OT - Evolving language?

Hi - this is addressed mostly to all of you south of the 49th... because I don't understand it well, even though I know language does evolve naturally, but this is about changes that seem to have happened very quickly, within a few years at most.

When did 'aggression' suddenly become 'aggressiveness' - which is longer?

When did 'function' (or functional) become 'functionality' - again a longer way to say what everyone said forever (shorter) until so recently.

When did everyone stop 'lying down' to 'lay' down (definitely been around longer than the above tho')?

When did 'when... we went to the store.." become "whenever" (whatever)? Though I believe this is really down to lack of education and not widespread.

There are a bunch of others, but these for now...

Julie wrote:Hi - this is addressed mostly to all of you south of the 49th..

you mean, like toronto?

as to language differences, don't EVEN get started on the two sides of the atlantic..

Julie wrote:Hi - this is addressed mostly to all of you south of the 49th... because I don't understand it well, even though I know language does evolve naturally, but this is about changes that seem to have happened very quickly, within a few years at most.

When did 'aggression' suddenly become 'aggressiveness' - which is longer?

When did 'function' (or functional) become 'functionality' - again a longer way to say what everyone said forever (shorter) until so recently.

When did everyone stop 'lying down' to 'lay' down (definitely been around longer than the above tho')?

When did 'when... we went to the store.." become "whenever" (whatever)? Though I believe this is really down to lack of education and not widespread.

There are a bunch of others, but these for now...

It's not evolving, it's devolving, in order to have higher learning you must make everything more complex, don't mind it doesn't make sense, in fact, that's a plus. Jim

Often regional quirks, even parts of speech can explain some usage.
Subtle nuances in meaning gives American prose such flexibility, except when butchered by the uneducated.
"Lay down" is incorrect usage when used instead of "lie down"
When I am tired of standing, I can lie down; but if I am tired of holding something, I can lay it down.
"When we . . . " usually refers to a one time situation.
"Whenever we . . ." specifies multiple instances.
New words enter the lexicon when their usage is widespread.
Otherwise, off-center usage helps us to identify who not to invite back for the second interview.

"but if I am tired of holding something, I can lay it down" Absolutely, not questioning that, though wasn't sure anyone made a distinction any more.

Julie wrote:"but if I am tired of holding something, I can lay it down" Absolutely, not questioning that, though wasn't sure anyone made a distinction any more.

If I get tired of hold something I drop it. Most thing I used to hold were heavy in my defense. Jim

The inability to communicate intelligently causes people to lose out on opportunities.

The one that irritates me is "as well as" instead of "too".

herefishy wrote:The one that irritates me is "as well as" instead of "too".

YES, and used inappropriately most often by weather forecasters (as well).

What's wrong with 'as well as'?

Without synonyms, language would get very monotonous, and verse would be nearly impossible.
I read of a Welsh poet who only writes in English, because of the incredible vocabulary.
Words are not just for communication. We need beauty, too.

chunkyfrog wrote:Without synonyms, language would get very monotonous, and verse would be nearly impossible.
I read of a Welsh poet who only writes in English, because of the incredible vocabulary.
Words are not just for communication. We need beauty, too.

+1 for beautifully combined words




It is good to remember that the better communicator needs to be able to reach the level of those who may not be as "evolved" (thread title).

There is a time and place to educate, but as it is with better manners ~~~ it is the person who can facilitate understanding and put the other person at ease who is truly the evolved communicator.

Julie wrote:Hi - this is addressed mostly to all of you south of the 49th... because I don't understand it well, even though I know language does evolve naturally, but this is about changes that seem to have happened very quickly, within a few years at most.

When did 'aggression' suddenly become 'aggressiveness' - which is longer?

When did 'function' (or functional) become 'functionality' - again a longer way to say what everyone said forever (shorter) until so recently.

When did everyone stop 'lying down' to 'lay' down (definitely been around longer than the above tho')?

When did 'when... we went to the store.." become "whenever" (whatever)? Though I believe this is really down to lack of education and not widespread.

There are a bunch of others, but these for now...

Your talking about the natural evolution of the language, Julie - there's always some change (or distortion as you may call it) going on within every language. In his time Shakespeare was criticized for warping phrases and structure, plus making up words. What really concerns me is that all of our ubiquitous cell texting - including dropping periods! - is seeping into the language. The effects of that severe change could really be alarming, especially when it's deemed acceptable by most people. However, things change and that's the way it's always been; usually we manage to understand each other. Getting back to Shakespeare for a moment - look for the new BBC comedy series Upstart Crow. It has some good fun, lovingly done of course, roasting him, his peers and his plays.

Well said, Grace!
Technical writing needs to be clear and not confusing for the intended reader, but may include specific jargon;
while consumer directions need to be simple and clear--no "oddball" words.
Legal writing is intentionally ambiguous--there should be a law against that!