Webinar (NYTimes On Language)

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/28/magazine/28FOB-onlanguage-t.html?ref=magazine

Interesting article about why some neologisms that are splices of words, or portmanteau words, make it into our daily usage and some don't. That is quite an interesting question! Does it have to do with their acoustics? Utility?

But to me what is more interesting than what sticks is why these words are created in the first place, that the things we are creating are seen as hybrids between already existing things. Is this a sign that novelty is dwindling— in both our new inventions and our words for them? I think more accurately it a sign that we require concision in our references. We are looking to be so efficient that saying "webinar" is leagues easier than saying "seminar on the Internet"


I think writing the On Language column might just be my dream job... I heard there is an opening. Are they looking for a stable, weekly writer by any chance?

On Language: Cellar Door

A little ditty on the beauty in the sounds of some words. Personally, I don't find "cellar door" that acoustically pleasing!

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/14/magazine/14FOB-onlanguage-t.html?ref=magazine

NYTimes Article: When to Worry if a Child Has Too Few Words

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/09/health/09klass.html?ref=science

A Beginning

So I decided to start a blog to collect all my thoughts, connections, etc., that have to do with language, culture, thought, and the connections between them. Articles, little blurbs, ramblings, you name it... they'll be here!