Today's class really helped to clarify the reading about language/semiotics. The powerpoints were strong, and the discussion was really good. I loved the "ghoti" slide, because last time I've seen or discussed that was in high school when one of my teachers showed that for the first time, and every now and again I think about it, but it is so random that I can never bring it up in any conversation and discuss it. That exersice, and word alone, jus goes to show how crazy the english language is, and how arbitrary spelling actually is.
Further, today's discussion proved that language is man-made. Vocabulary changes, phrases change, new words come into our radar, other words fade out, and already established words can all of a sudden mean something totally different. It's weird to think that just about 4 years ago Facebook did not exist, and now all of a sudden, there's this new set of vocabulary and phrases that everyone has now heard and is accustomed to. For example, the word 'friend' can now be used as a verb, as in, "I just friended you." or "Tag it" means that someone will post pictures and label your name under your face so it shows up in your profile. And what about phrases that have disappeared? Such as "That's neat." "That's groovy." "Golly," or "Gee whiz." How does that happen? Like all of a sudden one day everyone woke up and decided they weren't going to talk like that, or use those words any more. Or the invention of new words, like 'sick' meaning awesome - how does that happen? I know that on page 6 the book spoke about an individual setting these trends vs a larger system/community setting it, but in this day and age with the advancements of technology, this stuff is able to spread like wild fire. It makes me wonder what we will be saying in 10 years as the "cool phrase" to say, or what terminology we'll get rid of. And not only language, but customs too. Customs are certainly man made, and those change over time as well, usually due to an incident. Take 9/11 for example - flying will never be the same or go back to how it was pre- 9/11. One can't even say the word "bomb" in an airport without someone getting concerned. We can't even take a water bottle we brought from home on the plane, and we have to take off our shoes - even flip flops before going through security!! If anyone fears change, it is time you over come your fear, because change nowadays is inevitable and happens faster and more frequently.
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2 comments:
Elizabeth Byrne 1/23
I agree with the fact that yesterday’s really helped with the reading. The power points helped me see a clear difference between signifier / signified / sign. Personally, when asked how the Exxon signed was spelled, I immediately thought two x’s because of the way that I associated it with language and sound. It was interesting to see how connections can be made with certain things and how our culture associates one thing with another. I would always associate a Mobile station with gas, chips, candy, energy drinks, sodas, etc. however, I never thought about how one gas station can signify so many things. Just as our language started out very basic and has developed throughout the years, our culture will continue to change and progress into the future. When I think of how my life has changed in a social aspect, I immediately think of Facebook and Blackberry’s/ IPhone’s and other PDA devices. Both these things take up time and allow people to access the Internet at anytime needed or wanted. I didn’t have a cell phone until I was in 10th grade, and recently I saw 4th and 5th graders not only with cell phones but also with IPhone’s. To me, it seems crazy that a child so young would even know how to work such a thing. However, when I look back to elementary/ middle school computers and cell phones were not as prevalent/ necessary. Every aspect of technology, speech, and language will continue to progress and the next new/better/ faster/ “cool” thing will evolve. The English language will continue to change and add and drop new words, just as society has evolved and changed throughout the years.
Another part of class that I found particularly interesting was the exercise with A Short Story and how everything to describe A Short Story changed and when it turned into “A Short Story” / For Sale: / Baby Shoes. / Never Worn. As soon as the class found it was by Ernest Hemingway it became more serious and turned into a bigger picture. Then the idea of tropes and how we associate certain people and places with other things and ideas.
excellent post-class reflections from you both
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