Blooming Voices Podcast

Episode 23 - Language Fun

• Jordan Drayer and Dalia Ramahi • Season 2 • Episode 23

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Here's an exercise in how a fun chat about mixing languages and making up words can transform into a philosophical conversation on language itself! The twins discuss how words change meaning with time, how languages evolve, and more.

Takeaways

  • It’s not uncommon for twins to create their own language as kids. 
  • Languages evolve. A word’s meaning can change over time.
  • if a word is being used by a different generation or ethnic group from yours, that doesn’t make them “wrong.” This is natural language evolution.
  • Words can be weaponized to spread hate.
  • It’s important to understand the historical context of words and be mindful of what we say.
  • Sometimes disenfranchised groups take words meant to be insults towards them and use them, thus empowering themselves and changing the meaning.
  • Things and words can have multiple meanings, like rainbows for example.
  • If you’re learning a language and want to be corrected, let people know! Otherwise they may not because they’re being polite and understand you anyway.

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