Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Nonsense

The debate between Brian A. Garner and Robert Lane Greene was interesting although too advanced for me to fully understand. I tried to concentrate in what each of them was arguing. I found this to be exhausting. Nevertheless, my efforts paid off and I am now aware of the prescriptivist/ descriptivist debate of the linguistic world. I don't really know what side to take on the discussion since I struggled with half of what they said. I kept being distracted by the advertisement on the left side of the web page. I could give each of them points and call one, the winner. But my judgement was blocked by my lack of knowledge and tired mind. I was more interested in guessing their personalities through the pictures that appeared next to their names. Robert Lane seems more artistic and free. His black and white photo is sober and organized. But from the daring stare he gives the camera I guessed he is not easily satisfied. He wants to be taken seriously. That's probably why he chose a simple blazer without a tie. Brian on the other hand, is more the classic scholar that enjoys a library more than a spa. He doesn't look funny. But in private with people he considers equal or superior he might be quite amusing. He decided to use a photo with books behind him. The background reassures his readers that he, indeed, is a serious writer, (Surrounded by books, always and forever). Well I'm just writing my random thoughts here. I think that's how I best respond to things. I analyze and judge images with the enthusiasm they give to troubled English.
Oh, and if you were wondering the advertisement said: "Nonsense?", and that can be VERY distracting.


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