Binding Ties, Song of Self: The Purpose and Power of Language

Language fluency is crucial for seamless interaction and communication in daily life. The essay highlights the profound impact of language deprivation, such as during laryngitis, on one's ability to comprehend media, express needs, and communicate effectively. Amy Tan's "Mother Tongue" underscores the emotional, imaginative, and identity-defining power of language. Losing one's voice impedes self-expression and meaningful participation in the world. The essay emphasizes that language, with its specific arrangement of words, plays a key role in community participation and identity establishment.

Teens Aren't Ruining Language Tisopul (The Atlantic Article)

Language is dynamic and constantly evolving, influenced by people of all ages. The article dispels the notion that teenagers significantly influence linguistic changes. It explores how slang terms from different eras either endure or fade away, influenced by factors such as personality, social standing, age, exposure, and personal experiences. The article highlights the role of social media in spreading and standardizing terms. Linguistic changes are deeply intertwined with expressions of identity, evolving during significant life changes. The article concludes that linguistic evolution is a natural process, with terms either adapting to cultural shifts or fading into obscurity.

Yes, Teen-Speak Drives Me Mad, but Adult Jargon Is Far Worse – Innit! (By John Humphrys)

This article responds to Emma Thompson's criticism of the informal speech used by the younger generation. It mimics teenage speech, featuring terms like "innit" and "skills." The author acknowledges the frustration caused by teen-speak but argues that teenagers intentionally create their own language to exclude adults and establish their identity. The article provides examples of teen slang, emphasizing the evolving nature of language. It argues for the importance of language adaptation and evolution, even if teen-speak may be challenging for adults. The article underscores the significance of language evolution to prevent it from becoming stagnant.

All the World Speaks Globish Innitlatisopul (By Robert McCrum)

English is evolving into a global lingua franca known as Globish, with a simplified structure responding to global demands. This phenomenon is observed in "English Corners" in China, where 4 billion English users, including 400 million native speakers, engage in global discussions. The term Globish, coined by Jean-Paul Nerrière, describes a simplified English with a limited vocabulary. It is bottom-up, spreading among non-native speakers, and shaping world events. Globish decouples from its Anglo-American origins, becoming a global phenomenon influencing education worldwide. The article highlights its crucial role in global communication during emergencies and emphasizes its role as a common linguistic denominator in a linguistically diverse world.