Ch 1&2 plus grammar question
I found the changes in the lanuage of the Pinocchio translation very interesting (Ch 1). It seems strange that the editors would feel a need to adjust the language, the book was written in 1880. Obviously, the language of 1880 is very different from that of today. Why even try to modernize? In fact, I think it would be more interesting to read the 1880 version.
My question regarding grammar or language is: What changes in language have you noticed since you've been aware of lanuage?
posted by Anonymous @ 9:40 PM
8 comments
8 Comments:
Since I have been grammatically concious, I have noticed an increase in unnecessary words in speech. I, like, hear them all the time, you know, and, uh, it sorta like, drives me nuts, especially when, like, I catch myself doing it, you know? I can only imagine that the English and writing professors at this institution believe our language to be in the hands of novices, but that is hardly a new fear.
The most frequent change I've noticed is that of regionalisms just because it is so much more obvious, probably because it seems foreign and is unfamiliar.
I think the biggest change is the acceptance of gangsta rap. "This is why I'm hot, this is why I'm hot, you ain't cause you not. This is why I'm hot." Nice eh. I actually like this song, but it shocked me the first time I heard it. Sometimes people keep it simple, and to each his own I guess.
Language is constantly changing and evolving. Language is always full of "unnecessary words." Every generation has its own stupid phrases (don't they call them idioms?). The first time I heard "like, you know, etc.) was in 1980(?) when Frank Zappa's daughter, Moon Base, came out with the song "Valley Girl" which was a funny commentary on the language patterns of a So. Cal. girls. Now you hear it everywhere. Language is very fluid. Geez, I'm old enough to remember when gay just meant very happy.
From my perspective as a German, I have to say, it is very hard to realize any changes, because in Germany we do not have mother tongue speakers of English as teachers...at elast not at school. The professors at university have been living in Germany for such a long time that even they don´t realize the changes that are going on in English.
I have noticed a large change in the slang terms that are used. Thinking back to Ninja Turtle days, "tubular" was still in fashion. During my time in HS, people were saying "money" for cool, and now I hear my little brother say "dank," even though he doesn't know what the non-slang meaning is (or the origin of the slang term for that matter. It's my understanding that 'dank' is a reference to a specific type of pot (grow in Oregon, I think).)
I think the biggest changes in language are paralleled to the technilogical advances in our society. As more things become available to the public, such as the internet and portable devices, language almost begins to conform to the technology. New words are developed which brings new slang along with it.
Recently I've heard a lot of words being used that are completely new. Words like "glomp" (a vigorous tackle /hug of affection) and "Squee" (a squeal of delight). I've also noticed the combining of words in order to indicate a strong amount of emotion like "hi-freakin-larious" or "ri-freakin-diculous". I think this is all comming out of our new obsession with blogging and IMing.
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