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.
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 ( 14 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43186698
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 Hacker News post "Affixes: The Building Blocks of English," linking to affixes.org, generated a modest amount of discussion with several insightful comments.
Several users praised the site's clean design and ease of use. One commenter appreciated its simplicity, contrasting it favorably with more complex dictionary sites, finding it "refreshing" and "useful." Another specifically praised the straightforward presentation and the lack of clutter. This sentiment was echoed by others who enjoyed the site's focus on functionality and ease of navigation.
A few users delved into the linguistic aspects of affixes. One questioned the categorization of "-y" as a suffix in words like "foggy" and "muddy," pointing out its function as an adjectivizer and suggesting it might be more accurately described as a derivational morpheme. This sparked a brief discussion about the nuances of morphological analysis and the different perspectives on classifying such elements. Another user brought up the related concept of combining forms, using examples like "bio-" and "-ology," and pondered their distinction from traditional prefixes and suffixes.
Some commenters focused on the practical applications of the site. One suggested its usefulness for writers and those looking to expand their vocabulary. Another proposed integrating it with other writing tools.
The discussion also touched on potential improvements. One commenter suggested adding audio pronunciations of the affixes. Another proposed including etymological information, which could enhance the educational value of the site. A third user requested a feature to search for words containing specific affixes.
While the overall volume of comments wasn't extensive, the discussion provided a mix of positive feedback on the website's design and functionality, along with constructive suggestions for future development. The comments also briefly explored some of the more complex linguistic considerations related to the classification and function of affixes.