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.
Research suggests bonobos can combine calls in a structured way previously believed unique to humans. Scientists observed that bonobos use two distinct calls – "peep" and "grunt" – individually and in combination ("peep-grunt"). Crucially, they found that the combined call conveyed a different meaning than either call alone, specifically related to starting play. This suggests bonobos aren't simply stringing together calls, but are combining them syntactically, creating a new meaning from existing vocalizations, which has significant implications for our understanding of language evolution.
HN users discuss the New Scientist article about bonobo communication, expressing skepticism about the claim of "unique to humans" syntax. Several point out that other animals, particularly birds, have demonstrated complex vocalizations with potential syntactic structure. Some question the rigor of the study and suggest the observed bonobo vocalizations might be explained by simpler mechanisms than syntax. Others highlight the difficulty of definitively proving syntax in non-human animals, and the potential for anthropomorphic interpretations of animal communication. There's also debate about the definition of "syntax" itself and whether the bonobo vocalizations meet the criteria. A few commenters express excitement about the research and the implications for understanding language evolution.
The Economist article explores the stark contrast between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, two nations sharing the island of Hispaniola. While the Dominican Republic experiences relative prosperity and stability, attracting tourists and foreign investment, Haiti remains mired in poverty, political instability, and gang violence. The article attributes this divergence to a complex interplay of historical factors, including Haiti's brutal French colonial past, its devastating 2010 earthquake, and its more recent struggles with corruption and weak governance. Despite sharing an island and some cultural similarities, the two nations have followed drastically different paths, highlighting the impact of historical legacies and political choices on development.
Hacker News commenters discuss potential root causes for the stark differences between Haiti and the Dominican Republic beyond the commonly cited deforestation narrative. Some highlight the impact of Trujillo's massacre of Haitians and subsequent discriminatory policies creating lasting ethnic tensions and hindering integration. Others point to the Dominican Republic's earlier embrace of tourism and its more stable political landscape, fostering investment and economic growth. A few commenters criticize the Economist article for oversimplification and suggest deeper historical research, citing differing colonial legacies, legal systems, and cultural influences as contributing factors. The role of foreign aid and its potential to exacerbate corruption in Haiti is also debated, with some arguing that aid dependency has stifled local development initiatives.
This 2017 article profiles Reginald Foster, a passionate and unconventional Latinist who served the Vatican for decades. Foster championed a living, breathing Latin, emphasizing its spoken form and practical application rather than dry academic study. He believed Latin held a unique power to clarify thought and expression, fostering precise communication. The article highlights his dedication to teaching, his eccentric personality, and his deep love for the language, portraying him as a colorful figure who fought to keep Latin relevant in the modern world. Despite his clashes with Vatican bureaucracy and his eventual departure from Rome, Foster left an enduring legacy through his students and his unwavering commitment to preserving the beauty and utility of Latin.
HN commenters discuss the beauty and utility of Latin, some sharing personal experiences learning and using the language. A few express skepticism about the Vatican's continued emphasis on Latin, questioning its relevance in the modern world and suggesting it reinforces an air of exclusivity. Others counter this, arguing for its importance in preserving historical documents and fostering a sense of continuity within the Catholic Church. The Vatican Latinist's role in translating official documents and ensuring their accuracy is highlighted. The piece's focus on the specific individual and his work is appreciated, providing a human element to a seemingly arcane topic. Finally, the role of Latin in scientific nomenclature and its influence on other languages are also touched upon.
Tangier Island, a small, eroding island in Virginia's Chesapeake Bay, is home to a unique dialect preserved from the 17th century, when settlers from southwest England arrived. This dialect, with its distinctive pronunciation and vocabulary, retains echoes of Elizabethan English, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past. Islanders, largely isolated due to their geographical location and traditional fishing-based economy, have inadvertently maintained this linguistic time capsule, though the island's very existence is threatened by rising sea levels.
Hacker News commenters discuss the BBC article about Tangier Island's unique dialect. Several point out that the dialect isn't truly Elizabethan English, but rather a mix of influences including early colonial English and Cornish, shaped by the island's isolation. Some debate the level of Cornish influence and the accuracy of the "Elizabethan" label. Others discuss the impact of rising sea levels and the islanders' resistance to climate change science, attributing it to religious beliefs and economic dependence on crabbing. A few commenters share personal anecdotes or express interest in visiting. The thread also touches on linguistic preservation, the challenges faced by small island communities, and the role of dialect in shaping identity. One compelling exchange revolves around the island's uncertain future and the potential loss of this unique dialect as residents are forced to relocate.
BritCSS is a humorous CSS framework that replaces American English spellings in CSS properties and values with their British English equivalents. It aims to provide a more "civilised" (British English spelling) styling experience, swapping terms like color for colour and center for centre. While functionally identical to standard CSS, it serves primarily as a lighthearted commentary on the dominance of American English in web development.
Hacker News users generally found BritCSS humorous, but impractical. Several commenters pointed out the inherent problems with trying to localize CSS, given its global nature and the established convention of using American English. Some suggested it would fragment the community and create unnecessary complexity in workflows. One commenter jokingly suggested expanding the idea to include other localized CSS versions, like Australian English, further highlighting the absurdity of the project. Others questioned the motivation behind targeting American English specifically, suggesting it stemmed from a place of anti-American sentiment. There's also discussion about the technical limitations and challenges of such an undertaking, like handling existing libraries and frameworks. While some appreciated the satire, the consensus was that BritCSS wasn't a serious proposal.
The blog post explores surnames derived from nicknames that have fallen out of common usage. It details how many last names originated as descriptive monikers referring to physical characteristics (like "Little," "Short," "Red," or "Black"), personality traits ("Good," "Wise," "Proud"), or occupations ("Cook," "Smith"). The post highlights the evolution of these once-common nicknames into hereditary surnames, illustrating how a person's defining characteristic or profession could become a family identifier passed down through generations. Now, these surnames offer a glimpse into the past, preserving nicknames that are rarely, if ever, used today.
HN users generally enjoyed the article about surnames derived from lost nicknames. Several commenters offered further examples, like "Micklejohn" (big John) and "Shanks" (long legs). Some discussed the difficulty of tracing surname origins, acknowledging that sometimes assumed etymologies are incorrect. One highlighted the surprising prevalence of nicknames as surnames, speculating that perhaps such names were more common in the past or that they were bestowed with more permanence. Another appreciated the nuance that not all -kin surnames are diminutives, citing "Wilkin" (desirable) as an example. The concept of "lost" nicknames resonated with users, prompting reflections on the fading of descriptive nicknames in modern times.
Summary of Comments ( 107 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43734953
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.
The Hacker News post "A Map of British Dialects (2023)" has generated a moderate number of comments, many of which delve into specific regional variations and personal experiences with British dialects.
Several commenters discuss the accuracy and granularity of the map presented in the linked article. Some point out that the map simplifies complex dialect boundaries and omits certain distinct accents. For example, one commenter mentions the absence of the Potteries dialect, while another highlights the distinctness of accents within London itself. This leads to a broader discussion about the difficulty of mapping dialects precisely, given their fluid and overlapping nature.
There's a notable thread discussing the influence of geographical features and historical migration patterns on dialect development. One comment explains how the Pennines acted as a natural barrier, leading to the divergence of dialects on either side. Another commenter mentions the impact of Scandinavian settlement on northern English dialects, while yet another notes the influence of Irish immigration on Liverpool's accent.
Personal anecdotes feature prominently in the comments section. Several users share their experiences of encountering different British dialects, both within the UK and abroad. One commenter recounts a story of being mistaken for a foreigner in their own country due to their regional accent. Another describes the challenges of understanding certain strong dialects. These personal narratives add a human element to the discussion, illustrating the real-world impact of dialect variations.
Some comments focus on specific linguistic features of different dialects, such as vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar. One commenter discusses the use of "while" instead of "until" in certain areas, while another explains the origin of the term "Scouse." These comments provide insights into the nuances of British English and highlight the rich diversity of linguistic expression within the UK.
Finally, a few comments touch upon the social perceptions and stereotypes associated with different dialects. Some commenters lament the prevalence of Received Pronunciation (RP) in the media, arguing that it marginalizes regional accents. Others discuss the perceived prestige or lack thereof associated with certain dialects. This aspect of the discussion highlights how dialect can be a marker of social identity and can influence perceptions of individuals and communities.