Language & Culture

The Art of Interrupting in Sign Language

In spoken language, interruption means talking over someone. But how do you interrupt in a visual language like ASL? We…

3 weeks ago

The Life and Death of a Brand Name Word

Ever wonder how "aspirin" or "zipper" went from protected trademarks to everyday words? This is "genericide", the high-stakes process where…

3 weeks ago

The Hidden Grammar of Emojis

Far from being simple digital decorations, emojis follow a complex and unwritten grammar that dictates their meaning. The order of…

3 weeks ago

Shadow Tongues: The World’s Anti-Languages

Ever overheard a conversation that sounded like your language, but made no sense? You might have stumbled upon an anti-language,…

3 weeks ago

The Language of Fandom: From Headcanon to Ship

Ever stumbled into an online discussion about your favorite show and felt like you needed a translator? You've just encountered…

3 weeks ago

The Gestural Origins of Grammar

Have you ever wondered why so many languages follow a "Subject-Verb-Object" structure? A fascinating theory suggests that grammar wasn't born…

3 weeks ago

The Art of Strategic Ambiguity

In the high-stakes world of diplomacy, clarity can be the enemy of progress. This post explores "strategic ambiguity", the art…

3 weeks ago

Reclaiming the Slur: The Linguistics of Reappropriation

How does a word forged in hate become a banner of pride? The process, known as reappropriation, is a powerful…

3 weeks ago

The Grammar of Respect: Navigating Honorifics

While English speakers use 'sir' or 'ma'am', many languages embed respect directly into their grammar. This post explores the fascinating…

3 weeks ago

The Politics of Dictionaries

Ever wonder who decides when a word like 'rizz' is official? This post delves into the surprisingly political world of…

3 weeks ago

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