Having started my studies in earnest today, even though my course doesn’t officially begin for another week I just wanted to share what I learned today. The course I am studying is a sociolinguistics course with the Open University, and it focusses on the function of wordplay within informal language. Very interesting and quite apt when it comes to the nature of blogging and conversing online. I plan to write posts about fascinating linguistic stuff as I come across it, with my next piece being focussed on ‘wordplay’, an oddly recurring theme with various blogging pals, and one of my favourites actually. So it’s lucky for me that it forms part of my study. I’m also quite excited because it means I will have full access to the OED online once again as I am a fee-paying student, usually annual subscription is exorbitant. Why is it exciting? Because it includes full etymological listings. I know… nerdy huh? I am however, a writer and language nerd to the core and proud. Squiggles and verbal noises just do it for me [grinning].Wordplay: Fact or fiction? We curry favour by playing with the truth, if there ever is such a thing. Good and effective communication is a negotiation of trust between two or more parties, and if you have that trust then the truth is what ever you wish it to be, even if all parties involved know you are just playing.
Diary of a Person Being Human 
Sounds quite exciting Ish. I love nerds by the way. I married one..hehehe
*hugs*
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Well that lets me off the hook then! 🙂
Despite the workload I am quite excited to be studying language again. Maybe I can become a professor of languages someday? … dream on Maria!
Hugs back 🙂
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Now that is something I would love to do as well especially French. Of course you can. What’s stopping you? 😀
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I was meant to be studying French as part of my degree, but I’m enjoying the english language rather a lot, not bad considering it wasn’t originally my mother tongue! 🙂
Also nothing to stop you learning French…
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haha, not for me with my concentration and I have to have someone to practice it on so no luck there either. 😀
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Hi M, Lucky you… Your course of study sounds fascinating. Wordplay is so interesting a topic. Very glad you posted this.
I am trying to compose a post about Intentionality and upon looking it up, I found the following: “Intentionality is the power of minds to be about, to represent, or to stand for, things, properties and states of affairs. The puzzles of intentionality lie at the interface between the philosophy of mind and the philosophy of language.” from the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. I thought of you, when I read this, and was wondering if you will be touching upon this in your studies. I am interested in more of your thoughts about the philosophy of language…
Best,
J
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Hi Jack,
Ah yes indeed much of my study will be about the psychology of language, as really human behaviour and language are really quite inseparable. What there is conjecture over is exactly what influences language structure and use, particularly creative use within social contexts. There are many factors involved, and I will be posting about it without a doubt. Blogging itself is a fascinating insight into language at it’s most creative, and actually where literary and informal language styles cross. Watch this space as they say…
Warm regards
M
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To illustrate your point about human behaviour and language being inseparable, Spouse ran for cover with her hands over her ears when I schmecked my thumb with a hammer once … stupid slippery nails …
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A hammer must be difficult to hold with those big clumsy paws of yours… 😉
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‘Nerd’ … that’s Cockney rhyming slang, right?
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Oi!
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Squiggle, squiggle, squiggle … snort.
I’m looking forward to your posts. Informal language (even the nonverbal sort) fascinates me. I write my books around the dialog, since that’s my favourite part to write. I’m certain whatever you post will be a revelation. You’re the revelations sort.
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It’s a fascinating subject, and one I think that everyone should have a basic understanding of. The study of sociolinguistics, or of informal talk underpins absolutely everything we do as human beings in an effort to engage with one another and the world we create.
And you’re right, I am indeed a revelatory kinda person. I like to see the whole picture.
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