Last night I was panicking, trying to think of a topic for my blog on language. It was ironic that a few hours before, I had a experienced an awkward moment concerning language.
Many of us have had moments that hit us so fast we don't know how to react. Maybe you have gotten into a fight with someone and couldn't find the perfect comeback. Maybe you witnessed someone getting picked on and you wanted to stand up for them but you couldn't think of the right words. Maybe you were trying to be nice in a really hard situation but you could not come up with the right thing to say. Last night I was put into a situation like this. Unfortunately, it's way too embarrassing to share with the world but trust me it was a perfect example. It came time for me to respond and I was in such a shock that I didn't think about what I should have said. I said the wrong thing and now I regret it. I mean, in my own defense, the other person wasn't hurt and I wasn't mean but I know that I could have said something better. Later I ran the situation through my head like 500 times and came up with 499 better responses. What keeps us from thinking straight in these situations? Is it the rush of thoughts that keeps us from coming up with the best thing to say? I have no idea. Once I saw a comedian on Comedy Central and he made a joke about this kind of thing. He said that he made a list of situations and then made a list of "perfect responses" to each situation. He said that he was going to memorize every response to every situation so that he could say what he wanted to in the future. I would love to have that list for next time.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Lyrics
I get bored really easily in my Explore class so I needed something to keep me awake. Lately I have been doodling, tracing my hand in my notebook, and writing lyrics. No, I'm not a musician (even though I like to think I am when I sing in the shower) but I have memorized about a zillion songs throughout my life. As a child I memorized what was on radio Disney: N'SYNC, Britney Spears, Spice Girls. Now that I actually listen to the lyrics, I make different decisions on what I put on my iTunes. The way musicians use language is truly incredible. They take experiences or emotions and turn them into musical stories or metaphors. They are poets and not all people appreciate the words inside the melody.
The first time I heard the music of Paolo Nutini was a magical day. I was at Lollapalooza and miserable. It was like 3000 degrees outside and we decided to rest. Luckily we rested by the stage that Paolo soon graced. I wasn't resting for long. Soon I was rushing the stage, dancing to the tunes of this Scottish hottie. At first I didn't pay much attention to the words but then he began to sing These Streets and I was soon focused on what he was saying. "These streets have too many names for me. I'm used to Glemphy road and spending my time down in Orchy. I'll get used to this eventually, I know." After going home, buying his CD and listening to it over and over for the next few months, I really began to understand the message he was trying to get across. I find all of his songs to be intriguing and I have memorized every word of every song he sings.
Another artist who I absolutely adore is Kate Nash. Some hear her music and find her, well, peculiar. I have listened to some of her songs over and over and over and haven't figured them out. I think I have finally figured out "Skeleton" but I'm not sure. If anyone knows what she is talking about let me know. But, my favorite song is "Nicest Thing". I have listened to it so many times and every time, I notice something new about what she is saying. I think lot of girls can relate to that song and that's why I love it. I also love Sara Bareilles. Her songs are also really relatable. No matter what mood I'm in, I have songs to listen to.
I have really learned to appreciate the poetry that musicians create. I think that if more people listened to the words of Paolo Nutini, Kate Nash, Sara Bareilles, or the thousands of other musical artists in the world, they would learn to appreciate the way that musicians use language.
The first time I heard the music of Paolo Nutini was a magical day. I was at Lollapalooza and miserable. It was like 3000 degrees outside and we decided to rest. Luckily we rested by the stage that Paolo soon graced. I wasn't resting for long. Soon I was rushing the stage, dancing to the tunes of this Scottish hottie. At first I didn't pay much attention to the words but then he began to sing These Streets and I was soon focused on what he was saying. "These streets have too many names for me. I'm used to Glemphy road and spending my time down in Orchy. I'll get used to this eventually, I know." After going home, buying his CD and listening to it over and over for the next few months, I really began to understand the message he was trying to get across. I find all of his songs to be intriguing and I have memorized every word of every song he sings.
Another artist who I absolutely adore is Kate Nash. Some hear her music and find her, well, peculiar. I have listened to some of her songs over and over and over and haven't figured them out. I think I have finally figured out "Skeleton" but I'm not sure. If anyone knows what she is talking about let me know. But, my favorite song is "Nicest Thing". I have listened to it so many times and every time, I notice something new about what she is saying. I think lot of girls can relate to that song and that's why I love it. I also love Sara Bareilles. Her songs are also really relatable. No matter what mood I'm in, I have songs to listen to.
I have really learned to appreciate the poetry that musicians create. I think that if more people listened to the words of Paolo Nutini, Kate Nash, Sara Bareilles, or the thousands of other musical artists in the world, they would learn to appreciate the way that musicians use language.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Language That Doesn't Involve Words
Everyday we experience language without letters or voices but through music. We may not even notice the affect that a single tone can have on us while we watch a movie or listen to a song. When watching a scary movie does the music ever creep you out? This concept jumped out at me (and I really jumped) when I was watching the horror film "The Shining". There seemed to have been a repeated set of music that was used. As the moment became more intense, there was no speaking but the music grew deeper or louder. I couldn't help but think, "Do NOT look in that room" or "Going down that hallway is not the best idea." I had no idea about what was around the corner but the low vibrato of the bass was telling me what was going to happen. Another example of this can be seen in any romance movie. One of my favorites is "Pride and Prejudice." There is a scene when Kiera Knightly's character is just staring into a mirror. There is no dialogue, no expression on her face and no one else in the room. She just stares into the camera as the light changes from day to night. How did I know that she was so sad? How did I know exactly what she was feeling? The music told me; the violins told me. Yeah, I sound crazy but I heard the sad, long notes that the violins played and the sweet slow melody of the piano. That's what gave it away.
Now I know that violins and pianos do not speak words. I guess the best way to describe it is that they skip right to the emotion. There are no words to misunderstand or voices to decipher. Its the message thrown straight at you, delivering it straight to your subconscious. Next time the voices go silent and the screen sits still, listen to the voices in the background.
Now I know that violins and pianos do not speak words. I guess the best way to describe it is that they skip right to the emotion. There are no words to misunderstand or voices to decipher. Its the message thrown straight at you, delivering it straight to your subconscious. Next time the voices go silent and the screen sits still, listen to the voices in the background.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Social Situations and Body Language
Have you ever walked into a social situation, ready to meet new people? Of course, everyone has at some point. Especially as new students at college we are exposed to social events and big group events almost everyday; class, meetings, parties, etc. When we walk up to a group, maybe unconsciously, we judge people by how they carry themselves. Don't deny it!
Let's go through some hypothetical situations. You walk into a room and there are two people on the couch, one on the chair and two standing. The guy on the chair has his elbows on his knees and his head down, texting on his phone. One of the girls on the couch has her legs crossed with her foot bouncing as she bites her nails. The other girl on the couch has both feet on the floor, leaning forward and telling a story with her hands with a big smile on her face. One of the guys standing has good posture with his hands in his pockets and his smiling as he listens to the story. The last guy has his arms crossed as he sort of looks around the room at the other people. These are the very first things we catch whether we know it or not.
What are your first impressions of these people? Good posture and a high head show confidence. When someone is thinking tall, they don't disappear into the crowd, no matter their height in feet or inches. A bouncing leg, twitching fingers, or biting on fingers show nervousness. If you came across someone like the first girl on the couch the most common first impression is that she is uncomfortable. There are also things called open or closed positions. Crossed legs or arms or slouching while sitting are closed positions. This usually keeps people from approaching. There are also a few things that give away that someone is relaxed and open to people or conversation. The hands in the pockets or feet flat on the floor are examples of openness. It is so much easier to confront a new person that is open rather than closed. Lastly, facial expression can make a big impression as well. Bright eyes? Big smile? These can both make good impressions on people when you meet them. Let's say you walk into the group and introduce yourself to someone. Do they greet you with eye contact? I find it much easier to get to know someone if they make eye contact with you.
My question is, are our assumptions from some one's body language reflective of their personality? We will have to just try to put those first judgements aside and get to know someone.
Let's go through some hypothetical situations. You walk into a room and there are two people on the couch, one on the chair and two standing. The guy on the chair has his elbows on his knees and his head down, texting on his phone. One of the girls on the couch has her legs crossed with her foot bouncing as she bites her nails. The other girl on the couch has both feet on the floor, leaning forward and telling a story with her hands with a big smile on her face. One of the guys standing has good posture with his hands in his pockets and his smiling as he listens to the story. The last guy has his arms crossed as he sort of looks around the room at the other people. These are the very first things we catch whether we know it or not.
What are your first impressions of these people? Good posture and a high head show confidence. When someone is thinking tall, they don't disappear into the crowd, no matter their height in feet or inches. A bouncing leg, twitching fingers, or biting on fingers show nervousness. If you came across someone like the first girl on the couch the most common first impression is that she is uncomfortable. There are also things called open or closed positions. Crossed legs or arms or slouching while sitting are closed positions. This usually keeps people from approaching. There are also a few things that give away that someone is relaxed and open to people or conversation. The hands in the pockets or feet flat on the floor are examples of openness. It is so much easier to confront a new person that is open rather than closed. Lastly, facial expression can make a big impression as well. Bright eyes? Big smile? These can both make good impressions on people when you meet them. Let's say you walk into the group and introduce yourself to someone. Do they greet you with eye contact? I find it much easier to get to know someone if they make eye contact with you.
My question is, are our assumptions from some one's body language reflective of their personality? We will have to just try to put those first judgements aside and get to know someone.
Friday, October 3, 2008
RIP: Dying Languages
Because English is one of the most spoken languages on Earth, we as De Paul University students may not feel the impact that dying languages have on the world. Of the 7000 languages spoken currently in the world, only 3000 are said to still exist in the next several decades.
How can a language die? A language can be considered endangered and extinct just as an animal can. A language dies with its speakers. As the fluent speakers of the language get older and do not spread the knowledge to younger generations, the language becomes endangered. If the language is not saved, just as an animal species would, it disappears forever.
In many ways this has a very negative impact on the world. For example, languages hold information. An ancient language of South American may hold all of the historical information pertaining to that culture. A language of a tiny tribe in Africa may hold medical information key to the people of that region. If the younger generation becomes fluent in a different, more widely known language, that information is lost to them and the people of the future.
Some see this situation differently. Some see the loss of smaller languages as a part of globalization. As technology makes the world a smaller place, learning a common language is very important. Some of the most popular languages include English, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, French and Chinese. There is so much pressure on the younger generations of the world to abandon their native tongues and learn one that is more widely spoken. Is it better to live in a world where everyone can communicate easily or in a world of diverse culture and language? Should languages be left to perish for the sake of a more unified world? Is there a way to preserve all of the languages we may lose and have a global language spoken? This is not going to happen by individual effort but as a world-wide effort.
For more information about endangered languages and how to support the cause visit www.endangeredlanguagefund.org
How can a language die? A language can be considered endangered and extinct just as an animal can. A language dies with its speakers. As the fluent speakers of the language get older and do not spread the knowledge to younger generations, the language becomes endangered. If the language is not saved, just as an animal species would, it disappears forever.
In many ways this has a very negative impact on the world. For example, languages hold information. An ancient language of South American may hold all of the historical information pertaining to that culture. A language of a tiny tribe in Africa may hold medical information key to the people of that region. If the younger generation becomes fluent in a different, more widely known language, that information is lost to them and the people of the future.
Some see this situation differently. Some see the loss of smaller languages as a part of globalization. As technology makes the world a smaller place, learning a common language is very important. Some of the most popular languages include English, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, French and Chinese. There is so much pressure on the younger generations of the world to abandon their native tongues and learn one that is more widely spoken. Is it better to live in a world where everyone can communicate easily or in a world of diverse culture and language? Should languages be left to perish for the sake of a more unified world? Is there a way to preserve all of the languages we may lose and have a global language spoken? This is not going to happen by individual effort but as a world-wide effort.
For more information about endangered languages and how to support the cause visit www.endangeredlanguagefund.org
Thursday, September 25, 2008
"Bad Words"
Using "bad English" can be pretty controversial. When I say bad English I mean swearing. From my observations, as people change their setting they change the way they speak and the words they choose. The real question is, when is it okay to use a curse word? Is it okay at all? Is swearing even that bad?
My permanent setting has now changed drastically and it seems as though people's choice of language does as well. Walking down the street I hear some of the worst in the book. I live in a dorm building full of teenagers, excuse me "young adults", and let's just say volume does not matter. Even classrooms the students really let loose. Now, I'm going to be honest, I swear just as much as anyone. I remember on the school bus in 6th grade a boy said the "F-word" and I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Now I hear it (and use it unfortunately) a lot.
I understand that when with certain company I should cut some vocabulary out of my speech. Lately, my problem is getting used to switching back and forth. I'm used to home and classroom, no swearing. When I'm with friends it's a different story. Now that about 95% of my time is around a bunch of swearing young adults, it seems to be harder to get used to switching back and forth.
The big question is, when is it okay to use these words? Recently, from people's reactions to my way of speaking, it seems that most get a little awkward about hearing "bad words." Are people who use swear words seen as trashy? Is it "unladylike" to swear? Is there such a thing as too much swearing? I can't answer this. It's a personal decision whether or not to swear. In my opinion, people should not be judged on their choice of vocabulary. Listen between the curse words.
My permanent setting has now changed drastically and it seems as though people's choice of language does as well. Walking down the street I hear some of the worst in the book. I live in a dorm building full of teenagers, excuse me "young adults", and let's just say volume does not matter. Even classrooms the students really let loose. Now, I'm going to be honest, I swear just as much as anyone. I remember on the school bus in 6th grade a boy said the "F-word" and I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Now I hear it (and use it unfortunately) a lot.
I understand that when with certain company I should cut some vocabulary out of my speech. Lately, my problem is getting used to switching back and forth. I'm used to home and classroom, no swearing. When I'm with friends it's a different story. Now that about 95% of my time is around a bunch of swearing young adults, it seems to be harder to get used to switching back and forth.
The big question is, when is it okay to use these words? Recently, from people's reactions to my way of speaking, it seems that most get a little awkward about hearing "bad words." Are people who use swear words seen as trashy? Is it "unladylike" to swear? Is there such a thing as too much swearing? I can't answer this. It's a personal decision whether or not to swear. In my opinion, people should not be judged on their choice of vocabulary. Listen between the curse words.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
I Consider Myself Bilingual
I remember the day pretty clearly. I was on my way home from a tennis match when my father called. He informed me that I went over on my phone bill by A LOT because of text messaging. How could this be? Well, I, along with the majority of the population, text message like my life depends on it. That month I was allowed 500 text messages. I sent about 2,000.
Some may wonder why. Some may understand fully. I can't speak for everyone but I know exactly why I text. Is it because I get to push buttons? That's fun for everyone. Is it because I can have a conversation while I'm in the shower? Is it because I can be having a completely secret conversation that no one in the entire world gets to know about? Yes, but its mostly because I don't have to talk to the person directly. Phone conversations can be incredibly awkward. You know you have taken your relationship to the highest level with someone when the awkward silence on the phone is no longer awkward. I can honestly say that I can only have a productive and comfortable conversation on the phone with family and two of my closest friends. As for the rest of the contacts in my phone, I prefer to be completely distant, impersonal, and unemotional.
Now, just as one learns Spanish, French, or what have you, text message language must be learned over time. This language is filled with acronyms, misspellings, shortening of words, and absolutely no punctuation whatsoever. Some examples of these acronyms would include "idk" meaning I don't know, or "lol" meaning the person just laughed out loud. Misspellings are very important to learn. If you aren't familiar with the more complicated ones then the meaning of the message can be lost, rendering you lost as well. Some more common include "u", obviously meaning you. My favorite is "gunna." "Gunna" is a tricky word because you may find yourself writing "gunna" everywhere. "U" is caught right away whereas "gunna" looks almost normal, so watch out! My specialty is shortening words. "Tho", "tom", and "b4" are some popular examples.
Unfortunately, this language can encroach upon proper English and really mess some people up. I was a victim of this senior year of high school. I accidentally wrote "gunna" in a rough draft of the biggest paper of the year. Luckily, my teacher thought it was humorous and just told me to never let it happen again. A word of advice to all, double check for text English when you're writing something formal, or informal for that matter. Save the skill of this complicated and fascinating language for the cell phone.
Some may wonder why. Some may understand fully. I can't speak for everyone but I know exactly why I text. Is it because I get to push buttons? That's fun for everyone. Is it because I can have a conversation while I'm in the shower? Is it because I can be having a completely secret conversation that no one in the entire world gets to know about? Yes, but its mostly because I don't have to talk to the person directly. Phone conversations can be incredibly awkward. You know you have taken your relationship to the highest level with someone when the awkward silence on the phone is no longer awkward. I can honestly say that I can only have a productive and comfortable conversation on the phone with family and two of my closest friends. As for the rest of the contacts in my phone, I prefer to be completely distant, impersonal, and unemotional.
Now, just as one learns Spanish, French, or what have you, text message language must be learned over time. This language is filled with acronyms, misspellings, shortening of words, and absolutely no punctuation whatsoever. Some examples of these acronyms would include "idk" meaning I don't know, or "lol" meaning the person just laughed out loud. Misspellings are very important to learn. If you aren't familiar with the more complicated ones then the meaning of the message can be lost, rendering you lost as well. Some more common include "u", obviously meaning you. My favorite is "gunna." "Gunna" is a tricky word because you may find yourself writing "gunna" everywhere. "U" is caught right away whereas "gunna" looks almost normal, so watch out! My specialty is shortening words. "Tho", "tom", and "b4" are some popular examples.
Unfortunately, this language can encroach upon proper English and really mess some people up. I was a victim of this senior year of high school. I accidentally wrote "gunna" in a rough draft of the biggest paper of the year. Luckily, my teacher thought it was humorous and just told me to never let it happen again. A word of advice to all, double check for text English when you're writing something formal, or informal for that matter. Save the skill of this complicated and fascinating language for the cell phone.
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