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This blog is about the fascinating, fun, and challenging things about the English language. I hope to entertain you and to help you with problems or just questions you might have with spelling and usage. I go beyond just stating what is right and what is wrong, and provide some history or some tips to help you remember. Is something puzzling you? Feel free to email me at wordlady.barber@gmail.com.
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Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Like, teenage girls? This is how they, like, speak?

Interesting article about trends in teenage girls' language and how they affect the language as a whole. Click here.
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2 comments:

  1. Frank YaoFebruary 29, 2012 at 6:22 AM

    I remember a CBC-produced DVD that (I thought) you were involved with that actually explained all the different uses of "like" even when apparently used without meaning. I think it was either a DVD about Canadian English, and this was a bonus feature or an additional DVD that came with it.

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  2. Katherine BarberFebruary 29, 2012 at 8:07 AM

    Hi Frank, the CBC did indeed do a documentary about Canadian English in which I was involved. As I recall, I spent a lot of time wandering around a supermarket talking about the spelling of "yogourt"! I think they got a U of T linguist to weigh in on the "like" question.

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About Me

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Canada's Word Lady, Katherine Barber is an expert on the English language and a frequent guest on radio and television. She was Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Oxford Dictionary. Her witty and informative talks on the stories behind our words are very popular. Contact her at wordlady.barber@gmail.com to book her for speaking engagements; she can tailor her talks to almost any subject. She is also available as an expert witness for lawsuits.