The Composition Book Decomposed
The classic composition book (left), long used by students for developing essays, taking notes …
Category: News
How Inventions Live on As Action Words
Transferring words from one word class to another – called “conversion” – is just one …
New Year’s Resolutions for Writers
This slightly adapted, popular line from a holiday song is as much about Santa’s preparation …
Black Friday – or the Lingua Franca Retail Tour
The international creep of English is no better exemplified than by “Black Friday”, the day …
Your Left Is My Right: The Quirky Lingo of Handedness
Opposites don’t necessarily attract, but they usually make things clearer. Coins always land either heads …
Can the New So Easily Become the “New Normal”?
Innovations, transformations and revolutions love what’s new, and hate normalcy. So if much of …
When Pittsburgh Met Paris: How We Love to Cite Cities
Places have enhanced our language in expressions we can’t do without. Cities conjure up locations on …
“Does anyone here speak English?”
Native English-speakers looking to converse in their language when they travel in a foreign country …
From a Dog’s Life to Top Dog: Canine Influences on Vocabulary
“You’re not a dog I know”, you might think as you see a canine wandering …
Doublespeak: Power Up, Soften Down
US President Trump tries to strong-arm Congress on Obamacare, Germany is seen to bully …