BTW, English Will Endure.
- cecilia
- Aug 7, 2019
- 1 min read
The English language, especially American English, is nutty, unpredictable and often makes no sense at all. That may be why I love it. A field of study in which every rule has an exception? Yes, please!
While I haven't yet read "Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language" by Gretchen McCullough, I heard a review on NPR and then found this Q&A. (Hat tip to her publicist. And isn't NPR just audio CliffsNotes? Who knew CliffsNotes had an "s" and was one word? Thanks, Google.)
It's fascinating that our language flexes and flows while still retaining pieces and parts of Ye Olde Quainte English. It's also amazing how quickly we adapt and adopt words, phrases and even punctuation.
Speaking of which, I just learned about Columbusing, ironic punctuation and emoji as gesture (I speak fluent gesture). How cool is it that language is a kind of living organism that continues to evolve?
No matter what, it's comforting to know that English will always have the last word.
I love when people correct my English... It gives me a chance to say one of my favorite lines... “I have been a comedian for over 30 years. Butchering the English has given me a wonderful career. I’m good, thanks for the concern.”