Linguistic Laird
Linguistic LairdAnalysing Chaucer plunges me even further into the subjectivity of language than usual. I received a text from Katie today which reminded me how easily we pick up language from others; she included “well, quite”, which is a phrase I often use (albeit to deflect (accurate) suspicion that I don’t know what I’m talking about. Particularly useful regarding Israel, I find.) I think she swears more with me than with her other, more genteel friends, which really comes through via text message (one of my favourite forms of discourse, though I’m not yet entirely sure why). I’m sure I pick up language from her, but because I’m so focused on the individual word it tends to be a conscious rather than unconscious process; deliberately appropriating the strikingly emphatic, such as “jiss” from James. For instance, if Katie wants to look at a photograph you’re holding, she’ll ask “may I?”, which is so beautifully, charmingly quaint – especially compared to my “let’s ’av a look” – it makes me melt every time.
Disturbing the dust on a bowl of rose leaves
The way I feel today - 10 July 2004
Just seventeen - 17 March 2004
Roads to freedom - 25 February 2004
Confessions of a failed self-harmer - 25 February 2004
Manchester, united - 25 February 2004