Sticking with what seems to have become a bit of a theme in recent postings, this article on language innovation asks us to consider whether the English language is 'full'? The writer of the article, Alex Beam, claims to "love neologisms, coinages, new words, whatever you want to call them", citing staycation, manecdote and brocabulary as personal favourites. In the interest of presenting a balanced argument, however, Beam raises the following question: Are new words as great as we think they are? Paul MacInnes, writing for The
Guardian newspaper, says no. "The common line is that any new word is a good
word," he says. "It shows a vibrant, playful language shaped by those who
practice it." He continues: "Not often, however, does anyone stop to ask whether
this is a good thing, whether... the English language is full."
It's an interesting point, whether or not you agree with it - and this kind of debate is right up our street as far as the A2 English Language course content is concerned.
2 comments:
The site is filtered Jason, unfortunately. However, from what it says on the blog I completely disagree with the idea that the English language is full. That's like saying the internet is full. Both are ever-expanding, evolving "organisms". Words will always change their meanings, and new words will be invented. Words that become irrelevant will be lost to the ages. It is an natural phenomenon outside of human control.
I agree with Conor's opinion on this. Not just because I'm now in his group for coursework!
Even if the English language is now full, hypothetically, words are always dropping out of use.
I especially like the idea of 'kitcehn table lingo' as being a source of new words. My family is guilting of it, I'm pretty certain we're the only people to use the term 'Magroodie', the spelling of that is questionable seeing as its only ever said. Still, it works, its a word we use for someone who gets in a bad mood over dinner. Words like that are fun, and people will always add their little quirks and nuances to language.
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