Anne Curzan: What makes a word "real"?

Summary

In this engaging talk, an English professor explores the dynamics of language evolution, particularly focusing on new words and slang. She humorously recounts social interactions that spark discussions about language and questions the criteria for word legitimacy. The speaker delves into the role of dictionaries, revealing the human element behind them and the challenges editors face in capturing language's fluidity. She encourages embracing language change, emphasizing that words gain reality through usage and communal understanding, not just dictionary inclusion.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker is an English professor who specializes in language and has observed two common reactions from people when they learn about her profession.
• 😅 People at parties often fear making language mistakes around the speaker, while others are excited to discuss issues in the English language with her.
• 🤔 The speaker questions what makes a word 'real' and who has the authority to decide this, using the example of the word 'defriend'.
• 📚 Most people consider a word real if it appears in a standard dictionary, raising questions about who writes dictionaries and their role in language.
• 👩‍🏫 The speaker collects new words like a dictionary editor but is a historian of the English language, and she requires students to teach her slang words as part of her teaching method.
• 📈 The speaker discusses the human element behind dictionaries and the fact that they are not timeless or un-authored, contrary to common perception.
• 🔍 Dictionary editors watch language use to determine which words will become part of the lexicon, balancing between being cutting edge and avoiding faddish inclusions.
• 📊 The American Dialect Society's annual meeting, where linguists vote on the word of the year, exemplifies the community's engagement with new language trends.
• 🏆 The 'word of the year' selections and the 'most creative word of the year' show the playful and creative aspects of language evolution.
• 🚫 Lake Superior State University's list of banished words reflects a tradition of resistance to new words, which the speaker suggests is often misguided.
• 📝 Usage notes in dictionaries, such as the one for 'peruse', show the evolving meanings of words and the subjective decisions made by editors and usage panels.
• 🌐 The speaker encourages embracing language change as a natural and enriching part of the English language's vitality, rather than something to fear or resist.

Q & A

What are the two common reactions people have when they find out the speaker is an English professor?

One reaction is that people become frightened and careful with their language, fearing the professor will notice their mistakes. The other reaction is excitement, where people want to discuss issues they perceive with the English language.

What does the speaker question about the word 'defriend' and its legitimacy?

The speaker questions what makes a word 'real' and who has the authority to decide on the official status of words like 'defriend', which is used commonly despite not being in standard dictionaries.

What is the speaker's role in relation to dictionaries?

The speaker is not a dictionary writer but a historian of the English language who collects new words, similar to dictionary editors, and teaches the history of the English language.

How does the speaker gather new slang words?

The speaker gathers new slang words by requiring students to teach them two new slang words before the start of each class.

Why do dictionary editors include words like 'LOL' and 'YOLO' in dictionaries?

Dictionary editors include such words to keep up with language changes and to capture words that are becoming part of common usage, aiming to appear cutting edge without being overly faddish.

What is the American Dialect Society annual meeting and what do they vote on?

The American Dialect Society annual meeting is an event where linguists and others involved in language gather to vote on the word of the year, among other categories, reflecting the most prominent words of that year.

How does the speaker view the process of language change and new word inclusion in dictionaries?

The speaker views language change as a natural and creative process, and believes that words become real when a community of speakers uses and understands them, regardless of whether they are in a dictionary.

What is the role of the Usage Panel in dictionaries like American Heritage?

The Usage Panel in dictionaries like American Heritage provides opinions on the acceptability of new uses, pronunciations, and meanings of words, helping to guide dictionary editors in their decisions.

Why does the speaker argue that we should not be quick to dismiss language changes?

The speaker argues that we should not dismiss language changes because they are a natural part of a living language's evolution, and what may seem odd or unnecessary today might become standard usage in the future.

How does the speaker suggest we should view the English language and its changes?

The speaker suggests we should view the English language and its changes as rich, vibrant, and filled with creativity, and that we should enjoy the process of language evolution rather than finding it worrisome.