The evolution of language
So for our final group project, we wanted our pdf to explore the evolution of language as a form of communication. We were inspired by how language has changed over the years and how this has influenced society. For example words such as gay used to refer to one feeling a sense of happiness however it now refers to homosexuals and also has negative connotations.
Hence, we decided to compile a short book of compliments for children that would redefine the meaning of âswear wordsâ. It is through this that we contemplate how language have the potential to change along with society and over time. This idea was also inspired by artworks that we research in the Venice Biennale that explored how the purpose of objects could be altered in the future rather than being completely abolished(these works can be seen on my Tumblr and my group which I will link below). Furthermore, the learning of language begins at an early age which is why we decided to create a childrenâs book.Â
Below are the words that will be included in our book and other info:
1. have sexual intercourse with (someone)
2. damage or ruin (something).
1. to refer to a person, place or thing that makes you laughÂ
-Came in to english during 15th century
-Initially meant âto strikeâ or âto hitâ
-Might not have been recorded before 15th century because it was too rude to record
1. a female dog, wolf, fox, or otter.
2. a spiteful or unpleasant woman.
1. used in reference to males to compliment their appearanceÂ
2. handsome, good-looking
- Early uses refer to a promiscuous woman
- Which is why âson of a bitchâ is so offensive because it connotes that the woman has slept around
- In 1915, most of the books refer to âbitchâ was a female dog however by 1930 most referred to âbitchâ was an insult against woman
- This linked to the roaring twenties when women were feeling more daring and were fighting for the vote hence the new definition of the word
-Feminists have fought to redefine the word âbitchâ to be positive such as Meredith Brooks song, "Iâm a bitch, Iâm a lover, Iâm a child, Iâm a mother, Iâm a sinner, Iâm a saint, I do not feel ashamed.â
1. a person born of parents not married to each other.
2. an unpleasant or despicable person.
2. the act of being loyal, faithful, trustworthy
- It originated from Old French from medieval Latin bastardus, probably from bastum âpacksaddleâ which can refer to âpacksaddle sonâ (i.e. the son of a mule driver who uses a packsaddle for a pillow and is gone by morning).
- The meaning of the word hasnât changed much since itâs use which dates back to early centuries.
2. a contemptible or worthless person.
1. excellent, marvellous, cool
- Used since at least the 14th century, and is derived from the Old English noun scite (meaning dung)
-Â scholars believe it was used by preliterate Germanic tribes in the time of the Roman empire, meaning that the word "shitâ is, quite literally, barbaric.
1. a womanâs genitals.
2. an unpleasant or stupid person.
1.  cultivated, cultured
2. having good manners, courteous
- Â One variation is âCuneiformâ, the most ancient form of writing, derived from âkuntaâ meaning âfemale genitaliaâ in Sumerian of ancient Iraq.Â
- In several parts of Africa the word âKuntaâ refers to a woman
- Originally meant queen of inventing writing and numerals
-Â Another variation is âquern,â which referred to a hand-mill used by ancient women to grind grain into flour
http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2010/02/how-gay-came-to-mean-homosexual/
https://solongasitswords.wordpress.com/2014/02/12/on-the-origin-of-fuck/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/zoe-triska/post_4332_b_2526243.html?ir=Australia
http://mentalfloss.com/article/26955/intriguing-origins-indelicate-words-shit
http://www.vdaysouthbay.org/originsofcunt.htm
ELLENâS TUMBLR:Â http://ellenodonnellcofablog.tumblr.com/
ADELAIDEâS TUMBLR:Â http://adelaidedaycollett.tumblr.com/