Language
Language
Posted by Charlie Foster on February 24, 2011 at 02:39pm

When it comes to deciding how to solve society’s problems, you probably think the biggest split is between Democrats and Republicans. But it’s really between viruses and beasts.

In a study published this week in the journal PLoS ONE, researchers asked two groups of people to read descriptions of rising crime in the fictional town of Addison. The narratives were identical, except that in one version, the crime problem was described as a beast -- as in “Crime is a beast ravaging the city of Addison.” In the other, it was called a virus.

After reading, the participants were asked what the city should do about the problem – increase law enforcement (i.e. hire more cops) or reform underlying social structures (i.e. hire more school teachers). Nearly three-quarters of those who read that crime was a beast recommended more enforcement. The virus group was split about 50-50 between enforcement and reform.

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Posted by Tajah Jones on August 30, 2010 at 02:35pm

I just got back from the U.S. Virgin Islands and it was amazing! The Virgin Islands are a little bit south of Puerto Rico, in the Caribbean Sea. For a month I enjoyed the clear blue beaches, the rain forest and yummy local dishes and tropical fruits. With cousins and friends who showed me to the best beaches, parties and hang out spots, my trip was complete. But the culture exposure was positively overwhelming, with the dances, music, left side driving, and the unforgettable the accents and slang, it was a great experience, but I must have said “What?” over 100 times. Did I mention the slang?:

Lime or Limin –
-Verb
1. to socialize with friends, to go partying
2. to chill, or be in a state of relaxation
i.e.Want to go limin on Saturday?

The Bush –
-Noun
1. a tropical forest
i.e. I’m going to the bush tomorrow.

Vexed –
-Adjective
1. angry, very irritated or annoyed
i.e. She lost my shirt, I was vexed.

Bam! –
-Interjection
1. to say before making a dramatic point
i.e. BAM! he lied to her. I saw him at the movies and he wasn’t sick.

Gone bush –
-Noun
1. when something is lost or dies
i.e. I thought I had a full battery, but my phones gone bush.

Mehson – (meh-SUN)
-Interjection
1. an exclamation of excitement
i.e. Mehson! I was at the game and our team won the game, 26 to 24 mehson!


Posted by wilmer on November 7, 2009 at 01:59am

The following was broadcast on WABE-FM, Atlanta.

By Raya Tobler, VOX teen newspaper

Talking to a friend on the phone as I stepped on the train, I chatted meaninglessly with her and took a seat. As she spouted the latest gossip, I reacted as most teens would, with a gasp and some choice words. I watched as every adult face on the train shot surprised looks in my direction. I knew as soon as I dropped the bomb, they would think differently of me… the “F” bomb that is. I readily admit to using some dirty words in a casual conversation. Many adults view foul language as the decline of the next generation and that society is doomed to failure. But my choice of words doesn’t mean I am not smart. I have a B average in school and I’m a writer and the editor-in-chief of my high school newspaper. What important person in history didn’t have an R-rated moment or two? Everyone has their days of careless language. It doesn’t make them incapable of achieving greatness. I think there are some times where the best word to use in a situation may be a so-called improper one and it actually demonstrates a good understanding of vocabulary.

 


Posted by Kia Johnson on July 31, 2009 at 07:39pm

Feelings are a way of expressing yourself. When you feel a certain way, you automatically have an emotion. Emotions describe feelings and everyone expresses themselves differently. Most people cry when they are upset, or talk to someone close to them. When I’m upset I make a rap about it. I also listen to music that makes me feel better. But if I’m really sad, I just sit in my room alone and by myself. A good way to express yourself is talking to someone.

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Posted by Krisha Cowen on May 5, 2009 at 04:54pm

By Krisha Cowen

Race in America is a touchy subject as it is, but why do we still separate or label others as another race when they don’t fulfill the pre instated stereotypes. One way that people’s race is redefined by society is their behavior, the way they act and speak. Talking white, talkin’ black, acting proper, and actin’ ghetto all affect how others are viewed and accepted in certain societies. Growing up in Richmond and going to a predominantly white school, has allowed me to fall victim to stereotypes associated with both black and white people. When at school, I have been asked to use analogies for the slang I use that others may not understand. As though me saying "she was put on blast" in English class, or "ohh girl yo feet is thirsty" can be better stated as “her truths were brought to light” or “excuse me, but your feet need some lotion”. Read more...

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Posted by Denise Tejada on March 17, 2009 at 03:35pm

Now that 15.1% of the U.S. population is Spanish-speaking, there are plenty of advantages to being bilingual. But speaking both English and Spanish has its rough edges too.

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Posted by Brett Myers on February 20, 2009 at 12:22pm

As heard on NPR's All Things Considered.

For nearly a thousand years the Hopi people have lived on the same three mesas, land now considered part of northeastern Arizona.  For all that while they have been speaking the Hopi language, but now everyone says the language is dying.  There are many hurdles standing in the way of preserving Hopi -- the great distances between each of the eleven villages, the distinct dialects in each of those villages, and for Hopi teens, the choice between preserving the Hopi culture or adopting a modern lifestyle.

In order of appearance: Austin Coochyamptewa, Alrye Polequaptewa, Leandra Calnimptewa, Paul Quamahongnewa, Annalese Nasafotie, Paul Quamahongnewa, Eloise Coochyamptewa, Leon Koruh, Rochelle Lomayaktewa, DeAnn Honanie.

 Special Thanks to the Hopi High School Radio and Journalism Classes.

 A complete transcipt of the story as it aired is availible after the jump...

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Posted by Austin De Rubira on December 2, 2008 at 06:00pm
David Crystal's new book cleverly callled "txtng: the gr8 db8" touches upon the always ongoing debate about how texting and lexicongraphy is affecting the English language. 
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Posted by webintern on June 18, 2008 at 11:00pm

By Luis Sierra, Youth Radio

What’s the new What? Spanglish is the new ad-lingo.

Spanglish is what marketers are using to sell everything from the War in Iraq.

To Burger King’s fusion food “Chicken Fries”

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Posted by lucyk on July 31, 2007 at 11:00pm

News Break:

THE N-WORD DISCUSSION


What's the story?

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