Not surprised to see the articles on the contentiousness that swirls around the use of language (what took you so long?). I remember back in my college days being floored that the dictionary could be such a controversial document. Like all other things in life, it seems we're always bouncing back and forth between "established" rule and "creative" ways of reinventing expression.
I can't completely agree with Valerie Fridland's conclusion that we shouldn't use language to buttonhole people. First off, means of expression are usually adopted as a way of separating ourselves from other groups we want to stand out from, and they're ways of identifying with our tribe. You set someone in a certain group by their use of language mostly because they WANT us to do that. I don't see that going away any time soon.
To explore the Christian connection to our Jewish heritage: https://www.bemadiscipleship.com
Not surprised to see the articles on the contentiousness that swirls around the use of language (what took you so long?). I remember back in my college days being floored that the dictionary could be such a controversial document. Like all other things in life, it seems we're always bouncing back and forth between "established" rule and "creative" ways of reinventing expression.
I can't completely agree with Valerie Fridland's conclusion that we shouldn't use language to buttonhole people. First off, means of expression are usually adopted as a way of separating ourselves from other groups we want to stand out from, and they're ways of identifying with our tribe. You set someone in a certain group by their use of language mostly because they WANT us to do that. I don't see that going away any time soon.
Speak on, Mr. Galli. Speak on...