Language Stuff

Almost everyone uses language, so inevitably almost everyone thinks they are an expert in it. I don’t consider myself an expert, though most of my work requires at least language competence and sometimes actual skill, but I do follow the blogs featured on this feeds page.

(If you are wondering where the translation-related feeds have all gone, I have put them on their own page.)

Most of the blogs represented here are in English, most of the time, but don’t be surprised to find other languages used. Go with the flow – I occasionally find myself pleasantly surprised at how much I can grasp in languages I have never seen before.

Language On the Net

Language Log » William Hazlitt on grammar

Sunday 7 December 18:52:28 UTC 2014

On a brief trip to London recently, I stayed in a small hotel named Hazlitt's, after William Hazlitt, who in 1830, the last year of his life, rented a small apartment in one of the buildings that the hotel now occupies. A copy of his 1802 self-portrait hangs by the registration desk, and there are various Hazlitt memorabilia scattered around, reminding … [Link]

Language Log » It's not just puns that are being banned in China

Sunday 7 December 17:10:37 UTC 2014

Even non-linguists and those who are not China watchers could hardly escape the momentous announcement of the Chinese government last week that casual punning was being outlawed: "Punning banned in China" (11/29/14) "No laughing matter: China's media regulators ban puns" (12/3/14) "Chinese Government Moves To Crack Down On Puns" (12/5/14) "Nowhere to Pun Amid China Crackdown" (11/28/14) "LIKE A PUN … [Link]

Urban Word of the Day » maintenance fuck

Sunday 7 December 8:30:00 UTC 2014

when your partner has sex with you to avoid listening to you complain about not having sex Him: "Hey babe do you want to have sex tonight?"Her: "Ok it's Sunday you're due for a maintenance fuck." [Link]