A few years ago, I was in New York, returning from a Yankees vs Mariners baseball game. On the subway, fans were discussing the game. I was listening to one man speak and within 30 seconds, I had ascertained that he was from Seattle. I said to him, “Oh, you are from Seattle!I’m from Victoria.” Shocked, he asked, “How do you know?” “I’m a linguist”,...
Read MoreEnglish, our much maligned language, has been criticized for centuries for its irregular grammar and guestimate spelling. Hundreds of years ago, before literacy was widespread, monks slaved away in candle-lit caverns, writing announcements with up to three variants of a word. Later, when Gutenberg invented the printing press, English was forced to comply -to a degree- to create a standardized...
Read MoreIf you have not read Mark Haddon, the brilliant British author, you are in for a wonderful surprise. I could not put down his amazing work The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, and I’m sure you will be burning the midnight oil. Haddon explores the world of autism by demonstrating every thought, sensation, and sense through his protagonist’s eyes. The novel explores life...
Read MoreI am currently engrossed in Daniel Pink’s book Drive which discusses our reasons for being motivated. In fact, intrinsic motivation is the most important aspect of learning, and ideally, is linked to the greater good. Pink cites many examples of new companies such as Tom’s shoes which are both for profit, and charitable. Pink suggests that we move beyond a “carrots and...
Read MoreSometimes students as me why I write. Writing is a form of seeing- of appreciating beauty. The direct experience of observation and becoming one with the item or idea is transcendent. Like artists who paint, I must relinquish myself. I become one with the idea, the movement, the beauty, the ballet of a tree, the aura of a tree at night, glowing white. Writing takes us beyond ourselves and back...
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