The Invention of Language: Humanity’s Greatest Feat

The Invention of Language: Humanity’s Greatest Feat

Is language an invention or an intrinsic trait? What are the exact mechanisms that gave rise to the phenomenon of symbolic language? Language is undoubtedly one of the greatest human inventions of all time, although the question of whether symbolic language is an invention or an intrinsic feature of the human species is a matter of semantics. There’s some archaeological evidence that language arose during the Cro-Magnon period, but the exact mechanisms behind its development are unknown. Keep reading to learn about the invention of the human language.

Conversations About Race: How to Face the Divide?

Conversations About Race: How to Face the Divide?

How often do you find yourself discussing issues of race or racism? What is your comfort level in having conversations about race? Race is a sensitive and contentious topic to talk about. However, talking about race is the critical first step in dismantling the structures and eradicating the practices that perpetuate racism. Here are some things to keep in mind when having conversations about race.

Weather in Literature: Rain Is Never Just Rain

Weather in Literature: Rain Is Never Just Rain

Why is weather so important in literature? Why is rain the most commonly used weather symbol and what does it mean? The setting of a story informs the mood, the attitude of the characters, and the presentation of the themes. One of the most important elements of the setting is the weather. In literature, weather plays many roles such as a plot device, a way to set the atmosphere, a symbol for cleansing or misery, and much more. Keep reading to learn what different types of weather symbolize in literature.

Why Is English Used as the World’s Lingua Franca?

Why Is English Used as the World’s Lingua Franca?

What is English as lingua franca? What are the characteristics of the language that made it easier for people all over the globe to adopt and spread it? English as a lingua franca refers to the use of English by non-native speakers as a language of choice. While English does have some competitive advantages over many other languages in terms of ease of adoption, they are not the main reason English has become the global language. In this article, we will explore the phenomenon of English as a lingua franca.

How to Create a One-Page Business Plan (+Template)

How to Create a One-Page Business Plan (+Template)

Why should you write a one-page business plan? What information should it cover? Business plans can be long and super-detailed, but they don’t have to be. In fact, a one-page business plan can sometimes be better and more persuasive than a comprehensive document. This one-page business plan template will help you outline the key facets of your business idea.

Fun Puns: English Wordplay, Wit, and Whimsy

Fun Puns: English Wordplay, Wit, and Whimsy

Do you enjoy coming up with fun and witty puns? What are the different types of wordplay in English? The flexibility of the English language affords ample opportunity for creative wordplay. Besides puns and rhymes, some of the most notable forms of English wordplay include palindromes, anagrams, lipograms, and holorimes. Here are some fun English wordplay techniques for you to try.

Interpreting Symbols and Metaphors in Literature

Interpreting Symbols and Metaphors in Literature

Why is it so difficult to interpret symbols in literature? What do you do if an author uses unique symbols? Interpreting symbols in literature isn’t always easy. Literary symbols can sometimes overlap, develop new meanings over time, or be unique to an author. However, there are some common symbols and themes you can look out for. Continue on for more information about interpreting literary symbols.

The Germanic Origins of the English Language

The Germanic Origins of the English Language

Where did English come from? What are the origins of the English language? English is a Germanic language whose origins date back to the mid-5th century CE. The story of English began when the Germanic peoples known as the Angles and Saxons, hailing from what is now Northern Germany, began migrating to and conquering the Roman province of Britannia. Keep reading to learn about the origins of the English language.