Progression of Language

Our language is flexible and it has evolved over centuries. If you were to think of one reason most people do not enjoy reading old books written by Shakespeare, Milton, Donne, and Chaucer - it is because the language is different. While it may be English, it has changed over the four hundred (or more) years so much that today's modern reader does not understand many of the words, diction, or syntax.  To me, it is a fun challenge, full of discovering meaning and learning historical contexts.

Language has to change as the new generations invent new words and use old words to mean new things. Should we resist the new use of altered words or slang created? Probably not. Should we halt the mis-use of certain words that become easily confused and used at the wrong time? Probably so. Here are a few examples.

flout - mock, insult
flaunt - parade, wave proudly

disinterested - not biased, impartial
uninterested - bored

These are commonly mis-used words, and most people do not even realize it. As someone who loves language and words, I aim to be conscious of the words I use, to be sure they actually relay the meaning intended, rather than relinquish it.

New words today have historical roots, and they produce new and interested attention to our language. This, I think, is a good thing. While the newness can draw upon the old, we cannot (should not) lose sight of the history of English. The cultivation of our existing, historical language whilst allowing the stems to grow new leaves on the same tree is the vital piece. Our creativity is utilized in language, even though most people likely do not realize it. This same thing has gone on for centuries. For example, William Shakespeare created countless words in his plays that never existed before then, and we still use today. We continue to do that today - as we expand our dictionary with new words.

Now, how do we handle the spelling? The difference in spelling and grammar from the King James Bible and Shakespeare to today is quite different. The apostrophe was used as a plural form rather than a possessive form (ex. your's and potato's). Words were spelled (as we would say) incorrectly in today's standards (ex. blest vs. blessed). This is a fun and fascinating exploration if you are interested in language. 

What is important in my eyes, is not to lose words of old. We have forgotten words that have fallen into non-use, but they are still in the Oxford English Dictionary and can live on unless they are removed. I love to integrate the old with our modern world wherever I can. Letting history live in pieces of our words is something so fun for me, but I also think it is important to preserve and protect as part of our culture and heritage.