Why deception is the mother of speech

Article Abstract:

Language is effective in communicating certain types of information, particularly negative reports, but is not very good at transmitting other types, especially spatial information, according to Jean Aitchison, Rupert Murdoch Professor of Language and Communication at Oxford University. A key use of language is to influence and persuade others, and within this language can often be used to deceive. Indeed, the property of displacement, or talking about things which are absent or even do not exist at all, is one of the great strengths of language.

Analysis, Sociolinguistics, Language and culture

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Wugs, woggles and whatsits

Article Abstract:

Humans have an in-built ability to learn words, according to Jean Aitchison, Rupert Murdoch Professor of Language and Communication at Oxford University. There are many complicated links between words, and this is helpful in ensuring that people remember them. Most words do not have a fixed meaning, and tend to have similarities with others. People generally have a very large number of words which could be used spontaneously, and learn very quickly which ones will be the most useful.

Language acquisition

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Is our language in decay?

Article Abstract:

Many observers claim that the standard of the English language is declining. By taking this stance, they fail to acknowledge that all languages are constantly evolving, and that old rules about the use of language should not necessarily be retained indefinitely. Variation in speech is normal, and many changes actually improve language, rather than detract from it.

English language

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