I mean, these days people are using less words and shorter sentences to express themselves but before this was different.
I cannot even understand most of the original, old novels...
Can this be a reality?
2007-01-16 03:19:35 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Old novels...?
Language has BEEN adjusted to it's present form for decades, years, hundreds and hundreds of them... If you can't understand them, it is just because you are not looking hard enough. Even Chaucer is easy to read if you pay it the attention it requires.
I say this on my own auctoritee at the chirche door!
The English people still feel the need to be elaborately verbose but then again there are Chav's so every culture (even the best) has this element in it's belly and bowel...
I think your take on the subject is what is destroying art and literature for the world... No one takes the time to really read anything anymore. That is why Harry Potter and the Da vinci Code were so popular... They were garbage, written for idiots with the attention span of a flashing pixel.
Now I agree that some of the old languages and older forms of English are obsolete today. We can't all go around speaking like Shakespheare now can we? But to be able to read and appreciate it, is quite another thing... VERY necessary as a part of history and culture!
Instant gratification is what is destroying art and literature for the young. Everything is provided them NOW and no one researches anything in a book anymore... Like I always say... "Anyone can be an instant genius with Google." It takes someone of intelligence and patience to actually take the time to read something... It is a worthwhile endeavor... I suggest you try it!
2007-01-16 03:31:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
People who spend their time with questions like this says new words are popping up all the time.
I havent really consider this. But we do use shorthand when I was a kid in the 1950's people said they were open 24 hours a day-seven days a week. Now its 24/7
A decade ago it was What Ever? Now its What Ev. So its correct the pattern of speech is fluid, and changing but I am not Sure words are getting shorter, or not usage like AC for Air Conditioner might support your contention.
2007-01-16 11:28:11 · answer #2 · answered by janshouse justice for all 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is one example of the 'dumbing down' of education in the developed world. It is also a tragedy. One reason that you find reading the 'old novels' difficult is that you have not had the benefit of a broad and diverse education. Your educators have failed you. However, it is not too late. You CAN learn to speak with more different and imaginative words if you seek to.
The better educated of us will always 'rule' over the illiterate and ignorant.
It behooves you (it is suggested and also required of you) to strive (try) to improve (get better) yourself, so that your contribution (what you give) to society is valuable (worth a lot.)
2007-01-16 11:32:02 · answer #3 · answered by thisbrit 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it is true that languages are getting less complex as time goes on. They started out being very complicated---look at Latin, Greek, etc. Then, compare it to the shortened versions of today.
2007-01-16 11:25:43 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I like to use words with just one sound now. Don't want long words no more. It's not hard to keep words short. We should all try it!
2007-01-16 11:23:36 · answer #5 · answered by SteveT 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Language is beautiful and creative in expression. When we don't speak properly we just sound dumb and uneducated.
2007-01-16 11:26:05 · answer #6 · answered by ♨ Wisper ► 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Huh?
2007-01-16 11:25:41 · answer #7 · answered by Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋