Oh –Language!- a changing scenario
Every language does witness a change –in terms of words chosen and the
intended opinion being conveyed. A minor shift is both understandable and
permissible so long as the deviation is minimal and not ‘far removed’ from the
basic tradition of the language.
But, reality seems to be otherwise, in that, some usages do not
comfortably fit into original purpose of such terms. One of the reasons for
such ‘wide deviations’ is the influence from the domain of technology. Domains
of computer application and Information technology use terms from traditional English
though with a ‘contorted meaning’. Per se, such terms mean one thing while
the technology-driven application does not abide by the primary intent.
Default –as used primarily in English language ‘means’ non-compliance or
failure to abide by a stipulation. In computer parlance-‘Default’ implies acting in normal course whenever not
instructed or commanded to.
Roaming
The term in its original meaning was a reference to ‘moving around places
without a definite purpose’. With the advent of cell phone technology, moving
out of one’s basic ‘home town’ is named ‘Roaming’. Old timers may feel offended
if someone asks as to why are they roaming. For them ‘roaming’ is an act of
vagabonds.
Besides such ‘technology-driven’ arrival of connotations, several other
improper usages do pervade in our society more by casual attitude or by a
callous indifference to ‘language culture’. Some such instances are presented
here in.
Call by name and call names are quite different and cannot be
interchanged. The two signify totally different intentions.
“Call by name” is a reference to addressing a person by his/her name as
in Mr. Johnson/ Mr. Srinivas /Ms. Julie/ Ms. Lata and so on
“Call names” a reference to abusing or accusing a person by derogatory
terms like “Donkey” /Monkey” /Traitor etc., while [s]he has a personal name.
Together and Living together
Together: means being together or carrying out a function by sharing work.
Together, we completed the painting work.
In earlier days living together was understood as residing as a group
–say parents children and relatives in a house. But now ‘living together’ is a
case of members of opposite gender ,though unmarried choose to live in a house
as if the 2 are members of a couple.
Language also seems to metamorphose –though it is a new phenomenon.
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