Here's an exercise in how a fun chat about mixing languages and making up words can transform into a philosophical conversation on language itself! The twins discuss how words change meaning with time, how languages evolve, and more.

Takeaways

• It’s not uncommon for twins to create their own language as kids. 
• Languages evolve. A word’s meaning can change over time.
• if a word is being used by a different generation or ethnic group from yours, that doesn’t make them “wrong.” This is natural language evolution.
• Words can be weaponized to spread hate.
• It’s important to understand the historical context of words and be mindful of what we say.
• Sometimes disenfranchised groups take words meant to be insults towards them and use them, thus empowering themselves and changing the meaning.
• Things and words can have multiple meanings, like rainbows for example.
• If you’re learning a language and want to be corrected, let people know! Otherwise they may not because they’re being polite and understand you anyway.

Resources

• https://ideas.ted.com/20-words-that-once-meant-something-very-different/
• https://www.rediff.com/getahead/report/specials-16-odd-nouns-that-have-now-become-verbs/20150724.htm
• 7th/8th grade reading level is normal in the US: https://www.wyliecomm.com/2021/08/whats-the-latest-u-s-literacy-rate/
• How Vikings changed English forever - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gwJHuEa9Jc

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