Humans are the only species known to use fully symbolic language: a system capable of expressing abstract ideas, imaginary worlds and endless combinations of meaning. But how did we get there? The origins of language have fascinated philosophers, scientists and storytellers for thousands of years. Despite all our advances in linguistics, archaeology and cognitive science, we still […] … learn more→
Where did language come from? Nobody really knows, but the theories are fascinating
Is it possible to have dyslexia in one language but not in another?
Marcos, a bilingual teenager growing up with two languages and two distinct approaches to reading, keeps up relatively well in Spanish Language and Literature class: he reads slowly and makes some mistakes, but he understands the texts and participates without too much difficulty. In English, however, he hesitates over common words, loses his place in […] … learn more→
Emergency Plumbers vs Regular Idianapolis Plumbers: Which service should you choose?
When a plumbing issue arises, the decision between calling emergency plumbers or opting for regular Indianapolis plumbers can be critical. Whether it’s a burst pipe in the middle of the night or a leaky faucet during the day, the type of service you choose can significantly affect both cost and convenience. This article will explore […] … learn more→
‘AI influencers’: The data privacy and identity fraud threats behind the new trend
● The presence of ‘AI influencers’ benefits marketing, but triggers copyright infringement. ● Deepfake and voice cloning technologies have the potential to violate personal data protection laws. ● AI-based virtual characters are at risk of spreading disinformation, and legal liability rules are needed for their developers. The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) influencers demonstrates that AI development has […] … learn more→
Love your revisions
George Saunders won the Man Booker prize in 2017 with his novel Lincoln in the Bardo. Earlier that year he wrote about his revising process. My method is: I imagine a meter mounted in my forehead, with “P” on this side (“Positive”) and “N” on this side (“Negative”). I try to read what I’ve written uninflectedly, […] … learn more→
In a world divided, teachers need to connect with each other
As an educator, I attest to the remarkable aspects of the teaching profession. Teachers truly have the capacity to be agents for positive change in this troubled world. That said, a myriad of factors have left the teaching field in a global state of occupational precarity. Factors include strenuous impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic, inadequate funding and limited […] … learn more→
Eroding a virtue: AI trains people to expect instant answers – and that’s bad news for patience
When I was growing up, teachers would assign research papers that required going to the library, or later, searching for relevant material on the internet. If the paper was going to turn out well, we students needed to patiently comb through piles of material, weaving what we found into a coherent argument that was well-supported […] … learn more→
How to be Reviewer 2
Everyone in academia knows Reviewer 2. You ‘ve probably received their comments. You may even in a dark moment, have been them. This post is a practical guide to achieving full Reviewer 2 status. It’s offered in the spirit of knowing your enemy. Reviewer 2 has an attitude. Even before they have read the abstract, […] … learn more→
Black teachers improve outcomes for all students, but the profession remains largely white
Having Black teachers and other educators of color improves students’ classroom experiences, research shows. They often serve as role models, set high academic expectations and teach material that connects to students’ lives outside of schools. This can lead to higher standardized test scores, better school attendance and more classroom engagement – particularly when it comes to students who share their […] … learn more→
By overusing AI, are journalists at risk of impoverishing the language?
What becomes of public language when a growing proportion of the texts circulating in the press, on the internet, and on social media begin to be written by machines? This question doesn’t just concern journalism as a professional activity. It can also affect the richness of the language we use to understand, describe, and debate reality. Historically, […] … learn more→