Lab, Week 14

Dothraki
GOT

TEDEd videos: Language

This set of eight short videos was not only thought provoking, but provided gentle refreshers in writing. The first video provided an excellent background on the evolution of language from one common language. It explained how linguists attempt to trace and group languages. The second video, I found fascinating. The video explained the evolution of the English language. From Old English to Old Norse language to French to elements of Latin, the English language has many influences and contributions. I found the challenge within the video to be spot on in terms of clearly showing how without pictures, words have history that influences how we speak and hear.

I also enjoyed the video on whether Elvish, Klingon, Dothraki and Na’ri are considered real languages. These Conlang - or constructed languages are indeed languages with the exception of Elvish. The video author believes that Elvish from Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, was written more as a hobby and is somewhat made up. Its vocabulary has expanded as a result of fans and followers anticipating what may have evolved however, the is not spoken. This video was a great segway into the next video that covered where new words come from. I had no idea that over a 1,000 new words are added each year to the Oxford Dictionary. This is in addition to the already 170,000 words currently used in the English language.

Two videos served as excellent refreshers in usage - semicolon and apostrophes. The ever confusing semicolon was broken down in the video into two rules: use in lists and to connect clauses that are related. The video makes sense, but semicolon still seem a little confusing. Apostrophes are awesome! Key points to remember: possession, contraction, and with plurals. As someone with a “s” at the end of my name, I completely understand the disagreement over the use of apostrophe or ‘s at the end. It is nice to know that it is more a style issue and that the most important thing to remember is to choose one style and stick with it.