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RCdc -> RE: Use of terminology (3/5/2009 3:26:22 AM)
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Inspired by someone who tried to take over a thread I started and turn it into a bitching session over the common usage of one word I have decided to ask people their thoughts on the practical use of terminology and whether people think they should stick to absolutely rigid definitions or whether people are of the opinion that they can use terms with more fluidity of meaning.
I believe that the world would be cool if people didn't pigeon hole everything. Lack of flexibility is pretty unproductive.
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Do you make allowances when chatting online given that there are people from all over the world posting messages on these boards?
Yes, to a certain extent. Not only that, I also consider other issues. Dyslexia, innocence, possible depression, etc and whether the poster has a proven track record (positive or negative) which you can work with. I also take into account that you cannot see the person face, hand gestures or other visable expressions.
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And how does your reaction to the way people use terminology differ when you are chatting to people you meet in your own community.
Unlike redmagic, I do not believe that communication has nothing to do with what I say. To me, that is a cop out. I also do not believe it rests only on what other people perceive. If I want to make myself clear and for others to understand what I am saying, it is up to me to communicate in a way that is cool for myself and for those I am talking to. The responsibility of communication is with all parties. Depending where you are, and who you are with, you communicate the best way you can in that environment. However, like redmagic I do agree that if a person who takes the position that a word means exactly one thing, all the time, that they are more interested in being superior to others than in connecting to others. I would expand on the that even more that some are also trying to fit in with a certain group or standard. On the expanded point, I don't see anything negative in that as such unless it is done purely for external affirmation or the exclusion of others.
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I just want to further exaggerate the point that this thread is not about the incorrect usage of specific terms it is about the difference between common usage and dictionary definitions and how people react to the ways words are used commonly in different communities and also I guess how they are defined in different dictionaries.
I love words. I have a word fetish.[;)] To the extent that it can make my life and the way I live it, alter and be touched by it, if it is not controlled. But I also understand that words evolve and are not rigid. Denying that fact is naive and also pretty insulting to language and the ability of humans as a whole. It also denies the existance of anothers cultures or ethics. You don't have to accept it and make it your own to understand and be respectful of it.
But many people are lazy. Why bother expressing what you mean with visuals or touch or a whole group of words, when you can let just one narrow word do all the work for you? Three little words are meaningless without expansion and the follow through.
I pretty much believe being into fluidity rocks. Without it, I would not have fantastic friends, a solid, loving personal relationship and have such a great life. I am also rigid in my own personal beliefs and ethics, but not to the extent that I push it onto others and ignore the fact that some people are not - by gosh shock/horror - different to me. There is nothing bad about being a pedant until you start excluding people or making them look stupid on purpose.
the.dark.
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