The very first cry of neonates is marked by their maternal language. This seems to be especially apparent in tonal languages, where pitch and pitch … Maternal language shapes infants’ cry melodiesRead more
Language
Posted inLanguage / Politics / ToMl
Understanding Trump’s Use of Language
The Responsible Reporter’s Problem Responsible reporters in the media normally transcribe political speeches so that they can accurately report them. But Donald Trump’s discourse style … Understanding Trump’s Use of LanguageRead more
Posted inLanguage / ToMl
The Magic of “Untranslatable” Words
Frisson. What a strange word. It evokes that peculiar intermingling of excitement and fear that can attend momentous events. The spark of electricity when you … The Magic of “Untranslatable” WordsRead more
Posted inLanguage / Politics / Science / ToMl
Why Trump?
Donald Trump is winning Republican presidential primaries at such a great rate that he seems likely to become the next Republican presidential nominee and perhaps … Why Trump?Read more
Posted inLanguage / ToMl
Origins of the Austronesian languages
The languages known as Austronesian are spoken by more than 380 million people in territories that include Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Madagascar and the … Origins of the Austronesian languagesRead more
Posted inLanguage / Politics / Social / ToMl
Politics and the English Language
Most people who bother with the matter at all would admit that the English language is in a bad way, but it is generally assumed … Politics and the English LanguageRead more
Posted inCommunication / Language / Rhetoric / ToMl
Extended metaphor
Extended metaphor is, for me, the most important rhetorical device. This figure is at the heart of some of Lincoln’s greatest speeches and Shakespeare’s greatest … Extended metaphorRead more
Posted inCommunication / Language / Rhetoric / ToMl
Be a master of metaphor
Metaphors are the Rolls Royce of figures. Or, to put it more aptly, metaphors are the Toyota Prius of figures because a metaphor is a … Be a master of metaphorRead more
Posted inCommunication / Language / Rhetoric / ToMl
Use irony, the twist we can’t resist
Irony, derives from the Greek eironeia (“dissimulation”), the term given to the action and speech of the eiron, or “dissembler,” a stock character in Greek … Use irony, the twist we can’t resistRead more