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Why Is This a Question?: Everything about the Origins and Oddities of Language You Never Thought to Ask
Why Is This a Question?: Everything about the Origins and Oddities of Language You Never Thought to Ask | Paul Anthony Jones
3 posts | 1 read | 1 to read
Admittedly, that's probably a question that might never have occurred to you. But if you're even remotely interested in the origins and oddities of language, it's likely also a question you're now intrigued to know the answer to. Nor is it the only question: take a moment to think about how our language operates and even more spring mind. Why do these letters look the way they do? Why are some uppercase and others lowercase? Why are these words in this order? How are you understanding what these seemingly arbitrary shapes and symbols mean, while doubtless hearing them read to you in a voice inside your head? And what is this question mark really doing at this end of this sentence? Books explaining the origins of our most intriguing words and phrases have long proved popular, but they often overlook the true nuts and bolts of language: the origins of our alphabet and writing system; grammatical rules and conventions; the sound structure of language; and even how our brains and bodies interpret and communicate language itself. Why Is This a Question? is a fascinating and enlightening exploration of linguistic questions you've likely never thought to ask.
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rwmg
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Series of pop linguistics essays in the form of answers to questions. A good introductory overview of the subject. It did leave me with questions, though. I did start wondering in some of the later parts about pragmatics whether it applied to everyone or just English speakers. And the section on gesturing while speaking, how does that apply to people speaking sign languages?

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rwmg
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rabbitprincess Ooh looking forward to hearing about this one! Have a good flight 😄 5mo
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rwmg
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I wonder when this law was last used as a defence?

Rome753 It's strange how some laws technically remain on the books, even when they haven't used or enforced for years or decades, and would definitely be considered outdated (or wrong in cases like that law) today. 5mo
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