Innehållsförteckning för Issue 82 från Silly Linguistics

Syntax is the set of rules that control the structure of sentences. The rule you will probably encounter first is the ordering of subjects, objects and verbs in a sentence. Most languages of the world are either SVO (subject, verb, object) or SOV (subject, object, verb). There are other possible ordering such as VSO, VOS, OSV, and OVS but they are rare. People working in the field of syntax want to come up with rules that can be applied to all languages. There are a few different theories as to why language is structured the way it is. One of the theories with the largest followings is Generative Grammar that was developed by the linguist Noam Chomsky. Generative Grammar sees grammar as a product of the human mind. This approaches…

It is estimated that there are between 300 to 400 sign languages. Each one has its own grammar, vocabulary, structure and even orthography in some cases. However, due to the very nature of sign languages, all 400 or so are in some way similar to each other. They all have the same core elements of hand gestures, body movement and facial expression. Moreover, some signs are universal, such as the signs for eating and referring to oneself. All of these similarities raise the question of mutual intelligibility. Despite the similarities, sign languages are not all mutually intelligible with each other, but certain pairs may have varying degrees of mutual intelligibility. Some sign languages are mutually intelligible Like with verbal languages, mutual intelligibility between sign languages is dependent on factors like…

My mother tongue is Indonesian. Besides English, I also study Dutch. The colonization of Indonesia by the Dutch makes it easier for me to learn Dutch because a lot of vocabulary overlaps between the two languages. Words like bengkel from winkel (‘shop’), baskom from waskom (‘washbasin’), and perboden from verboden (‘forbidden’) are just a few examples. One day, my female Dutch docent asked me to create a casual language register or log. She said it could be relaxed—using abbreviations, unclear subject-verb placements, and so on. When she reviewed it, she commented, “I noticed that you’ve picked up some Dutch slang (straattaal), and I even recognize a few terms from Indonesian. But it’s not common here to abbreviate so many words.” She explained that a few words, mostly adverbs, can be…

Thai slang is a fascinating blend of traditional and modern influences, reflecting the dynamic nature of the Thai language. From fruits to borrowed English words, these expressions add color and character to everyday conversations. Let's explore some intriguing examples of Thai slang and their origins. Fruit names as slangs Lum Yai: This word comes from the word “Lum Karn” which means to be annoyed but has been changed to “Lum Yai” which is the Thai name of the Longan fruit. The same meaning of annoyance still holds but I’d say with a hint of jealousy. For instance, friends might use it when someone brags excessively about their relationship or a trip they've just had. Strawberry/Sator: This word is used to call out lying or being fake and is said to…