Wiki Vocabulary

How Technology is Changing the Language

Tory Crane — Thu, 03 May 2012 11:19:06 +0000

Language usually changes very slowly, but the Internet and rapidly developing technology is speeding up the process. Many college professors report seeing much more casual language used in what used to be formal research papers, along with misuse of words and grammar issues that would make any grammar Nazi’s hair stand on end. On the other end of the spectrum, there are those who say that the changes in today’s language make it more expressive, giving it new dimensions in communication that had not existed up until now.

New Words

The amount of new words added to the language since the first Internet browser appeared on the scene in 1994 is staggering. Some of these are fairly well known, such as website, laptop, blog and home page, while others are a bit more obscure. Only Internet-savvy folks or tech geeks would know the meaning of words like meme, sitemap or OS.

Although Google started out as a brand, it has become an integral part of our language. Much like “Kleenex” is often used generically to refer to tissues, “Googling” is now a verb that means searching for something on the Internet.

Old Words, New Meanings

In addition to adding new words to our language, the Internet revolution has given new meaning to some existing words in our language. A notebook now means a type of laptop, a tablet is a new kind of pared-down computer and we all know what a computer mouse is. A cloud is no longer just a white, fluffy thing in the sky and wireless doesn’t refer to a radio.

Acronyms

Thanks to instant messaging and texting, acronyms have become mainstream. LOL, meaning “laughing out loud,” was one of the first to take off, followed by OMG, TMI, IMHO, BRB and ROFL. There are now entire websites devoted to texting acronyms, although the average only 10% of the words in the average text are abbreviated.

Keeping up with the changing language can be a challenge, and it’s usually the younger set who has mastered the art of text speak. Are these changes here to stay? Only time will tell.

Why You Should Build Your Vocabulary And Foreign Language Skills

Tory Crane — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 13:43:05 +0000

Effective communication between parties is so important in business nowadays, especially as now there are hundreds of ways to communicate and interact with your clients. The internet has bought about a global economy with opportunities to do business with people not just in our own countries. With this brings the need to build up our knowledge of a foreign language. Whether you are trying to secure a cash loan in a foreign country or landing large contracts overseas, now is the time to consider learning an additional language and working to expand your command over your native tongue.

The interconnection between the various peoples of the world today is unparalleled throughout history. Not only do you exercise and flex your mind but you are adding valuable, marketable skills to your toolset. Most businesses today have international interaction of some kind either on the supply or demand side. Having employees that can effectively communicate can significantly reduce misunderstandings that hit the business at their bottom line.

The internet provides a vast repository of information that you can tap into. It is the same tool facilitating international interaction on a continuous basis. Take advantage of it to find coursework for foreign languages or vocabulary building exercises.

A robust vocabulary can open more doors than you may expect. Being able to articulate oneself well projects confidence and intelligence. That all important first perception in a contact can be further reinforced with a winning smile, confident demeanor, and ability to express yourself concisely. A positive perception is a great way to make yourself stand out in the mind of the person you are conversing with.

Building a strong vocabulary or learning a foreign language is a great way to keep your mind healthy. The brain acts like a muscle. It needs to be exercised to stay healthy and in good working order. Senior citizens work to counter mental degradation and afflictions such as Alzheimer’s by exercising their mind regularly. A consistent building of a person’s vocabulary or learning a foreign language can provide the stimulation needed to help keep the mind healthy.

Whatever your route or reasoning may be- there are plenty of great reasons to improve your language and vocabulary skills.

Building a Larger Vocabulary Will Help You Land a Job

Caleb Byers — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 20:36:22 +0000

An extended vocabulary can be a great advantage if you want to get a job. At the interview, your vocabulary matters a lot, because at that time, the employer can learn a lot about you by the way you speak.

To obtain a job, you must show intelligence, flexibility and versatility. For example, a technician job needs many qualities, but building a larger vocabulary will help you land the job you seek. Every employer wants to have around them intelligent people who know how to solve various difficult situations. If you can articulate and get your ideas out then you have a better chance to be that person.

At a job interview all counts. Not only what you have done, your resume or your experience. It also matters the impression you make with your words. Therefore it is important to look after your appearance, the way you move and the way you express yourself.

Here are some vocabulary examples. The same thing can be said in many ways. Some will benefit, others they harm you. Here are a series of advices to teach you to get the full advantage of the way you speak:

Say not “I think …” or “I believe …” This shows lack of trust or overly shy. Better is, “I am confident that …” or “I am convinced that …”

Do not take away your merit by saying “What I did does not matter.” Show your satisfaction with your work “I’m glad I did”

Although you have doubts, do not express it. Avoid saying “do not know if…”, “This scares me”, instead try “It is great” and think to yourself ‘The positives outweigh the negative.’
Do not say “I have faults,” since it is obvious no one is perfect, try “some obstacles to overcome…”

If you want a good job, one key is to have a rich vocabulary. Trust in yourself and in your possibilities, be proud of what you have done right and not focus on your fears or insecurities. This conveys reliability and safety, something employers want.

Learning a Language for Business

Tammie Donovan — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:32:21 +0000

Since the world is becoming more and more connected, if you’re in business, learning another language might be a good benefit. If you’re a job seeker and you’re having a hard time landing a job, if you knew a second language, you’d have more options. Let’s say you’re looking for legit work at home jobs and stumble upon Vector Marketing. If you were able to speak, say, Spanish, you’d have opportunities that people who only spoke English wouldn’t have.

If you think about it, a large percentage of people from other countries speak English yet most Americans only know one language. So what can you do to learn another language? If you don’t have time to take a class or hire someone to teach you, you could buy one of those language courses such as the ones from Rosetta Stone or Pimsleur. The best way to learn a language is to actually immerse yourself in it. You could pick up a language a lot faster if you’re forced to constantly use it. Living in another country might not be practical though so listening to these lessons on cd might be the best way to go for most people. It can take well over a year to be sufficient enough to carry a conversation but hey, it’s also be impressive once you get it down.