Podcast Summary
Simplifying complex processes for various audiences: Mercury streamlines financial workflows for businesses, while Wise simplifies managing money across currencies. Gretchen McCulloch explains Internet language to the public, and understanding context is crucial for political awareness.
Simplifying complex processes and making them accessible to the masses can have a significant impact on businesses and individuals alike. Mercury, a financial solutions company, powers financial workflows to help ambitious companies operate with precision, control, and focus. Simultaneously, Wise, a financial service, simplifies managing money in different currencies, eliminating the need for airport currency exchanges and hidden fees. Gretchen McCulloch, an Internet linguist, shares her insights on analyzing and explaining Internet language for Internet audiences. The difference lies in the approach and audience. Academic linguists delve deeper into statistics and data collection, while McCulloch focuses on making complex linguistic concepts understandable to the general public. Moreover, the podcast episode highlights the importance of understanding the context behind political events, such as the impeachment hearings, and the role of institutions and individuals in shaping the political landscape. The podcast also emphasizes the importance of seeking knowledge, asking questions, and engaging in thoughtful discussions.
The 'Because X' construction: A form of stylized verbal incoherence: The 'Because X' construction is a popular way to succinctly convey complex emotions and experiences on the internet, reflecting emotional incoherence in a socially acceptable and stylized manner.
The "Because X" construction, a newer form of the traditional "because" sentence, became popular on the internet around 2012-2013. This phenomenon can be seen as part of a larger principle of stylized verbal incoherence mirroring emotional incoherence that emerged in the 2010s. When people feel strongly, they may write or speak in a way that mimics their emotional state, but in a socially acceptable and stylized way. This stylization can be seen in other domains, such as Keysmash, which involves typing random letters on a keyboard to express frustration. People may even adjust their Keysmash to fit in with the norms of their online community. The "Because X" construction is an example of this stylized verbal incoherence, where a single word is used to explain a complex emotion or situation. The reason this construction became popular may be due to its ability to succinctly convey complex emotions and experiences in a way that resonates with internet culture.
Patterns in informal language use and their evolution: Understanding how language patterns evolve, influenced by technology and social norms, can provide insights into the subconscious aspects of communication and the importance of online identity
Our use of language, even in informal contexts, follows patterns that can be analyzed through the lens of linguistics. These patterns can be influenced by technology and social norms. For instance, keysmash, a form of informal typing, has shifted with the evolution of smartphones and the way we use them. Old Internet users, who were among the first to adopt online communication, used pseudonyms and interacted with strangers, creating a distinct online identity. These patterns reveal the subconscious aspects of our communication and highlight the importance of understanding the evolution of language. The book "Keys to the Rainbow" delves deeper into these concepts, breaking down Internet users into distinct waves and exploring the conditions that shape language evolution.
Two groups of early internet users: 'full Internet people' and 'Internet as a tool users': Early internet users were divided into two groups based on their approach to using the internet for social interactions: those who saw it as a social space and those who used it primarily as a tool.
The early days of the internet saw the emergence of two distinct groups of users based on their approach to using the internet for social interactions. The first group, often referred to as "full Internet people," embraced the internet as a social space and were among the earliest adopters of platforms like instant messaging and later, Facebook. They used these platforms to connect with friends and build relationships, both online and offline. The second group, often labeled as "Internet as a tool users," were more hesitant about using the internet for socializing and primarily used it for practical purposes like email, work, and research. They eventually became later adopters of social media platforms like Facebook. This divide was not strictly age-related but rather attitude-driven. Some users were open to forming relationships with strangers online, while others preferred to keep their online and offline worlds separate. The use of specific messaging platforms like AIM or MSN Messenger further solidified these groups, with each platform having a strong user base in specific regions. Overall, the way users approached the social aspects of the internet in its early days played a significant role in shaping their online experiences and behaviors.
The founding population of online communities shapes linguistic norms: New members in online communities are most receptive to new jargon during the first year, but their willingness to adopt new terms decreases over time. Long-term members' length of stay can be predicted based on their openness to new language.
The group of people who first join and interact on the Internet, often referred to as the founding population, significantly influence the development of linguistic norms. These norms, such as emoticons and acronyms, can then be adopted and adapted by subsequent generations. Additionally, individuals are most susceptible to new words and expressions during the first third of their lifespan within a specific community. This research was demonstrated through the example of beer tasting message boards, where new members were found to be most receptive to new jargon in the first year, but less so in the later years. This study also showed that the length of time someone stays on a message board can be predicted based on their willingness to adopt new terms. The takeaway from this discussion is that being open to learning and absorbing new information and norms is important, but it's also crucial to maintain that beginner's mind and continue adopting new terms throughout one's lifespan to avoid becoming resistant to change.
Internet Users and Their Attitudes Towards Technology and Language: Early adopters embrace technology and its terms, mainstream users adopt some trends but remain hesitant, reluctant holdouts resist technology and eventually adapt, and attitudes shape how each group communicates online, with positive attitudes leading to more adoption of new terms and styles.
The way we communicate online is heavily influenced by our attitudes towards technology and our willingness to adopt new terms and trends. According to the discussion, there are different cohorts of internet users, each with distinct attitudes towards technology and its impact on language. The early adopters embraced technology and its associated terms, while the mainstream wave adopted a few trends but remained hesitant. The reluctant holdouts, however, resisted technology for as long as they could and eventually had to adapt. These attitudes shape how each group communicates online, with those who feel positively towards technology being more willing to adopt new terms and styles. The discussion also highlights how the internet has transformed language by making informal modes of communication more visible and accessible. Ultimately, our attitudes towards technology and its impact on language are crucial factors in how we communicate online.
Formal vs Informal Speaking and Writing: Through history, speaking and writing have had formal and informal genres. With the rise of the Internet, we write more informally, but it's essential to remember both styles exist.
Throughout history, both speaking and writing have had formal and informal genres. Speaking has formal genres like epic poems and newscasting, while writing has informal genres like personal letters and diaries. With the rise of the Internet, we write more frequently and to specific individuals, leading us to desire a conversational, informal writing style. This is different from the formal writing that has been archived throughout history. It's important to remember that both speaking and writing have had and continue to have informal and formal varieties.
Flexible and Accessible Communication with Shopify and Wyze: Shopify offers businesses flexibility to sell at every stage with features like an all-in-one e-commerce platform and in-person point of sale system. Wyze simplifies managing money in different currencies with no markups and no hidden fees.
Technology is making communication more flexible and accessible than ever before, as seen in the examples of Shopify and Wyze. Shopify's platform offers businesses the flexibility to sell at every stage of growth, from small businesses to large corporations, with features like an all-in-one e-commerce platform and in-person point of sale system. Shopify's AI-powered helper, Shopify Magic, also helps businesses stress less and sell more. Wyze, on the other hand, simplifies managing money in different currencies with no markups and no hidden fees. Regarding the impact of informal communication on future histories, there are contrasting views. Some argue that the increase in informal communication, such as text messages, may result in a less formalized impression of the era for future generations. However, others point out that even less educated individuals in past eras wrote formal letters, albeit with creative spelling. The ability to communicate in real-time and write more fragmented messages can provide additional context, but the challenge lies in balancing the benefits of long-form writing with the convenience of real-time communication.
The Perception of Formality in Communication Evolves: Historical context and medium of communication influence the perception of formality, and it evolves with time and technology.
The perception of formality in communication is subjective and influenced by historical context. For instance, what we consider old-fashioned or quaint today may be perceived as fancy in the future. Furthermore, the medium of communication shapes the way we write and think. While letters require reflection and narrative storytelling, text messages and emails are more immediate and conversational. Interestingly, historical communication like letters from the 1800s had a faster turnaround than modern email, and their style was more similar to modern instant messaging. Overall, the way we communicate and perceive formality is not fixed but evolves with time and technology.
Postcards as a form of connection and expression: Postcards served as brief, meaningful moments of connection, showcasing affection and emotion, much like modern social media platforms.
Postcards from the past were more than just a means of communication; they were a form of connection and expression. The discovery of a collection of postcards exchanged between two individuals over a century ago in Montreal revealed a unique bond between them, reminiscent of modern social media platforms like Twitter or Instagram. These postcards served as momentary slices of life, often without lengthy messages, but full of meaning and affection. The writers didn't feel the need to encapsulate their entire experience in one postcard; instead, they shared brief, meaningful moments that added up to a larger narrative when seen in aggregate. The formality of language classes may have influenced the way some people wrote postcards, but the true essence of this communication method lay in its ability to connect people across great distances with simple, heartfelt messages.
The Value of Informal Communication Methods in Expressing Emotions and Conveying Tone: Throughout history, informal communication methods like italics, exclamation points, and repetition have been used to add depth to written expressions and convey emotions and tone. Despite the limitations in digital communication, our innate desire to express emotions remains, making these methods essential for human connection.
Our methods of communication, especially those that seem informal or unconventional, hold significant value in expressing emotions and conveying tone. The use of italics, exclamation points, all caps, and repetition of letters are examples of such methods, which have been employed for centuries to add depth to our written expressions. For instance, Ellen Montgomery's teenage character in her Emily series from the early 1900s used italics (which likely represents underlining in handwritten context) excessively, drawing criticism from her English teacher. Today, we face similar challenges in expressing tone in digital communication, where rich text formatting is limited. However, our innate desire to feel and express emotions strongly remains unchanged, making these informal communication methods essential parts of human connection. Moreover, the quest for conveying sarcasm, irony, and tone in writing is not a recent phenomenon. As early as the 16th century, there were proposals for using ironic punctuation marks, such as a backwards question mark for rhetorical or sarcastic questions. This trend continued throughout history, demonstrating the enduring importance of effectively conveying tone in our written communications.
The Art of Irony: Balancing Understanding and Risk: Irony relies on shared understanding and context, using symbols like initial caps, scare quotes, and the tilde to convey double meanings. While effective, there's a risk of misinterpretation that requires a trust fall between communicators.
The effectiveness of sarcasm and other forms of ironic communication lies in the risk of misinterpretation. Throughout history, people have recognized the importance of conveying double meanings and have used various methods to do so. However, creating new symbols for sarcasm is a challenging task due to the permissions required from authorities. Instead, existing symbols have been repurposed to convey irony, such as initial capitals, scare quotes, and the tilde. These symbols can be used to convey ironic authority, sincerity, or enthusiasm. When used correctly, they create a sense of dissonance that resolves into irony, deepening the connection between communicators. However, there is a risk involved, as the context and shared understanding between communicators are crucial. This risk is similar to a trust fall, where the success of the communication creates a sense of deeper understanding and connection. Unfortunately, the success of ironic communication can also lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations, which can result in catastrophic failures in communication. Ultimately, the use of irony requires a delicate balance of understanding and context, and the risk of misinterpretation is an inherent part of the process.
Navigating Trust and Understanding in the Digital Age: Old tweets or messages can be misunderstood online, leading to conflict. The informal nature of digital communication adds complexity, and we're still figuring out how to navigate new norms and expectations.
The way we communicate online, particularly through text and social media, has created new challenges when it comes to maintaining trust and understanding in different communities. Old tweets or messages can be unearthed and misunderstood, leading to friction and conflict. The informal nature of online communication, which can seem ephemeral, is now being archived and analyzed in ways that were not anticipated. The use of certain punctuation, like periods, can take on new meanings in digital contexts, adding to the complexity of communication. Ultimately, we are still figuring out how to navigate these new norms and expectations, and finding ways to support our brains in this constantly evolving digital landscape.
The power of punctuation in digital communication: Punctuation can convey formality, seriousness, and tone in digital messages. The choice of punctuation can significantly impact the meaning and tone of a message.
The use of punctuation in text messages and digital communication can carry additional meanings beyond their traditional functions. The period, for instance, can convey formality, seriousness, and even passive aggression depending on the context and tone of the message. On the other hand, exclamation points often serve as sincerity markers, adding a cheerful and enthusiastic tone to messages. However, the overuse of exclamation points can come across as unserious or overly enthusiastic. These nuances highlight the importance of considering the context and tone when using punctuation in digital communication. The linguist Tyler Stublin's study showed that people use periods more in longer and more serious sentences, while exclamation points are more common in positive and less serious messages. Ultimately, the choice of punctuation can significantly impact the meaning and tone of a message, making it an essential aspect of effective digital communication.
The use of emojis in email communication: Emojis add sincerity and gestures back into formal email communication, popular ones are simple faces, hands, and hearts, repetition of emoji sequences is common, and they function as modern emblems in digital communication.
Email communication in a business context can feel more formal and less sincere compared to personal communication. The use of stock phrases and the lack of excitement to engage in email conversations might be due to the fact that we're communicating with people we wouldn't necessarily choose to talk to if we weren't being paid. Emojis, on the other hand, have become a way to add gestures back into digital communication. Contrary to popular belief, the most popular emojis are simple ones like faces, hands, and hearts. Repetition of certain emojis sequences is common, and they can be seen as a modern form of emblems, which are gestures with conventional names that don't require physical presence to be understood. Understanding this can help us navigate the unique challenges of digital communication in various contexts.
Understanding the role of nonverbal cues in digital communication: Digital communication relies on punctuation, typographic cues, emojis, and other visual elements to convey meaning and replicate nonverbal cues like tone of voice and gestures, but it's essential to understand the specific correlates in each domain.
While words form the foundation of communication, nonverbal cues like gestures and tone of voice play a crucial role in conveying meaning and influencing how messages are interpreted. In the digital world, where face-to-face interactions are limited, punctuation, typographic cues, emojis, and other visual elements serve as substitutes for these nonverbal cues. However, it's essential to understand that these digital cues don't perfectly replicate their nonverbal counterparts. Instead, they have specific correlates in the tone of voice or gestural domains. For instance, punctuation and typographic cues often correspond to tone of voice, while emojis, GIFs, emoticons, and other visual cues correspond to gestures. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being precise about the distinction between tone of voice and gesture and the specific digital cues that represent them. By recognizing these correlates, we can better understand how digital communication conveys meaning and how to effectively use these tools to enhance our messages.
Bridging the Communication Gap Across Generations: Younger generations use emojis, emoticons, and punctuation to convey tone and emotion in digital communication. Older generations may miss these cues, leading to misunderstandings. Both generations desire better communication skills to foster deeper connections and shared norms.
Younger generations are finding innovative ways to convey tone and emotion in digital communication, using tools like emojis, emoticons, and punctuation. They recognize that writing can convey sarcasm and emotion, and they are determined to bridge the gap between generations by fully utilizing these resources. Older generations, on the other hand, may miss these cues and feel disconnected. The desire for deeper connection and understanding across generations drives the need for better digital communication skills. Additionally, younger people want to share these skills with older generations, hoping to improve intergenerational communication and foster a sense of shared norms. However, it's important to remember that policing the boundaries of online communities can also have value, as it helps maintain a sense of community and belonging. Overall, the goal is to find a balance between respecting generational differences and bridging the communication gap.
Online Interactions Reflect Real-Life Dynamics: Social media can create divisions and exclusion, but it also provides a platform for connection and understanding. Analyzing the complexities of online communication can offer valuable insights into human relationships.
Social media, while providing a platform for connection and inclusion, can also be exclusionary and create divisions between different groups. The rise of phrases like "Okay Boomer" is an example of this, as people seek to define and assert their in-groups and out-groups online. This dynamic can lead to misunderstandings and feelings of exclusion, but it's important to remember that these online interactions reflect real-life dynamics and can be a reflection of the complexities of human relationships. Two books that have influenced the author's thinking on this topic are "It's Complicated: The Social Lives of Networked Teens" by Danah Boyd and "You Look Like A Thing and I Love You" by Janelle Shane. Boyd's work provides a nuanced analysis of how young people use social media and the complexities of online communication. Shane's book, on the other hand, uses humor to explore the potential dangers and limitations of artificial intelligence and the importance of understanding its limitations. Both authors provide valuable insights into the complexities of digital communication and the importance of taking a nuanced and thoughtful approach to understanding the ways in which technology shapes our relationships and interactions.
A captivating novella about dueling time agents: This sharp, economical, and beautiful novella explores dueling time agents through unique correspondence, with layers of cultural depth and multiple re-reads recommended.
"This Is How You Lose the Time War" by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone is a captivating novella about dueling time agents with a unique and engaging narrative structure. The story, which is told through their correspondence, is intriguing, but it's the writing that truly sets this book apart. The prose is sharp, economical, and beautiful, with layers of cultural depth and complexity that warrant multiple reads. The authors wear their knowledge lightly, making for a delightful reading experience. The book, which was released only a couple months ago, has already been reread multiple times by the speaker, and she highly recommends it to anyone who enjoys thought-provoking fiction. The Ezra Klein Show, featuring this discussion, is a Vox Media podcast production, and listeners are encouraged to rate it on Apple Podcasts or share it with a friend.
