In many ways, I ought to have been a linguistics (or biochem) rather than mathematics major in college! Language is so important (and fascinating) to In many ways, I ought to have been a linguistics (or biochem) rather than mathematics major in college! Language is so important (and fascinating) to a society, including how it reflects the society and the workings of the society overall and how it changes year to year (decade to decade) to reflect said society as it does so. This book discusses the language and linguistics of the US and their effect on, and more precisely how they are affected by sexism and prejudice exhibited by our nation. It discusses more than just the language and linguistics themselves, but the underlying prejudices displayed by them, and some of what we currently ARE doing and should encourage to help offset some of the negative impacts....more
Those who know me well know that I am in love with language. I am the one who sat down and read a grammar book during high holiday services one year, Those who know me well know that I am in love with language. I am the one who sat down and read a grammar book during high holiday services one year, only to receive puzzled looks at my apparent enjoyment and love of the activity. Coming from that vein, I also truly enjoyed this book. Of course, I'm also the one whose family spent one evening dinner (a long, long time ago) looking up swear words in the dictionary, so it isn't surprising that I really enjoyed _Nine Nasty Words_? The book itself: it went over WHY nasty words are called "swearwords", and it went over some of what WAS and what IS CURRENTLY considered taboo, along with some of the history and a bit about language in general. It did not cover the current (in my mind stupid) religious implications, other than to say that a lot of the hype is self-contradictory� The book is definitely a good addition to understanding the use of various unsavory language and what parts of speech we use it to enhance and how we actually use said words....more
I enjoy hearing a book that makes immense sense and fits my "cognitive bias" on the subject. Yes, even I am affected by cognitive bias :-), but in thiI enjoy hearing a book that makes immense sense and fits my "cognitive bias" on the subject. Yes, even I am affected by cognitive bias :-), but in this case, it also fits with other things that I have read and experienced from reality and friends. But yeah, I do know that I have a cognitive bias (as does everyone), of finding ways to fight it, and not immediately succumb are important as is pointed out in this book. Anyway, yes, I agree�...more
Very thought-provoking. There was really little new � i.e., the ideas all made sense and were relevant and timely, but having them spelled out and indVery thought-provoking. There was really little new � i.e., the ideas all made sense and were relevant and timely, but having them spelled out and individually pointed out did make one think and potentially cause mental discomfort. It emphasized that even when you make the "right" decision, it is often NOT without consequence emotionally, and what's "right" for you may or may not be defendable in general and in all situations. DEFINITELY thought-provoking�...more
What a fun and interesting book! I pride myself in being current on grammar and knowledgeable about vocabulary and usage, but this book sort of throwsWhat a fun and interesting book! I pride myself in being current on grammar and knowledgeable about vocabulary and usage, but this book sort of throws it all away! It points out the histories of words and phrases and their origins as well as indicating why some are very much frowned on and where the "misuses" originated. I personally am no less likely to notice when someone "misuses" a subject versus object form of a pronoun, but I feel better about my decision not generally to point it out (it really has always been rude :-) ). In the end of the book, it goes through a list of often misused � in some contexts and some people's opinions � words and phrases and when they were determined to be "wrong". I really liked the book :-) , and now I can use some of the ideas to help myself in main language usage and decisions and know on what they are nominally based....more
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