Reading Log n30

Date:September 9th,2007
Title:Words don´t mean what they mean
Link:http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1659772-2,00.html

Vocabulary

1-shilly-shally:to show indecision or hesitation; be irresolute; vacillate.
2-innuendo:An indirect or subtle, usually derogatory implication in expression; an insinuation.
3-etching:the act or process of making designs or pictures on a metal plate, glass, etc., by the corrosive action of an acid instead of by a burin.
4-hapless:unlucky; luckless; unfortunate.
5-euphemistic:the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt.
6-inane:lacking sense, significance, or ideas; silly: inane questions.
7-flunky:a male servant in livery.
8-amicably:characterized by or showing goodwill; friendly; peaceable: an amicable settlement.
9-asset:a useful and desirable thing or quality: Organizational ability is an asset.
10-fistula:Pathology. a narrow passage or duct formed by disease or injury, as one leading from an abscess to a free surface, or from one cavity to another.
11-sheathe:to cover or provide with a protective layer or sheathing: to sheathe a roof with copper.

Summary

When people speak they play roles, say their words indirectly and with vagueness and ambiguity.Such hypocrisy is a human universal.But,why don´t people say what they mean?Apart from expressing what we want to say,we also negotiate our relationships through language. Indirect speech is widely used in every aspect of human life,ranging from romantic relationship to the field of diplomacy.This is a social currency with real value.

Personal Reaction

Very interesting article about the use of language. I have to say that I´m rather familiarized with this subject matter,because we have been dealing with it since we started studying linguistic. If it wasn´t for linguistics,I wouldn´t realize how powerful language is and the importamt role that it plays in our lives.Apart from being interesting,this article is really funny indeed,using examples to show the writer´s opinion.