Knowledge Centre » Composite news (tag [Linguistics])

In defence of bad spelling

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 11:04:21 GMT

English spelling is tricky to master. But the ancient hangovers, irregularities and frustrating rules of English spelling are what enables its continuity and a connection with billions of people across the globe argues Dr Christopher Strelluf, an expert in linguistics from the University of Warwick.

They think it's all over: Has recent government messaging given people reason to let loose?

Thu, 02 Jul 2020 13:44:00 GMT

The UK is far from free of the Corona virus. So why are some people taking the risk of COVID-19 less seriously now? Dr Kieran File from the University of Warwick's Department of Linguistics thinks some government messaging could be lulling us into a false sense of security.

Those who laugh are in control: finding humour in lockdown

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 10:33:29 GMT

Dr Stephanie Schnurr, from the Centre for Applied Linguistics explains why humour is a powerful tool that can help us feel less worried, less alone, and more in control.

The Johanna Konta interview and the problems with viewing sports stars as public figures

Thu, 11 Jul 2019 15:48:08 GMT

Athletes are public figures but are they accountable to the public? Should journalists grill them? Dr Kieran File from Applied Linguistics exams the tension at the Wimbledon press conference.

Why you probably already speak some Cockney

Fri, 01 Mar 2019 15:03:37 GMT

There's an underground campaign running to establish 3 of March as Speak Cockney Day. Dr Chris Strelluf from the Department of Applied Linguistics looks at some of the key characteristics of the Cockey accent and shows how many of us already adopt some of its traits.

Talkin’ Like a Pirate? It be a linguistic treasure trove

Tue, 18 Sep 2018 12:53:00 GMT

The ideas we have about Pirate Talk have much more to do with facts about language than facts about pirates. So, pretending that pirates really existed in the Treasure Island sense, here are four rules to follow when talking like a pirate, and the linguistic facts behind those rules.

Why women in politics may not escape gender stereotypes anytime soon

Thu, 30 Mar 2017 13:30:00 GMT

Women are judged on the ‘type’ of woman they are and it turns out this can be generally boiled down to three – butch, a bitch, or a mummy. If these stereotypes aren’t going anywhere, how can women in leadership positions get the job done?