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J4mes_bond25 Posted 20 years ago
Linguistics Studies
Linguistic Critics ???
Critiques of language are not uncommon and can be fun. Examples include notions like misnomer, misuse of words, and phony words ("irregardless").
Can another more basic critique ever be made, namely, that a given word simply ought not exist?
Is there a notably literature in linguists that may have studies this question?
Can another more basic critique ever be made, namely, that a given word simply ought not exist?
Is there a notably literature in linguists that may have studies this question?
Top answer
Linguists usually don't make judgements about language, they describe the facts of language use and come up with theories to explain them. It's hard to argue that a certain word should not exist if it is used and is comprehensible. For instance "irregardless" has been in use since at least 1927.
- Linguists usually don't make judgements about language, they describe the facts of language use and come up with theories to explain them.
- It's hard to argue that a certain word should not exist if it is used and is comprehensible.
- For instance "irregardless" has been in use since at least 1927.
- If it's not a word, what is it?
- On the other hand, people make mistakes, and linguists account for this as well.
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2 Answers
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Linguists usually don't make judgements about language, they describe the facts of language use and come up with theories to explain them. It's hard to argue that a certain word should not exist if it is used and is comprehensible. For instance "irregardless" has been in use since at least 1927. If it's not a word, what is it?
On the other hand, people make mistakes, and linguists accoun
On the other hand, people make mistakes, and linguists accoun
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Fascist, racist, bigot, serial-killer, pedophile, terrorist, wife/husband-beater all ought not to exist, but sadly they do.
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