Morphemes: the invisible building blocks of pop-cultural language
Ever wondered how a single word like "un-friend-able" can pack such a punch? Or how "OMG" can express a whole rollercoaster of emotions? The answer lies in the magical world of morphemes, the smallest units of meaning in a language.
15 February 2024 by
Laura Kelly
The global efforts to preserve endangered languages
Recent findings are sobering: we are losing languages. We are losing linguistic diversity. Unless we take decisive action, these windows into history will close.
29 January 2024 by
Aimee Fleming
New book explores the future of language
Language is the essence of human communication. But what happens when language itself starts to change?
16 January 2024 by Laura Kelly
New year, new you, new (and clear) writing
The new year’s a time for fresh starts and bold resolutions. And what better way to revamp yourself than by sharpening your writing skills? Clear communication is essential in all aspects of life, from work emails to social media posts to that heartfelt letter to Grandma. But achieving clarity can be tricky, especially when common […]
11 January 2024 by Laura Kelly
Cambridge Dictionary’s Word of the Year reflects AI’s increasing influence
This year’s ‘Word of the Year’ is reflective of the times. What is it, and what does it say about our language landscape? You’re not hallucinating… The word ‘hallucinate’ is the Cambridge Word of the Year for 2023. This highlights the growing impact of AI on language and society. At first, it may seem strange […]
14 December 2023 by
Dave Child
The changing sounds of Britain: the decline of RP
For most of the 20th century, Received Pronunciation (RP), also known as "BBC English" or "the Queen's English", was the most prestigious accent in Britain. This non-regional accent originated in the upper-middle class of southern England. It was seen as the epitome of refined speech and social standing. Its adoption by the BBC further cemented its standardisation. Why is this no longer the case?
29 November 2023 by Dave Child
What copywriters can learn from David Ogilvy
David Ogilvy was a pioneer in marketing and advertising, and his advice is still relevant today.
13 November 2023 by Dave Child
Half of the English language is of French origin
The English language is a fascinating mix of words and phrases from all over the world. While it is primarily a Germanic language, it has been heavily influenced by other languages. Including French. In fact, it is estimated that up to 60% of the English vocabulary is of French origin. This is due to the […]
26 October 2023 by Dave Child
Readable Grammar 101: What is the simple subject in grammar?
The simple subject of a sentence is the person, place, thing, or idea that the sentence is about.
11 October 2023 by Dave Child
Readability for all: the Adobe Readability Consortium
The Readability Consortium is a global initiative. Their goal is to make digital reading more equitable and accessible for all people. We look at what this means for readability.
29 September 2023 by Dave Child
How journaling can improve your writing skills
Journaling is a great way to express your thoughts and feelings, track your progress, and de-stress. But did you know that journaling can also improve your writing skills? Here are some ways that journaling can help you become a better writer. Practice makes perfect The saying “practice makes perfect” is true for many things, including […]
14 September 2023 by Dave Child
Plain language without borders: the ISO standard is Language Neutral
For the first time, we have an internationally agreed-upon Plain Language standard. It defines plain language and provides guidance on good readability.
31 August 2023 by Dave Child
