Thread:Do languages "learn"? (1)

Section by JKelly (12 October 2011) moved from main page: There is no such thing as an isolated language, there never has been. In the past it has taken time for an idea to evolve and become part of a learning community; now it is with the speed of the internet. And is not just something adults are doing (one of the control factors is lost). The process by which ideas move from one learning community to another deserves consideration under this topic. Especially as we have become a global communicating community. How a language “learns” to work with new ideas is very important.

The processes of adopting and adapting,which is within every language, needs to be explored. If a topic is needed - examining the world wide spread and use of the - wireless phone - could help with the following questions:


 * First contact with a language. How does a new idea introduce itself?


 * Vocabulary development. How is local vocabulary “attached” to a new idea?


 * Language flexibility. What gives a language “flexibility” to work with new ideas?

While this topic maybe an academic exercise for OERu members, it is a reality which elementary and secondary school teachers face daily in their learning communities. Hopefully WikiEducators will explore how a language “learns”.