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2 how writing changes language: some consequences of literacyPhoebe Maltz, “Anglophobia and conformity in the blogosphere,” from the Chicago Maroon Online Edition, Sept. 18, 2004 ”Unlike writing a novel, an activity that works best if the writer has read many other novels, writing a blog is probably done best by those who don’t spend too much time reading other blogs.” A weblog entry within which Phoebe Maltz addresses questions of style, voice, and tone in weblogs, and gives advice to other bloggers. Does she follow her own advice? Check it out.
For Response1. Maltz claims that bloggers use British-sounding words and phrases to make their writing more formal and dignified. In what contexts do Americans usually hear British English? Why might British-flavored English sound more dignified to U.S. English speakers? British English and U.S. English are ordinarily easily distinguished in speech; are they as easily distinguished in writing? Why or why not? Work with one or two classmates and examine a few British weblogs; One place to start looking is http://globeofblogs.com/?x=location&country=163. In what ways, if any, is the writing different from U.S.-based blogs with which you are familiar? 2. Have you observed the kinds of usage in blogs that Maltz describes? Where? By whom? Do you find such writing more impressive? Why or why not? What are your own criteria for a well-written blog? Write an essay describing your criteria and providing some examples from blogs. Be sure to use appropriate citation for all of your examples. 3. When you saw the title of Maltz’ blog entry, what did you expect it to be about? Was your expectation met? Why or why not? Do you read blogs and/or blog entries based on their titles? 4. To what extent does Maltz follow her own advice in her blog entry? Present evidence to support your conclusion. Maureen Tkacik, “ U.S. going 'craz-zee' over the Z,” from the Deseret Morning News, Feb. 3, 2003. ”So how did neglected Z reach the zenith of the zeitgeist?” An article that shines the spotlight on a phenomenon of language change in progress—the use of the letter z for indicating a plural or in other places where the conventional spelling uses an s. Author Maureen Tkacik examines who uses this innovation and why.
For Response1. In her writing, Tkacik plays with the very phenomenon she describes. How does her wordplay contribute to the central argument? Do you find it effective? Why or why not? Provide examples from the article to support your ideas. 2. Tkacik’s article spotlights the role of merchandising in spreading linguistic trends. Do you think that merchandisers like Mattel (Diva Bratz) or Chips Ahoy (Cookie Barz) are deliberately attempting to influence language use? Why or why not? Work with two or three classmates to think of other examples of commercial products or merchandising driving changes in language or language use. Discuss whether and how your own language use has been influenced by commercials or product names, and report your conclusions to the class. 3. Do you or your friends use the z in the ways that Tkacik describes? Do you use it in ways that are unconventional but different from what Tkacik describes? When might it be appropriate (or inappropriate) to use the z? Describe your use of the z and/or other unconventional spellings. |
