Monday, 26 September 2011
Monday, 12 September 2011
Not everything is epic
I know it's been a while, and you're all busy remembering all of the stuff we covered at the end of last year, as well as finding the time to watch the next episode of 'The Adventure of English' (we're on to episode 4 now, which is useful, having swerved episode 3, which wasn't that essential).
Anyhow, I said I'd throw this link up, which illustrates quite neatly the life cycle of some words, in this case 'epic'. (Case in point - about 18months ago I made an unnamed rascal in your year recover his book, because he'd scrawled 'EPIC' on it, gritty-urban-street style; yesterday I heard it on an advert for insurance.)
I'm not convinced about his ideas about how words can't change their classes, but I do think the diagram near the bottom of the post makes sense - it's like English teaching, just with more swearing.
Stay tuned near the end of the week - I'll post everything we've done regarding slang, plus a few extra goods for any of you who have done all of the reading.
Anyhow, I said I'd throw this link up, which illustrates quite neatly the life cycle of some words, in this case 'epic'. (Case in point - about 18months ago I made an unnamed rascal in your year recover his book, because he'd scrawled 'EPIC' on it, gritty-urban-street style; yesterday I heard it on an advert for insurance.)
I'm not convinced about his ideas about how words can't change their classes, but I do think the diagram near the bottom of the post makes sense - it's like English teaching, just with more swearing.
Stay tuned near the end of the week - I'll post everything we've done regarding slang, plus a few extra goods for any of you who have done all of the reading.
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
New Year 12? You've made the right choice...
Afternoon! If you're reading this, then congratulations for making an excellent choice!
Without mucking about, get yourself a gmail account, and then fill out this very short survey that you can find here
Cheers!
Cheers!
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
The blog formerly known as ...English Language @ SFX: Back in the USA
The blog formerly known as ...English Language @ SFX: Back in the USA: "The BBC has curated a veritable gripefest of peeves about American English in response to Matthew Engel's article and broadcast about ..."
Another quality post I've shamelessly swiped from the SFX blog - the language log stuff might be a little steep for a few of you, but do look at the BBC article - in particular, the comments made by Melanie Johnson around 3/4 of the way down; you'll find a neat summary of language change, and you'll be able to figure out the predominant attitudes to language change (in this case, the rise of American English) from the comments made by the people who have contributed. Enjoy!
Another quality post I've shamelessly swiped from the SFX blog - the language log stuff might be a little steep for a few of you, but do look at the BBC article - in particular, the comments made by Melanie Johnson around 3/4 of the way down; you'll find a neat summary of language change, and you'll be able to figure out the predominant attitudes to language change (in this case, the rise of American English) from the comments made by the people who have contributed. Enjoy!
Thursday, 14 July 2011
OED online access
This is really easy, and it is free!
1. Get a library card from the local library (Radcliffe, West Bridgford, wherever)
2. Click on this link here
3. Click on the 'Sign in' tab on the top right hand corner
4. Enter your library card number - it will have a letter at the start, and then have 8 numbers. Older cards have a letter, then 10 numbers - so just enter the letter then the first 8 numbers
5. Enjoy all the etymology you could ever need!
Trust me, you'll be visiting this post again and again come investigation time.
1. Get a library card from the local library (Radcliffe, West Bridgford, wherever)
2. Click on this link here
3. Click on the 'Sign in' tab on the top right hand corner
4. Enter your library card number - it will have a letter at the start, and then have 8 numbers. Older cards have a letter, then 10 numbers - so just enter the letter then the first 8 numbers
5. Enjoy all the etymology you could ever need!
Trust me, you'll be visiting this post again and again come investigation time.
Thursday, 7 July 2011
If...
Aitchison's Reith Lectures
Here you go - here is the iplayer recording of the lecture we listened to here, and just in case you need a hand when writing up your notes, then a transcript is available here.
And...... since you enjoyed the first part so much...... welcome to part 2! Wooooooooo! If you're stuck for something to do on Saturday night, I might humbly suggest the second part of 'The Adventure of English'. This episode is useful, particularly regarding the French and Latin influences on English. Watch it and take notes, please!
Any questions to the usual address etc etc
And...... since you enjoyed the first part so much...... welcome to part 2! Wooooooooo! If you're stuck for something to do on Saturday night, I might humbly suggest the second part of 'The Adventure of English'. This episode is useful, particularly regarding the French and Latin influences on English. Watch it and take notes, please!
Any questions to the usual address etc etc
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