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 » The most Trumpish (and Bushish) words
I they you Trump very great he China said me money going Mexico Those are the top 13 words at Donald Trump's end of a vocabulary comparison with Jeb Bush. The top 13 words at Jeb Bush's end of the list are: The state strategy government should create president American in growth of ISIS forces Click the following links for … [Link]
Language Log » In the European Union or out?
Over the past week there has been a change in the officially ordained wording of the referendum question about European Union membership that will be put before the people of the United Kingdom some time over the coming two years. On the face of it, the change seems trivial or even pointless, because it does not allow for any new … [Link]
languagehat.com » Langland’s Lament.
Dave Wilton of Wordorigins.org writes: I’ve come across the following quotation in a number of places, such as this article from The Economist: There is not a single modern schoolboy who can compose verses or write a decent letter. The quotation is attributed to William Langland, author of Piers Plowman, who died in 1386. The problem is that I could … [Link]
Wordorigins.org » When Not to Correct People’s English
No comment necessary… [Discuss this post] [Link]
Language Log » R.I.P. Henry Gleitman
Henry Gleitman — a great researcher, teacher, and friend — died Wednesday at the age of 90. I will always remember him, vividly, as a wonderful person to talk with about any subject at all. And his breadth of knowledge, mental agility, and dramatic flair made him a famous and effective teacher. He taught at Swarthmore from 1948 to 1960, and … [Link]
Omniglot blog » Sgimilearachd
Sgimilearachd [sgʲimɪlɛrəxg], noun = habit of visiting other people at mealtime; intrusion (from: Am Faclair Beag) Alternative definition: Obtrusiveness, impudence, intrusion; Mean habit of popping in upon people at meals, living and doing nothing about, gentlemen’s kitchens. (from: Am Faclair Dwelly) This is one of the interesting Scottish Gaelic words I learnt from this blog post. Others include: – Allabhuadhach … [Link]
World Wide Words: Updates » New online: Salop
A vanished British street-drink, 'salop', was made from orchid roots. [Link]
World Wide Words: Updates » New online: Hairy eyeballs
Why is an angry or disapproving look called 'giving the hairy eyeball'? [Link]
World Wide Words: Updates » New online: Broom-squire
A 'broom-squire' wasn't rural gentry, but a lowly heathland artisan. [Link]
Urban Word of the Day » Name Shame
The point at which it's too late to ask for someone's name because you spent so much time around them that you should already know it. I have total name shame. I've been working for a month with this guy and still don't know his name.
[Link]
languagehat.com » Spelling Reform for Wayward Words.
Chi Luu (see this post) has a JSTOR Daily piece about a much-discussed topic, the English spelling system and the many attempts to reform it. It begins with Gerard Nolst Trenité’s “The Chaos,” a poem showcasing the absurdities of English orthography which I posted about almost a decade ago; continues with Patrick Groff’s 1976 paper “Why There Has Been No … [Link]
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