Curious Kids: who makes the words? Who decides what things like ‘trees’ and ‘shoes’ are called?
Ever wondered where everyday things got their names? Or where words come from? Language is a powerful thing, creating new words all the time.
The Conversation > Grammar![Curious Kids: who makes the words? Who decides what things like ‘trees’ and ‘shoes’ are called?](https://images.theconversation.com/files/586538/original/file-20240408-26-uglws6.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&rect=0%2C331%2C4700%2C2350&q=45&auto=format&w=1356&h=668&fit=crop)
South Africa's literacy crisis: our app could help young readers by using home language and English
The language and speech technology has been developed to provide linguistic accuracy and is grounded in teaching principles.
The Conversation > Grammar![South Africa's literacy crisis: our app could help young readers by using home language and English](https://images.theconversation.com/files/556320/original/file-20231027-21-itwn8q.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1356&h=668&fit=crop)
Do languages become less complex with more new adult speakers? Research shows it’s not that simple
The idea a language should grow simpler if people need to learn it as adults has an intuitive appeal. But an analysis of more than 1,200 languages shows this doesn’t quite stack up.
The Conversation > Grammar![Do languages become less complex with more new adult speakers? Research shows it’s not that simple](https://images.theconversation.com/files/543151/original/file-20230817-25-s3whx1.jpeg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=7%2C0%2C4928%2C2464&q=45&auto=format&w=1356&h=668&fit=crop)
Learning grammar is just as important as it always was but the way we teach it has changed
Grammar is the backbone of any language and kids need to understand it to communicate effectively.
The Conversation > Grammar![Learning grammar is just as important as it always was but the way we teach it has changed](https://images.theconversation.com/files/507989/original/file-20230202-18242-14ea3i.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C957%2C5751%2C2871&q=45&auto=format&w=1356&h=668&fit=crop)
AI is changing scientists’ understanding of language learning – and raising questions about an innate grammar
Linguists have long considered grammar to be the glue of language, and key to how children learn it. But new prose-writing AIs suggest language experience may be more important than grammar.
The Conversation > Grammar![AI is changing scientists’ understanding of language learning – and raising questions about an innate grammar](https://images.theconversation.com/files/490505/original/file-20221018-24-64isla.jpg?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&rect=678%2C0%2C7261%2C3630&q=45&auto=format&w=1356&h=668&fit=crop)
Ofsted has been dictating what "proper English" is – here's why that's a problem
The schools inspectorate’s policies about language are harmful to the most marginalised members of society.
The Conversation > Grammar![Ofsted has been dictating what](https://images.theconversation.com/files/453574/original/file-20220322-18-a2utw0.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C574%2C5901%2C2946&q=45&auto=format&w=1356&h=668&fit=crop)
5 ways to teach the link between grammar and imagination for better creative writing
It isn’t a matter of choosing between teaching grammar or teaching students to use their imagination in their writing. In fact, it makes sense to show them how grammar can enhance their creativity.
The Conversation > Grammar![5 ways to teach the link between grammar and imagination for better creative writing](https://images.theconversation.com/files/414751/original/file-20210805-27-5yx5hx.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C4928%2C2464&q=45&auto=format&w=1356&h=668&fit=crop)
Why does grammar matter?
Grammar isn’t a way to bully people for making mistakes, says a longtime English instructor. It is a way to understand how our language operates, in all its many written and spoken varieties.
The Conversation > Grammar![Why does grammar matter?](https://images.theconversation.com/files/377040/original/file-20210104-23-1keuyz1.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C3008%2C1504&q=45&auto=format&w=1356&h=668&fit=crop)
Hashtags may not be words, grammatically speaking, but they help spread a message
Hashtags are infiltrating language well beyond their original use on Twitter — and linguists are struggling to define their role.
The Conversation > Grammar![Hashtags may not be words, grammatically speaking, but they help spread a message](https://images.theconversation.com/files/366918/original/file-20201102-17-ux7vnz.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=75%2C278%2C3790%2C1895&q=45&auto=format&w=1356&h=668&fit=crop)
Book review: The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams
A new book, which weaves fiction into the origin story of the Oxford English Dictionary, was declared a hit even before its release. Readers will judge whether it lives up to the hype.
The Conversation > Grammar![Book review: The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams](https://images.theconversation.com/files/325580/original/file-20200406-74198-r7atyd.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=324%2C233%2C1477%2C738&q=45&auto=format&w=1356&h=668&fit=crop)
Comma again? Philip Pullman’s Oxford comma rage doesn’t go far enough
Philip Pullman’s call for a boycott against the new 50p coin is just the latest Oxford comma controvery.
The Conversation > Grammar![Comma again? Philip Pullman’s Oxford comma rage doesn’t go far enough](https://images.theconversation.com/files/312360/original/file-20200128-120057-1jh31yn.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=8%2C100%2C1908%2C954&q=45&auto=format&w=1356&h=668&fit=crop)