"The Ghosts of Gaelic" explores the decline of the Gaelic languages (Irish, Scottish Gaelic, and Manx) by examining the social and political forces that suppressed them. The article highlights the impact of English colonialism, the rise of English as the language of commerce and education, and the devastating effects of the Highland Clearances and the Great Famine. While acknowledging the significant loss of speakers and cultural heritage, it also points to the enduring presence of Gaelic, evident in revived interest, language learning initiatives, and ongoing efforts to preserve and promote these languages within their respective communities. Ultimately, the article frames the story of Gaelic not as one of simple demise, but rather as a complex narrative of resilience and adaptation in the face of historical adversity.
This post presents a newly drawn map of British English dialects, created by the author in 2023. It visualizes regional variations in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar, grouping dialects into broader categories such as 'Northern', 'East Midlands', and 'South West'. The map is intended as a simplified representation of a complex linguistic landscape, acknowledging the inherent difficulties in definitively delineating dialect boundaries. While based on existing research and data, the author emphasizes its subjective nature and encourages discussion and feedback on its accuracy.
HN commenters generally enjoyed the linked map of British English dialects, finding it interesting and well-presented. Some pointed out its limitations, noting that it simplifies a complex reality and misses nuances within regions. A few users shared personal anecdotes about dialectal differences they've encountered, while others discussed the influence of migration and language evolution on regional accents. There was some debate about the accuracy of specific classifications, particularly regarding the Geordie and Mackem dialects. The creator of the map also participated in the discussion, clarifying some design choices and responding to feedback. A significant thread developed around the absence of Estuary English, with users debating its classification and whether its prominence merited inclusion.
A new genomic study suggests that the human capacity for language originated much earlier than previously thought, at least 135,000 years ago. By analyzing genomic data from diverse human populations, researchers identified specific gene variations linked to language abilities that are shared across these groups. This shared genetic foundation indicates a common ancestor who possessed these language-related genes, pushing back the estimated timeline for language emergence significantly. The study challenges existing theories and offers a deeper understanding of the evolutionary history of human communication.
Hacker News users discussed the study linking genomic changes to language development 135,000 years ago with some skepticism. Several commenters questioned the methodology and conclusions, pointing out the difficulty in definitively connecting genetics to complex behaviors like language. The reliance on correlating genomic changes in modern humans with archaic human genomes was seen as a potential weakness. Some users highlighted the lack of fossil evidence directly supporting language use at that time. Others debated alternative theories of language evolution, including the potential role of FOXP2 variants beyond those mentioned in the study. The overall sentiment was one of cautious interest, with many acknowledging the limitations of current research while appreciating the attempt to explore the origins of language. A few also expressed concern about the potential for misinterpreting or overhyping such preliminary findings.
Affixes.org is a comprehensive resource dedicated to English affixes (prefixes and suffixes). It provides a searchable database of these morphemes, offering definitions, examples of their use within words, and etymological information. The site aims to improve vocabulary and understanding of English word formation by breaking down words into their constituent parts and explaining how affixes modify the meaning of root words. It serves as a valuable tool for anyone interested in expanding their lexical knowledge and gaining a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of the English language.
Hacker News users generally praised the Affixes website for its clean design, intuitive interface, and helpful examples. Several commenters pointed out its usefulness for learning English, particularly for non-native speakers. Some suggested improvements like adding audio pronunciations, more example sentences, and the ability to search by meaning rather than just the affix itself. One commenter appreciated the site's simplicity compared to more complex dictionary sites, while another highlighted the value of understanding affixes for deciphering unfamiliar words. A few users shared related resources, including a Latin and Greek root word website and a book recommendation for vocabulary building. There was some discussion on the etymology of specific affixes and how they've evolved over time.
The "n" in "restaurateur" vanished due to a simplification of the French language over time. Originally spelled "restauranteur," the word derived from the French verb "restaurer" (to restore). The noun form, referring to someone who restores, was formed by adding "-ateur." The intrusive "n," present in older spellings, was likely influenced by the word "restaurant," but etymologically incorrect and eventually dropped, leaving the modern spelling "restaurateur."
HN commenters largely agree that the "n" pronunciation in "restaurateur" is disappearing, attributing it to simplification and the influence of American English. Some suggest it's a natural language evolution, pointing out other words with silent or changed pronunciations over time. A few users argue the "n" should be pronounced, citing etymology and personal preference. One commenter notes the pronunciation might signal class or pretension. Several simply express surprise or newfound awareness of the shift. There's a brief tangential discussion on spelling pronunciations in general and the role of dictionaries in documenting vs. prescribing usage.
UK Data Explorer created an interactive map showcasing common words across Europe in over 30 languages. Users can select a word from a list (e.g., "bread," "beer," "house") and see its translation displayed on the map, color-coded by linguistic similarity. The map highlights the diversity and evolution of languages across the continent, revealing interesting etymological relationships and regional variations. It serves as a visual tool for exploring language families and how words have spread and changed over time.
Hacker News users discussed the methodology and potential issues of the European word translator map. Several commenters pointed out inaccuracies and oversimplifications in the data, particularly regarding dialects and false cognates. Some suggested improvements, like including IPA transcriptions to show pronunciation differences and adding more granular detail to regional variations. The map's visualization choices, such as using size to represent speaker numbers, also drew criticism for being potentially misleading. Others praised the project's overall concept and educational value, acknowledging its limitations while still finding it an interesting tool. There was also discussion about the difficulties of representing linguistic data visually and the complexities of European language families.
A shift towards softer foods in ancient human diets, starting around the time of the Neolithic agricultural revolution, inadvertently changed the way our jaws develop. This resulted in a more common occurrence of overbites, where the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth. This change in jaw structure, in turn, facilitated the pronunciation of labiodental sounds like "f" and "v," which were less common in languages spoken by hunter-gatherer populations with edge-to-edge bites. The study used biomechanical modeling and analyzed phonetic data from a variety of languages, concluding that the overbite facilitates these sounds, offering a selective advantage in populations consuming softer foods.
HN commenters discuss the methodology of the study, questioning the reliance on biomechanical models and expressing skepticism about definitively linking soft food to overbite development over other factors like genetic drift. Several users point out that other primates, like chimpanzees, also exhibit labiodental articulation despite not having undergone the same dietary shift. The oversimplification of the "soft food" category is also addressed, with commenters noting variations in food processing across different ancient cultures. Some doubt the practicality of reconstructing speech sounds based solely on skeletal remains, highlighting the missing piece of soft tissue data. Finally, the connection between overbite and labiodental sounds is challenged, with some arguing that an edge-to-edge bite is sufficient for producing these sounds.
A new study combining ancient DNA analysis with linguistic and archaeological data suggests the Indo-European language family originated with the Yamnaya pastoralists who migrated from the Pontic-Caspian steppe into Europe around 5,000 years ago. These migrations, associated with the spread of wheeled vehicles and early horse domestication, brought the Yamnaya into contact with European hunter-gatherers, resulting in a genetic admixture that ultimately led to the Corded Ware culture. This Corded Ware population is identified as the source of later migrations eastward, spreading Indo-European languages across Europe and Asia.
Hacker News users discussed the methodology and implications of the study. Several commenters questioned the reliability of inferring large-scale migrations and cultural shifts solely from genetic data, emphasizing the complexity of language evolution and its potential disconnect from genetic lineages. Some pointed to known instances of language replacement without significant population change, highlighting the limitations of using genetics as the sole indicator. Others debated the specific migration routes proposed in the study and alternative theories regarding the spread of Indo-European languages. The discussion also touched on the sensitivity surrounding research into ancient populations and the importance of respectful and accurate interpretation of findings. Some users expressed concern about potential misuse of such research to support nationalist narratives.
Mark Rosenfelder's "The Language Construction Kit" offers a practical guide for creating fictional languages, emphasizing naturalistic results. It covers core aspects of language design, including phonology (sounds), morphology (word formation), syntax (sentence structure), and the lexicon (vocabulary). The book also delves into writing systems, sociolinguistics, and the evolution of languages, providing a comprehensive framework for crafting believable and complex constructed languages. While targeted towards creating languages for fictional worlds, the kit also serves as a valuable introduction to linguistics itself, exploring the underlying principles governing real-world languages.
Hacker News users discuss the Language Construction Kit, praising its accessibility and comprehensiveness for beginners. Several commenters share nostalgic memories of using the kit in their youth, sparking their interest in linguistics and constructed languages. Some highlight specific aspects they found valuable, such as the sections on phonology and morphology. Others debate the kit's age and whether its information is still relevant, with some suggesting updated resources while others argue its core principles remain valid. A few commenters also discuss the broader appeal and challenges of language creation.
This blog post discusses the New Yorker's historical and occasionally inconsistent use of diaereses. While the magazine famously uses them on words like "coöperate" and "reëlect," representing a now-archaic pronunciation distinction, its application isn't entirely systematic. The author explores the diaeresis's function in English, highlighting its role in indicating a separate vowel sound, particularly after prefixes. They note the New Yorker's wavering adherence to its own style guide over time, even within the same issue, and suggest this inconsistency stems from the fading awareness of the diaeresis's original purpose. Ultimately, the author concludes the New Yorker's use of the diaeresis is primarily an aesthetic choice, a visual quirk that contributes to the magazine's distinctive identity.
HN commenters largely discuss the inconsistent and often incorrect usage of diaereses and umlauts, particularly in English publications like The New Yorker. Some point out the technical distinctions between the two marks, with the diaeresis indicating separate vowel sounds within a single syllable and the umlaut signifying a fronting or modification of a vowel. Others lament the decline of the diaeresis in modern typesetting and its occasional misapplication as a decorative element. A few commenters mention specific examples of proper and improper usage in various languages, highlighting the nuances of these diacritical marks and the challenges faced by writers and editors in maintaining accuracy. Some express a sense of pedantry surrounding the issue, acknowledging the minor impact on comprehension while still valuing correct usage. There's also some discussion about the specific software and typesetting practices that contribute to the problem.
The Stack Exchange post explores why "zero" takes the plural form of a noun. It concludes that "zero" functions similarly to other quantifiers like "two," "few," and "many," which inherently refer to pluralities. While "one" signifies a single item, "zero" indicates the absence of any items, conceptually similar to having multiple absences or a group of nothing. This aligns with how other languages treat zero, and using the singular with zero can create ambiguity, especially in contexts discussing countable nouns where "one" is a possibility. Essentially, "zero" grammatically behaves like a plural quantifier because it describes the absence of a quantity greater than one.
Hacker News users discuss the seemingly illogical pluralization of "zero." Some argue that "zero" functions as a placeholder for a plural noun, similar to other quantifiers like "many" or "few." Others suggest that its plural form stems from its representation of a set containing no elements, which conceptually could contain multiple (zero) elements. The notion that zero apples is one set of apples, while grammatically plural, was also raised. The prevalent feeling is that the pluralization is more a quirk of language evolution than strict logical adherence, echoing the original Stack Exchange post's accepted answer. Some users pointed to different conventions in other languages, highlighting the English language's idiosyncrasies. A few comments humorously question the entire premise, wondering why such a seemingly trivial matter warrants discussion.
Summary of Comments ( 34 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43769201
HN users discuss the decline of Gaelic, attributing it to factors beyond just English suppression. Some highlight the internal social dynamics within Gaelic communities, where upward mobility was linked to English adoption. Others mention the role of the printing press in standardizing and solidifying English's dominance, while the lack of a similar effort for Gaelic hindered its survival. The role of religion, specifically Protestant evangelism promoting English literacy, is also pointed out. Finally, some commenters compare the situation to other minority languages, noting similar patterns of decline and emphasizing the complex interplay of social, economic, and political factors. One compelling argument suggests that language preservation requires more than just government funding or language nests, needing robust everyday use and cultural relevance to thrive. Another notes the parallels with how Latin faded as a vernacular language.
The Hacker News post titled "The Ghosts of Gaelic" (linking to a History Today article about the decline of the Gaelic language) has a modest number of comments, generating a discussion primarily focused on language preservation and the cultural impact of language loss.
Several commenters discuss the parallels between the decline of Gaelic and other minority languages. One commenter mentions Manx Gaelic, highlighting the successful, albeit incomplete, revival efforts and noting the emotional impact of hearing the language spoken. This commenter also points out the challenge of balancing authenticity with practicality in language revival, especially in terms of pronunciation.
Another commenter draws a comparison to the Welsh language, which has seen more success in terms of preservation. They suggest that institutional support played a key role in this difference, contrasting it with the historical suppression of Gaelic.
A recurring theme is the complex interplay of cultural identity and language. One commenter reflects on their own experience growing up with passive exposure to Gaelic, lamenting the lost opportunity for deeper connection with their heritage. Another discusses the broader implications of language loss, noting that unique cultural perspectives are often embedded within the nuances of a language, and these perspectives are lost when the language fades.
Several commenters delve into the linguistic aspects of Gaelic. One shares resources for learning Scottish Gaelic, while another discusses the historical influence of Gaelic on English pronunciation. This discussion also touches on the practical challenges of learning and using Gaelic in a predominantly English-speaking environment.
While there's no single overwhelmingly "compelling" comment that dominates the conversation, the collection of comments offers a thoughtful reflection on the challenges and importance of language preservation, particularly in the context of Gaelic. The personal anecdotes shared by some commenters add a poignant layer to the discussion, emphasizing the emotional connection people have to their linguistic heritage.