Week 6 Lab

"How Languages Evolve", via YouTube

Languages evolving seem to move along with culture. As societies branch off from each other and become their own, they developed in different ways. One way was by communication, which may differ slightly or greatly from their previous society, such as dialect. Various cultures emerged, influenced by their food, weather, and the people around them. These neighbors led to these separated societies altering their former way of life to become more accepted in the world around them, leaving their origins behind and attempting to integrate within those around them. However, despite people trying to start anew, nuances of their home language stuck around, combining with what they had learned and creating new languages. All of these minute evolutions create a richer family of language, studied by linguists for years.

"How to Use a Semicolon", via YouTube

I found it interesting that the video called a semicolon “stronger than a comma, and less final than a period”. I would agree with the statement to a certain extent. If there are several sentences in a row that include semicolons, it may be more effective to break up or rearrange the sentences into compound sentences, including a comma instead. If a semicolon is overused, it could actually be weaker than a comma when a piece is published. Just how the video said using multiple periods can become monotonous, the same thing can be said for a semicolon. While the video claimed the semicolon was an “underappreciated punctuation mark”, I feel I appreciate the semicolon more than the average person. As a journalism student, we’re taught about brevity; brevity is the concise and exact use of words in writing or a speech. If a semicolon is overused, brevity is overlooked, which can lead to uninteresting writing.

"Does Grammar Matter?", via YouTube

Before even watching this video, I already have a strong opinion on this. Grammar does matter! Nothing drives me crazier than seeing someone use improper grammar, especially something simple like “their/there/they’re” or “its/it’s”. I was interested to hear about prescriptivism and descriptivism. I feel the two go along with the previous language evolution video, in that it should be decided and developed depending on the society and culture.

"Choose Your Words Tiles", via Unsplash

Week 4 Lab

"What is Myth?", via YouTube

I was interested in the working definition of the word “myth”. Today, myths are considered to be straight up lies. However, by the word origin of a myth, myths are simply stories. Myths get a negative connotation due to today’s common definition, but they can actually be very fun and teach important morals to those who read them. Another aspect I was interested in was the argued “requirements” for a story to be considered a myth. Some people claim that myths have to contain some sort of religious aspect to it. Others claim that the main characters in a myth must be Gods. In my opinion, myths shouldn’t be restricted to religion or some kind of “unbelievable” occurrence that only happened through some kind of otherworldly power. 

"Theories of Myth", via YouTube

The idea that Greek and Roman myths being influenced by demons was pretty crazy to me. However, I found myths affecting today’s societies very interesting. Bronislaw Malinowski’s work was fascinating. Myth, while seeming like symbolism, actually informs today’s cultures. Myths explain and solidify certain beliefs in people. Those beliefs then form the basis for the religion and the social norms that are prevalent throughout different cultures and societies. 

"The Hero's Journey and the Monomyth", via YouTube

The Monomyth was pretty interested to hear. Just like in every normal story, with an introduction, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution, myths also follow their own basic timeline. Psychological struggles, in my opinion, would be more difficult than physical struggles. Physical struggles, like being injured or not being muscular enough, could be conquered relatively quicker than mental struggles. 

"Black and Red Typewriter" via Pexels