Good thoughts Raef. A couple of points: - I'...

2010-04-22T16:15:00.295-04:00

Good thoughts Raef. A couple of points:

- I'm not sure the scientific position is that "Humans are the only animals with language" rather the position is "Humans are the only animals with WRITTEN language." A subtle but important difference. Although I guess it all comes down to how you define language. I'd be more impressed if Lucy had critical thinking skills and could play a decent game of chess.

- irregardless: The problem with this silly word is that it means the SAME THING as regardless. i.e. It's nothing to do with double negative. I also hate flammable and inflammable. Silly waste of dictionary space.

- Theory B: I generally play around with theory B in conversation but I don't hold it up as a defense when I don't do something properly.

In the end I think the key is to use the right word for the audience. If you are sure, go with Theory B, but if you are unsure, the safety of Theory A will serve you well.

To quote one of the great American writers who
had no problem playing with language:

"The difference between the almost right word & the right word is really a large matter--it's the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning." - Mark Twain

Great blog, Raef. I am a journalist but unlike man...

2010-04-21T08:57:34.335-04:00

Great blog, Raef. I am a journalist but unlike many others in the editorial department at my newspaper, I support Theory B.

Comments on JimmyJango: Noam Chomsky and Lucy the Chimpanzee

Good thoughts Raef. A couple of points: - I'...

Great blog, Raef. I am a journalist but unlike man...