The OE is Not My Grandfather's Dictionary

With the latest additions of retweet, sexting and cyberbullying, the Oxford English Dictionary continues to rock its technology roll. Widely recognized as household words, the entries were spurred by the communication modernity of mobile phones and Social Media. If you hadn't noticed, words coined for behaviors once non-existent are speedily seeping into mainstream.  The correlation between usage and validation is simply amazing.     

Back in the day, my grandfather constantly admonished me for my frequent use of “oof” to express displeasure at anything and everything. He’d always say “that’s not a word.” Looking back, the sentiment I expressed was probably more grunt than word, but I doubt that he would’ve fathomed entries like “oof” or “sexting” gracing any dictionary’s page.       

If here today, I’d revel in sharing with him how the word game has drastically changed. I can’t help but ponder what his reaction might have been had he lived to see the landline’s decline in the new communication era. Had he been a contemporary, perhaps he’d relax the traditional English rules long enough to utter ‘OMG.’ Yes, gramps, OMG has also gained acceptance as a word.             

 Read more here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/faster-forward/post/oed-now-includes-retweet-sexting-and-cyberbullying/2011/08/19/gIQAFAXXQJ_blog.html

Creativity + Credibility Equals Writing Success

Growing up, I revered reading more than dolling up Barbie. In fact, I gained an appreciation for the traveling privileges books afforded without having to pack a bag early on. Following my first love affair with Dr. Seuss’ colorful series, J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” catapulted to my pre-collegiate favorite.

Of late, authors like Colson Whitehead, Jen Lancaster, Kathryn Stockett, and Sharifa Rhodes-Pitt have registered on my reading radar. Fast forward past the sterling credentials and Hollywood commercialization and their collective commitment to literary mastery is unmistakable. Still, I remain awed by the devices writers use to stamp their storytelling signatures since the creative writing process is exhaustive beyond pen, paper or keystrokes. 

Today, the ascension from aspiring writer to author is abbreviated in the digital age. While exposure to an array of new voices signals a reading bonanza, I have witnessed instances where some writers relegate quality to the back seat. Without fail, anyone who claims to wear the writing crown should extend the same attention to creativity to credibility. So, what’s credibility got to do with it? Everything, I’m afraid. If you’re serious about your craft, consider these suggestions for building credibility:

1.     What sets a good writer apart from a marginal one is adherence to grammatical and structural excellence, whether tweeting, posting to Facebook or blogging.   Your “A-Game,” inclusive of proofreading, should always be on.    

2.      Although some writers have been blessed with God-given talent, honing these skills via the scholastic route can produce polished results. If a full-fledged academic program is out of reach, seek instruction in a few specialized courses. You must continuously invest in your success to sharpen your storytelling weaknesses.    

3.     Like life, variety is writing’s spice. Make studying accomplished writers of different genres a habit. If you borrow from any author’s style, always emulate the best. 

4.      Join a book club. Because learning is not limited to the classroom, take advantage of opportunities to absorb the interpretations of fellow readers. Most readers are quite candid about their literary pluses and minuses. Furthermore, their insights are not only invaluable but often applicable to your work in terms of forging a strong audience connection.

5.     Do your research and never publish for byline’s sake alone. Sometimes it’s not advantageous, especially when the publication with which you align isn’t beholden to literary excellence.       

Five Tips for Aspiring Authors

While technology has doomed the traditional mortar and brick bookstore, self-publishing is burgeoning. Although vast publication options offer a dual bonus for the writer and the reader, weaving a story through the yarn of words remains an art. Sure, constructing that first novel is an arduous task and even if tears occasionally fill the page instead of ink, those who are passionate about it will keep at it.

Whether engaged in marketing communications or creative writing, cementing a connection with your targeted audience is critical. So if you’ve decided to take the creative page’s plunge, here are five tips to consider when embarking on the journey: 

1.  Stay True to Your Own Voice

Style and tone are inclusive of voice, however, voice is better explained by the example that two people who share an experience simultaneously will rarely recount in the same way. As a writer, I tend to tease with vivid details prior to serving the story’s meat. It’s important to me to whet the reader’s appetite continuously by saying things in an unexpected way. If I abandoned this storytelling style, my voice wouldn’t be consistent.          

2.  Aim for Originality

Give readers a new experience. Whether in movies or on the dramatic screen, story commonalities are a given. Spark interest by seasoning stories with different flavors or different twists and turns. Even with identical ingredients, what one chef prepares will never resemble another’s in presentation or taste. If too predictable or a rehash, the reader may hesitate to sink his teeth into what you’ve written.             

3. Develop Characters Carefully

Avoid character overload unless you’re prepared to give character development ample attention. Once I picked up a book where the opening chapters had so many characters that I quickly dismissed it. Ask yourself if some characters merit inclusion and whether your story would be equally impactful without their presence.  

4. Provoke Thought

I’m particularly fond of stories that make me think. Cram a book with TMI and it’s possible to turn the reader off or sacrifice his imagination. Create depth by stirring emotion’s pot through searing analogies. Add mystery to prompt the reader to wonder where the story is going next instead of giving a baseball game play-by play. Toss in the literary device of foreshadowing to unfold a story. After all, there’s no diehard rule that demands every story be told chronologically. 

5. Be Mindful of Word Choices

I’ll never forget the English teacher who gave this advice: When used properly, simple words are capable of creating a large impression. I’m not suggesting that you avoid big words but use them sparingly and keep in mind that no one wants to be held hostage by a dictionary.  

 

With “The Old and the Gutless” Cancelled, Here Comes the Book

Susan Lucci’s relocation from Pine Valley to Desperate Housewives’ Wisteria Lane might find favor with fans but Hollywood’s map remains dotted in dead ends. “All My Children” hit the defunct soap opera wall several months ago and the Dallas Mavericks have since put the NBA’s Lake Show, aka “The Old and the Gutless,” on cancellation blast.  It’s easy to attribute the 4-0 skid to Big D’s athletic superiority but that’s too simplistic. So, what’s really going on?

Here’s an explanation that’s slow to populate: Pau Gasol’s MIA status could’ve been sparked by a mental trip to Heartbreak Hotel since it’s rumored that Mrs. Kobe Bryant engineered the breakup of his engagement. On ESPN this morning, Gasol vehemently denied any trouble in paradise. Allegedly caught up in a torn between two lovers web, “Ron Ron” has been spotted tipping around town with Shin Shin, a singer of Chinese-Korean descent.  Now how Artestic is that?       

Whether Kobe was stuck in egomaniacal neutral or an overindulgence of Reality TV’s dish hampered play (E’s Khloe and Lamar, VH1’s Basketball Wives features Matt Barnes’ baby mama Gloria Govan), the brutish behavior of Artest, Lamar Odom and Andrew Bynum dry docked an already sinking ship.

On Mother’s Day, OG’s Odom and Bynum displayed such classlessness that Bynum’s mother (Odom’s mom is deceased) probably joined outgoing coach Phil Jackson in lowering a glass, filled to embarrassment’s brim. Fined $25K for removing his jersey on the court with total losses registering $700K via a five-game suspension, Bynum’s lesson is costly, or as Tamar Braxton would say, “Over the top dotcom.”  For some, the five-game suspension is merely a drop in the bad boy bucket.      

I bet someone’s pen is poised to pour the Lakers’ tea, and chances are, it won’t be Jackson.            

For more on the Lakers, see these links:

http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/lakers/la-sp-lakers-phil-jackson-20110510,0,6229314.story       

http://www.playerwives.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/ron-artests-girlfriendmistress-shin-shin-gao-xinxin/

http://www.playerwives.com/nba/los-angeles-lakers/pau-gasols-girlfriend-silvia-lopez-castro/

Hip Hop Spins New Language

Beyond the braggadocio and lascivious lyrics, the Hip Hop genre deserves credit for launching new language. According to David Crystal, a British language writer, “all living languages change.”

Never static, the trajectory of language is catapulted by the adoption of new social norms. An article in today’s NYT defines social norms as the “often-unspoken rules of a group” that drive behavior and attitudes.             

Coined to connote the conspicuous consumption of ostentatious jewelry in the 90s, bling-bling remains my all-time favorite. Given its traction, bling-bling has since blown Cash Money’s hip hop coup in its travels to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary.  

In citing the need for language change to accompany something invented, Crystal nails the origin of “crunk.”  ‘Lil Jon, the self-professed southern King of Crunk, spawned the hip hop classification, however, “crunk” is also the modern day equivalent to what Pop Papa Prince called crazy. Though fading from the fringes of cool, a Memphis-based marketing CEO tweeted this week: “BBQ gonna be crunk.”    

Fast forward to 2010 and what has emerged in frequent rotation is the word “convo,” an abbreviation for conversation. Although the word has yet to meet a Merriam-Webster page, Trey Songz’ “Say Ahh” prompted my introduction: “I got a table waiting, what you think about a convo? If you like it baby, we can take it to the condo.”  Earlier, that same marketing executive blared "social" amplifies convos…” in Twitterdom.  

Repetition is contagious and ahh, how language continues to transcend the demographic from which it was derived.  

Sources: http://www.vocabulary.com/articles/dogeared/2829/

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704436004576298962165925364.html?mod=WSJ_LifeStyle_Lifestyle_6

Barkley’s Black Eye on Sports Broadcasting

Before steroid and sex scandals and the overrun of legal infractions, I was a ride or die sports fan. Thanks to my Dad, I’m still basking in the glory of having seen my first and only Super Bowl. But since that particular sports spectacular, the myriad of athletic impurities have altered my pledge of allegiance. Nevertheless, whether NFL, NBA, MLB, WNBA or NCAA, when the championship bells ring, I’m there.

But this isn’t about me; it’s about the pained observations of a former journalist. I was scholastically trained to report the news utilizing a strong command of the English language.  However, whenever there’s a media mockery, I can’t help but cringe.

Having watched the latest NBA playoffs, the hardwood court action has taken a backseat to the color commentary. “Commentainers” like Charles Barkley have suddenly ascended in the commentator ranks. It’s bad enough that the no-ringed retired NBA player slammed New York Knicks Coach Mike D’Antoni’s head on the chomping block based on opinion rather than fact. But when he barked “you better ax somebody,” I’m sure every English teacher who noted his spelling error wanted to howl.

At that moment, Charles’ celebrity nosedived to “celebitty” for his small-minded faux pas. If he can spell D-E-F-E-N-S-E in the T-Mobile ad, certainly he can spell A-S-K correctly. Please spare us the ebonic references, Barkley. Instead of laughing with you, many are laughing at you and frankly, there’s no humor in ignorance.       

Liposuction Your Writing

Between bursts of brevity in texts and Tweets, there’s a whole lot of bloviating going on in certain circles. Chances are, you, too, have encountered your fair share of Bettys and Bobs who write or speak verbosely. Writing or speaking in a long-winded fashion is exactly what bloviating means. Communicators who fit this mold would likely label Twitter’s 140-character limitation dysfunctional.  

What a pain to trudge through the jungle of excessive words, especially when fewer will do. Fat extraction in writing often yields the same message originally intended when properly applied.      

If you think the bloviating Bettys and Bobs are bad, those prone to sesquipedalian tendencies also fall short of communicating crisply. Multi-syllabic, that’s for sure, the word “sesquipedalian” characterizes people who rely on long words to showcase their communications IQ.

No one wants to hold a dictionary hostage for interpretation so as a favorite English teacher once advised, “a nickel word is sometimes more effective than one equivalent to a quarter.”

To conquer the communications game, always adhere to a clear and concise writing style and know your targeted audience.          

If the writing doctor has ordered liposuction, read these tips: http://smartblogs.com/leadership/2011/04/11/do-you-make-your-english-teacher-cringe/

See how the federal government has gotten its plain writing act together: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-111publ274/pdf/PLAW-111publ274.pdf