Language and words in the news – 13th March, 2015

This post contains a selection of links related to language and words in the news. These can be items from the latest news, blog posts or interesting websites related to global English, language change, education in general, and language learning and teaching in particular.

Feel free to contact us if you would like to submit a link for us to include, or just add a comment to the post, with the link(s) you’d like to share.

Language change and slang

Pencil
It’s easy to presume that pen and pencil are related words, but in fact they’re completely unconnected.

15 pairs of words that seem etymologically related but aren’t
Funnily enough, this list starts with pen and pencil as well.

Language teaching and resources

Kingsman
Luke’s English Podcast recently won the Best Blog category in our Love English Awards for the fourth time in a row. This is his take on the film Kingsman: The Secret Service.

Improve your English

10 Idioms About Books
English language blogger Shanthi, who came third in the Love English Best Blog category, has taken our recent infographic about book-related idioms and run with it.

From a language point of view, what’s happening in Iraq, Syria, and environs has revived words that have not been common for many years. – See more at: http://www.cjr.org/language_corner/language_corner_063014.php?utm_content=buffer811d0&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer#sthash.WQopCEDs.dpufFrom a language point of view, what’s happening in Iraq, Syria, and environs has revived words that have not been common for many years.From a language point of view, what’s happening in Iraq, Syria, and environs has revived words that have not been common for many years..

Books, dictionaries, words and language

Terry Pratchett
There’s no better way to pay tribute to the great man than to read one (or several, or all) of his books. Here are some quotes to whet your appetite. And here’s a fine tribute by Neil Gaiman from last year.

If ‘incorrect’ English is what’s widely understood, how can it be wrong?
Instead of joining the pedants, Kamm batters them. Accidence Will Happen is a joyous and joyously liberating assault on ‘rules’ of grammar which are little more than a hodgepodge of contradictory superstitions.

Blessed St. Patrick, preserve us
St. Patrick’s Day is on Tuesday. Wear green, drink Guinness, but whatever you do, don’t call it St. Patty’s Day.

No, Online Grammar Errors Have Not Increased by 148%
A salutary lesson in not believing everything you read about declining standards.