Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language by Gretchen McCulloch

Title: Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language
Author: Gretchen McCulloch

Genre: Linguistics, Language, Internet Culture, Non-Fiction

Because Internet takes a fascinating look at language and internet culture. Author Gretchen McCulloch discusses everything from the various meanings of lol (such as the difference between LOL and lol - because yes, there is one), to how using emoji is our way of expressing gestures in online conversations, to the various "generations" of internet users and how when they first came online influences their internet use and online communication style. This last one was definitely my favorite chapter. It was so fascinating to me to see these generations of Internet People laid out and to not only be able to identify myself with one, but also to see the characteristics of other generations in my family, friends, and those I come in contact with on a daily basis. The author also answers questions like why young people use so many exclamation points, why older people use so many ellipses, and how sarcasm is expressed through text.

Side note: Gretchen McCulloch is one of the co-host of the podcast Lingthusiam, "a podcast that's enthusiastic about linguistics." I'd highly recommend it, especially if you are a language nerd like me!

- Sarah P.

Check out Because Internet: Understanding the New Rules of Language @ the library.

Oxymoronica by Mardy Grothe

An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction. In Oxymoronica, Dr. Mardy Grothe has compiled 1400 quotations which appear to be self-contradictory but actually are not. Crafting such a statement takes the utmost skill in wit and wisdom, so the thinkers quoted in this book are some of the most talented representatives of their age. From Aristotle to Shakespeare to Groucho Marx, these writers have something important to say and they say it in a most concise and entertaining style. Perhaps the most ubiquitous statement of this type is some version of, “Less is more.” This book is full of such sayings divided into subjects such as “Romance,” “Artistic,” “Ancient,” “Political,” “Literary,” “Insults,” etc. There is a good table of contents (so the reader can choose a subject), and also a thorough index (so the reader can look for particular writers.) Oxymoronica is a book that will amuse word lovers, joke lovers and wisdom lovers.

Check out Oxymoronica @ the library!