely by the context in which is it used?
-Lanuage seems to circulate: once you put it out there other people will pick it up.
Monday, 17 November 2014
Is gender-segregation good for the attainment of our children?
Click here. In this article, Belinda Parmar details her findings from trips to various schools, both co-ed and gender-segregated. After visiting many different schools she has concluded that gender-segregation is ultimately better for young women. Gender-segregated schools offer females the chance to excel without pressure to conform to gender stereotypes.
Is texting stopping children from excelling in literacy?
This article discusses research done by Coventry university, which concluded that children who use 'text speak' or 'textisms' have a higher phonological awareness. It even goes on to say that texting creates a space where children can be creative with language. The research also explores the origins of textism and abbreviations, etc. Surprisingly - rather than it being put down to time-clipping, it is put down to the importance of an accurate self-representation online.
Confessions of a reformed grammar nazi
Here is an article written by what is known as a 'Grammar Nazi' - someone who will correct the smallest grammar mistake rather than allow it to go by unnoticed. In this article, the ex-grammar nazi says that in a 'world of hurried messaging and autocorrect', we ought to give people the benefit of the doubt when small grammatical errors are committed.
Bristol University's grammar exercises!
Click here for Bristol University's page filled with tons of grammar exercises - all dedicated to helping you perfect your grammar skills!
An article on gender differences in communication
Click here for the article.
This article says that the communication style of women tends to be more 'emotional' than men. Whereas women seem to focus on feelings and building relationships, men appear to focus on power and status. This is particularly clear in problem solving, where men often take a straightforward approach as opposed to women who first establish intimacy and show empathy. In addition, women usually take a cooperative approach, whereas men often take a competitive approach.Guardian article - 'The hyperbole we love to hate'
Click here for an article on hyperboles. The author discusses different hyperboles and how they are consuming the English language.
Monday, 10 November 2014
Click here for an article on TAU research regarding the effects of mixed-sex classrooms. It is said that 'more girls' in a classroom is better for everyone - including the girls. The study shows that levels of acadmic achievment are frequently higher in mixed-sex classrooms.
Monday, 3 November 2014
A summary of research done on the benefits of mixed-gender classes
Click here
This article includes important ideas regarding gender differences and CLA, based on research done across various classrooms. In this article there are notes on the different gender-specific qualities seen in boys and girls. It concludes that although there are advantages and disadvantages of single-gender classes, a mixed-gender class is ultimately more operative and advantageous for both male and female children.
This article includes important ideas regarding gender differences and CLA, based on research done across various classrooms. In this article there are notes on the different gender-specific qualities seen in boys and girls. It concludes that although there are advantages and disadvantages of single-gender classes, a mixed-gender class is ultimately more operative and advantageous for both male and female children.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)