Here's an exercise in how a fun chat about mixing languages and making up words can transform into a philosophical conversation on language itself! The twins discuss how words change meaning with time, how languages evolve, and more.
Takeaways
- It’s not uncommon for twins to create their own language as kids.
- Languages evolve. A word’s meaning can change over time.
- if a word is being used by a different generation or ethnic group from yours, that doesn’t make them “wrong.” This is natural language evolution.
- Words can be weaponized to spread hate.
- It’s important to understand the historical context of words and be mindful of what we say.
- Sometimes disenfranchised groups take words meant to be insults towards them and use them, thus empowering themselves and changing the meaning.
- Things and words can have multiple meanings, like rainbows for example.
- If you’re learning a language and want to be corrected, let people know! Otherwise they may not because they’re being polite and understand you anyway.
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