#linguistics beyond academia

[colombinna]

Was listening to the Worlds Beyond Number fireside chat for arc 2 and the discussion of the use of D&D for a more narrative campaign got me thinking. In TTRPGs you have this great debate about system vs story or rules vs players/DM, and it's not unlike the debate you see in linguistics of language vs speakers. In linguistic studies we learn very early that a language should serve its speakers, and a big argument (and the one I agree with) on TTRPG spaces is that the system should serve the story and the game, and not the other way around. And those things mixed together got me thinking about how we as humans create and put in place so many systems that are supposed to make life easier or help us reach certain goals, but eventually we lose the thread and become chained and enslaved to the very systems that were meant to help us. I feel like this is a topic that not only I'd like to see addressed in SFF (specially in the dystopia AI rebellion sub genre) but also something we need to talk more about when we talk about the state of the world and what ideologies we buy into. Because in the root of every societal issue in the world is the naturalization and standardization of social constructs and humans being forced to conform to it, instead of changing those constructs to serve the materiality of humans as we are. Idk I feel like we need to start looking more at what lies in the core of the stuff we discuss, specially when it comes to media and art and entertainment

[isa-renee]

okay but why is it literally easier to explain my thesis topic to non-linguists??

[gay-classics-student]

Linguistics in the dark academia community is such a missed opportunity?

Like imagine, feverishly translating from some obscure ancient language - your mind running on red wine and coffee sobbing over syntax and grammar and unfamiliar graphrmes

A school mystery which requires a specialism of knowing the meaning behind the slightest phrasing in sentence order and how that changes the semantics behind it and the phycolinguistics theories that point you right to your next lead

Finding the beauty in every language every letter having meaning beyond your wildest dreams even without the intention of it - your theories show that it's still significant. You become so in love with words you find an obsession with them

Being able to smugly show off to your classics class that you are the only one able to make sense of a niche Greek text because you know the grammatical and syntaxical order of the language so well that you can easily work out that it's original meaning was completely different than what it was translated to . You will be murdered for this

Hands smudged with notes of random letters

Other kids at school think you are speaking in tounges when you're really just trying to make sense of the international phonetic alphabet

Dark academia outfits with mismatched colourful stocking or socks and subtly novelty earrings as you Bridge the gap between gothic and whimsy just like you bridge the gap between stem and humamities

Hands smudged with scribbled writing

Playlists manically mixed between genres and languages , greenday and siouxies and the banshees one minute , the last dinner party and chappel roan the next followed by some random French pop song from 1975 .

Like think of the potential !

[ered]

in case you've missed it, and I'm assuming most of you have, we're having a presidential election here in Finland. First round is currently going on, so I thought I'd give you a quick run down of our candidates!

(in alphabetical order, party in parentheses)

Mika Aaltola (independent): Has mainly worked in academia and apparently has experience in international politics, which is good for the job. I honestly know next to nothing about this dude, but he seems to positively radiate Just Some Guy energy. What would be interesting about him winning: I have no idea. Chances of winning: Ehhh - but it wouldn't be the first time we get a president from outside the daily politics.

Li Andersson (Left Alliance): current leader of the Left Alliance, former Minister of Education. What most people seem to say about her: "she's clearly the best choice, but has no chance of winning so I won't be voting for her." What would be interesting about her winning: first Left Alliance president Chances of winning: Unfortunately slim. Left Alliance is a small party and half of the country still seems to think they're Evil Communists.

Sari Essayah (Christian Democrats): she's also the leader of her party. Most known for being a former racewalker and religious. What would be interesting about her winning: How the hell did it happen??? Chances of winning: zero.

Pekka Haavisto (Green League): Former Minister of the Environment, International Development, and Foreign Affairs (three different terms, not all at once). He was born in 1958 and hasn't done much beyond politics. He's been in the presidential race twice already too, both times losing to our current president, Sauli Niinistö. What would be interesting about him winning: first gay president. Chances of winning: he made it to the final round twice already, so maybe third time's a charm? He has been polling first this time around.

Jussi Halla-aho (Finns Party): a prominent rightwing blogger, a Slavic linguist by education, and the current Speaker of the Parliament. He's "immigration critical" in the same vein "gender criticals" tend to be. He's is considered something of an intellectual in the rightwing circles despite having the vibes of an anthropomorphic raisin, and has amassed a cult following - who literally call him Mestari (master, but in Finnish the vibes are more a master of a trade and not some dude who spanks you in the bedroom. What would be interesting about him winning: finding out if I can immigrate to Denmark. Chances of winning: none if I can help it, but like I said, he does have a very solid fanbase.

Hjallis Harkimo (Movement Now): best known for being the owner of an ice-hockey team or something. His real name is Harry and for some reason he has been elected into the parliament twice. I assume it's the famous allure of a "successful businessman" or because he's something of a celebrity? Who knows. What would be interesting about him winning: How did it happen? Chances of winning: slim.

Olli Rehn (Centre Party): Served as the Minister of Economic Affairs for like a year under our most fuck-witted prime minister in recent history. Not much else to say about it. Somehow seems older than Pekka Haavisto tho he's actually younger. What would be interesting about him winning: absolutely nothing. He's so dull it's almost offensive. Chances of winning: who knows? Maybe he'll be a dark horse if all other candidates fall flat.

Alexander Stubb (National Coalition Party): Former Prime Minister, and former Minister of Finance. He's ehhhhhh not the worst possible option, honestly, and is on the more liberal side of the Rich Getting Richer party. What would be interesting about him winning: how will he be different from our current (National Coalition Party) president, I guess Chances of winning: last I checked, he was polling second, so I guess it's a possibility?

Jutta Urpilainen (Social Democratic Party): Former Minister of Finance. Social Democrats are one of the biggest parties we have, but they took a while deciding on who to pick. She's alright. Social Democrats are usually fine, and she'a long term Social Democrat. What would be interesting about her winning: uhh... possibly the first president to have released a Christmas album? Chances of winning: I just don't think she's that popular, to be honest. But she might make it into top three at least, like I said, it's one of the biggest parties behind her.

[slutsukio]

study date. (bf!armin x blk!femreader)

in the heart of academia, where the fragrance of knowledge lingered, you and armin ventured into the sacred realm of the campus' library, bright and early─ 5 o'clock in the morning to be precise. the atmosphere was charged with the palpable anticipation of impending final exams, a collective buzz of students immersed in the rigors of preparations for a plethora of upcoming tests. amidst this sea of focused scholars your eyes met a diverse array of individuals engrossed in their respective studies.

the daunting task that loomed before you and armin was the mastery of ASL by the approaching monday. while both of you possessed a foundational understanding of the basics ─ the fluid conversations, the nuanced expressions, and the art of signing in tandem with spoke words ─the nerve-wracking reality emerged from the knowledge that seven seasoned and professional sign language interpreters would scrutinize your skills and presentations.

in the light of this challenge, the hours unfolded as a crucible of dedication and meticulous practice. each minute, you and armin delved deeper into the intricacies of ASL, refining your signs and perfecting the synchronicity of your expressions. the library, once merely a backdrop for academic exploration, transformed into a haven for the relentless pursuit of linguistic finesse.

as the hours progressed, the weight of the imminent presentation hung in the air, motivating both of you to strive for nothing short of perfection. the goal was clear ─ to deliver a flawless performance that would not only showcase your proficiency in ASL but also captivate the attention of those seven discerning interpreters.

the clock had barely struck noon when you and armin decided to take a respite from your intensive study session, finding a quiet alcove amidst the library's towering shelves. releasing a contented sigh that resonated with the weight of a momentary relaxation, you indulged in a luxuriously deep stretch, your body unwinding like a cast basking in the warmth of the sun.

as your muscles surrendered to the stretch, you shifted your gaze toward armin, a genuine smile playing upon your lips, a manifestation of the unspoken joy derived from the simplicity of the moment. with an appreciative glint in your eyes, you deliberately took in the details of his features─ the sun-kissed strands of his blonde hair, the depth of his cerulean eyes that held a multitude of stories, and the subtle allure of his soft pink lips.

observing the rosy hue that painted his cheeks in the aftermath of maintaining prolonged eyes contact, you couldn't help but notice the subtle yet undeniable impact it had on him; a silent exchange that lingered in the air like an unspoken connection. the shared laughter that followed echoes with the resonance of newfound understanding, a bridge of camaraderie spanning the distance between you. in the wake of this unspoken exchange, a question lingered on the tip on your tongue, and as you parted your lips, you felt the weight of curiosity intermingled with the delicate dance of unspoken words.

in the cocoon of that tranquil pause, you breached the subject of mutual aquaintances, "how's connie doing these days? i heard about what happened at the game, sasha told me, and i heard he popped his leg out of place. is he better?" the concern in your inquiry echoed through the air, a testament to the bonds that tethered your lives together and the genuine interest you held for the well-being of your friends.

armin released a heavy sigh, the weight of concern evident in the furrow of his brow and the weariness that seemed to settle on his shoulders, prompting him to scoot his chair closer to the table, running his fingers through his silky hair, he began to unravel the table of a recent mishap, unfolding a narrative of injury that went far beyond a mere inconvenience.

"the doctor had to pop it back in place," armin disclosed, his voice carrying the echo of empathy for connie, "and he has to walk with crutches for the next three weeks." the gravity of the situation hung in the air, casting a somber shadow over the room. armin, who continued to relay the complete picture, continued, "then, on top of all that stuff, he has to do physical therapy before he can even entertain the thought of being back on the field."

as armin shared this intricate web of challenges and setbacks, you couldn't contain the spontaneous "damn," that slipped through the air like an unintentional sigh. this unexpected outburst, accompanied by a chuckle that escaped your lips, lingered in the atmosphere, a momentary lapse in the gravity of armin's narrative that perhaps wasn't needed at that exact juncture. realizing the time of your reaction, you quickly offered a sheepish apology, "sorry." the word woven with a sincerity but also a half-assed awkward laugh, seeking to mend the delicate fabric of the conversation.

in response, a soft smirk danced onto armin's face, a subtle acknowledgement that, despite the seriousness of the shared tales, your momentary lapse had added a touch of unexpected levity to the exchange. "well, boohoo for him," you continued, your voice taking on a playfully dismissive tone as you sought to downplay the weight of armin's challenges. "like i always say, it aint none of my business-" your sentence hung in the air, poised to continue, but before you could add another layer to your commentary, a sassy ahem cut through the air, the unmistakable sound of the librarian's disapproval punctuating the moment with a touch of stern interruption.

the librarian's gaze, sharp as the edge of a well-worn book, fell upon them— a silent warning echoing through the air and casting an almost tangible aura of disapproval. feeling the weight of that stern scutiny, you exchanged a perplexed look with armin, your eyes seeking answers within the depths of his expression. turning back to the librarian, a subtle ballet of facial expressions unfolded— your eyebrows knit together in a quizzical fashion, followed by a dismissive eyeroll that conveyed a mix of frustration and nonchalance. with a dismissive shake of your head, you refocused your attention on armin, seamlessly resuming your conversation with him despite the looming disapproval.

undeterred by your nonchalant disregard, the librarian, an imposing figure draped in an air of authority, advanced toward your secluded corner. her disapproving gaze now took on a vocal form as she delivered a speech about the perceived disrespect you two were displaying, disrupting the studious ambiance for other diligent students. despite your strategic position tucked away from the prying ears of your fellow scholars, the librarian seemed determined to voice her disapproval.

as she embarked on her lecture, you prepared a retort, ready to stand your ground against the unjust accusation. "first and foremost-" you began, a spark of defiance in your eyes. however, armin, ever the voice of reason, interjected, offering a sincere apology in a bid to diffuse the escalating tension and avoid further trouble.

the librarian, though not entirely convinced, graced you both with a half-hearted smile before waddling away, a symbolic retreat but with lingering scrutiny, watching over you like a vigilant dog guarding its territory. seizing the momentary reprieve, you kicked armin's leg, a clandestine exchange in the aftermath of the librarian's watchful gaze.

in the tense silence, you dared to challenge the silence. you signed to armin, "that strict bitch got me fucked up." your fingers moving with precision. armin cracked a smile, and a soft laugh, before it was contained with his serious face— which he could not hold. a daring comment on the librarian's serious countenance elicited the first whispers of shared laughter.

armin, his expressive hands translating his thoughts into graceful features, embarked on signing soliloquy, articulating the depth of your disdain towards the librarian and how he found it both audacious and amusing. even as he chastised you for the audacity of your words— well in this case, signs, —a subtle symphony of amusement played on his lips, manifesting as a soft chuckle that gracefully danced through the air with each sign, weaving together the threads of his disapproval and shared amusement.

your frustration bubbled over as you signed back to him, a clear expression of discontent etched across your face, "i don't care how mean it is, she should've waddled her saggy-titty ass over to those kids over there who're munching so loudly you can hear it from a mile away." the intensity of your annoyance was palpable, yet a paradoxical twist of humor tugged at the corners of your lips as your fingers signed your frustration.

in the midst of your evident frustration, a peculiar phenomenon unfolded – laughter, like an unexpected gust of wind, swept through the solemnity of the moment. the dichotomy between your exasperation and the absurdity of the situation struck a chord, and an involuntary laugh escaped your lips. this unexpected release triggered a domino effect onto armin, who, caught in the whirlwind of conflicting emotions, joined you in a symphony of laughter.

hands instinctively rose to cover faces and mouths, desperately attempting to stifle the burgeoning laughter, but it proved futile. laughter, contagious and unrestrained, echoed through the air like a rebellious melody. in the shared absurdity of the moment, you and armin found yourselves caught in a loop of hilarity, your attempts to quell the laughter only intensifying its persistence. the library, a bastion of silence, momentarily surrendered to the raucous symphony of mirth you both unwittingly orchestrated.

as the librarian, her patience threads worn thin, strode over to our secluded corner, the air in the library seemed to tense, much like the yellowed pages of a time-worn volume about to surrender to the weight of ages. with a demeanor as stern as the rigid silence she enforced, she brought her presence to bear on our animated study session. in a moment, akin to the snap of an old volume's spine yielding to the passage of countless readings, her restraint unraveled.

the second warning followed swiftly, a non-negotiable decree delivered with the eloquence of a stern flick of her fingers. it marked the abrupt end of our scholarly haven, and you and armin found yourselves unceremoniously expelled from the temple of quiet learning. the librarian, a harbinger of order in this sanctuary of knowledge, insisted on our immediate departure, scolding us for the transgression of laughter in her sacred space of silence.

as we gathered our belongings, a ripple of amusement still clinging to our senses, you and armin exchanged glances. you, sprawled on the floor in a fit of uncontrollable laughter, and armin, tears streaming down his face from the unexpected hilarity of the disrespectful moment, shared a moment of connection amidst the chaos. in that shared gaze, the laughter echoed louder than the librarian's reprimand, transcending the confines of the library's strict decorum and etching a memory of a rebellious, yet delightful, escape from the temple of silence.

beyond the weighty portals of the library, liberation unfolded with a saccharine taste, and the resonance of their laughter, akin to a clandestine elixir, cascaded through the echoing corridors. in the shadowy recesses, you and armin, you guys' backs pressed against the frigid walls, imbibed the bitter-sweet irony of their ejection from the sanctum of silence. the solemnity of scholarly pursuit clashed harmoniously with the exuberant and indomitable spirit of youth.

"perhaps," armin mused, his voice a thoughtful cadence, "we might find solace in a locale less draconian in its demand for silence." he delicately wiped away the remnants of laughter-induced tears, exhaling a deep sigh that metamorphosed into an affable smile, a blend of mirth and contemplation.

in response, you, still caught in the remnants of amusement, nodded with a grace that echoed understanding. "a haven where the librarian of knowledge not only tolerates but appreciates the symphony of humor might be our refuge." a melodic chuckle escaped your lips, harmonizing with the lingering echoes of laughter, as you embarked on a leisurely stroll down the corridor, transforming the expulsion from the library into a vibrant and enlightening chapter in your unconventional yet knowledge-filled study session.

❁ suki speaking — fun study session with armin, followed with lots of laughter and scolding!! this was fun to write ngl. the longest oneshot i ever wrote. ts was 2k words, hell. this was meant for neso + all the armin fanboys / fangirls, and his ass better ready every one of these 2,017 words. ok byee guys, im gna go work on my ocs now :3.

[pure-ablution]

Do you recommend studying Classics?

Yes, but it’s complicated.

Today, we generally hold the idea that, in order for a degree to be ‘useful’, you must use the information learnt over the course of your studies in your future job. Most STEM degrees are useful under this definition, and so are vocational subjects like Law and Medicine. Classics, on the other hand, is pretty much useless, unless your future job is in, say, museum curation or academia, or you plan to become a Latin teacher. However, Classics (in certain cases, upon which I’ll elaborate shortly) is still highly respected by employers in a myriad of seemingly unrelated fields, and this is because its use lies in the skills it teaches you, not the information itself.

Generally, employers do not expect—and, often, do not even want—you to be ‘perfect for the job’. They want someone who shows potential, and who is mouldable. Companies have their own ways of doing things, and they prefer employing people who are quick learners over those who already have the knowledge, but in a slightly different way from their own. The skills gained through studying Classics, and the broad range of disciplines one has to cover during the degree, make for extremely versatile potential employees, even if the information itself is irrelevant. Your knowledge of Greek and Latin tells a recruiter that you’re capable of learning complex languages to a high level, and that the company could put you on a course to study any language useful to them and be assured that you’d do well and pick it up quickly—whereas a candidate who speaks, say, Spanish might be more immediately useful to the company, but there’s no guarantee that they are linguistically adept and would cope on a course for German or Arabic, since they may have simply grown up bilingually and never actually spent time learning a foreign language to a high level. A degree in Classics says that you can read, digest, and summarise large quantities of material very quickly, that you’re analytical (syntax classes), detail-oriented (art history), and persuasive (philosophy and rhetoric), and that you’re able to solve problems and view situations from an intercontextual perspective. You are, essentially, a blank slate with all of the skills already pre-installed.

However, there are increasingly few Classics degrees that actually teach you all of these skills. What was once undisputedly the most difficult Humanities subject is now widely considered a Mickey Mouse degree at a majority of institutions, and, unless you are accepted into one of the very few courses that maintains the old rigour and breadth, I think that it’s really a waste of money if corporate employment is your goal after graduation. Most courses today teach texts in translation, and even those that do teach you one (or occasionally more) ancient language won’t actually teach you anything beyond a very basic level, and you’ll walk out of your degree still unable to properly read Homer—if Homer is even on the syllabus. There’s a lot of talk at the moment about making Classics accessible, but, in my opinion, that’s fighting a losing battle. The original Classics degrees were developed at a time when higher education was reserved for the sons of kings and statesmen, and so the degree was designed specifically for these privileged young men, who would have already had a comprehensive knowledge of the classical canon and languages before they even began. It is elitist by design. It’s a sad truth, but to make Classics more accessible would mean entirely dismantling it and restructuring beyond recognition (this was actually attempted with Oxford’s PPE course, i.e. Modern Greats). Anything less simply weakens the subject—and the Classics taught today around the world is, generally, a weakened and diluted form of the original. No less elitist and no easier for those coming from alternative backgrounds, either, but significantly less useful.

As such, the only really useful Classics courses are those which haven’t yet been diluted in this way, and are thus heavily biased towards those who come from educational and cultural backgrounds similar to the young men for whom the degree was originally intended. Women at Oxford are significantly less likely to attain a first-class mark in Literae Humaniores compared to their male peers, and this is because girls’ schools begin teaching Latin (and Greek, if it is even taught) much later than boys’ schools in the UK, and so, even though both might have achieved equal marks at A Level, the boys’ depth of knowledge and ability in language far outweighs the girls. For students who began their degree with no prior knowledge of either language, the likelihood of achieving a First is even lower. To do well in Lit Hum, you need to already have a comprehensive knowledge of world history, art, and philosophy, and enough of a grasp of French, German, and Italian to be able to read the piles of foreign-language secondary literature—and these prerequisites essentially exclude anyone who wasn’t privileged enough to receive a world-class education from nursery school onwards, or, at the very least, places them at an inherent disadvantage throughout their degree. The level of fluency necessary to be able to quickly and accurately read and analyse the prescription is far beyond the capacity for learning in the duration and quality of ab initio teaching—two terms of daily language classes are provided, and by that point, beginner students are expected to be of an equal standing to their peers who have studied Latin and Greek since the age of four or even younger.

Classics is an incredibly useful degree, but only in its original context and intention, and that door, for better or for worse, is very nearly shut to most today.

[irusanw4]

Uhhh pinned time ig? I see it a lot so why not

Yo! Call me IrusanW4, mutuals can call me Iru but please don't if we're not mutuals. I use strictly they/them, and I'm asexual and aromantic. I'm autistic and I love things A Lot when I love them, so... fair warning? Read more has details on me n stuff. Don't wanna clog dashboards or anything :3

I don't have a specific DNI but like. Don't hurt people. Don't have a joke for that just don't hurt people. But! DO interact if you are strange, peculiar, freakish, cringe, or otherwise throw social norms to the wind!

I'm always open to civil good-faith discussions about what I've done wrong!

Things I care about too much for my own good: Death Note, My Hero Academia, Chonny Jash, Dungeon Meshi, Pokemon, Digimon, Slay the Princess, the Stanley Parable, Warriors, Wings of Fire, Risk of Rain, Slay the Spire, Portal, psychology, animals, linguistics, space, my place in the universe, death as something to be studied, and much much more.

While I won't do much acknowledging sex (as in the act) myself due to personal discomfort surrounding the topic, I do support the right of people to have sex and have fun so long as all members consent to it!

Also, I do art and writing! I'm IrusanW4 on ao3 too, so feel free to be nosy! I don't share much art outside of Discord, sadly, but yknow! I'm always open to questions about my writing and art, be it original or fan content!

Social justice:

Abortion needs to be accessible to everyone with a uterus. The death sentence shouldn't exist in any way shape or form. A criminal justice system focused on punishment rather than reform should not exist. Capitalism is by existence a system of oppression and must be replaced. The American education system is thoroughly fucked. The genocide of anyone is inexcusable, no matter their origin, and those who fund the slaughter and/or exploitation of Palestinian, Congolese, or any other people are further beyond immoral than I have words for. All cops are bastards.

Miscellaneous:

Vehement supporter of found family. Indie game lover. Indie music lover. Example of gifted kid to burnout who's somehow still gifted just deeply exhausted pipeline. Cat owner. Lover of music. Noodle enjoyer. Asker of questions. Furry. Therian. Mediocre Pokemon player. Registered member of the Satanic Temple. Believer in improvement as a person as a necessary part of life. Friend hoarder. More always to come.

I'm a bad tagger but here's notable tags:

#blorbo street, where I put all my favorite characters together to interact.

#ouroboros universe, a collection of my writing that's all technically within one continuity. I might add more tags specifying which instance, but so far, it's all lumped together.

#scrunchy friend <3, most of my @therewillbenoromance interactions bc he's scrunchy to me.

#blue friend <3, most of my @nevermeanttoknow or @mapleejay (same person diff blogs) interactions bc. he's blue. yeah that's it

#the whole world au, a cccc x warrior cats crossover au

#summer solstice au, a cccc au where heart dies in apathy

Other blogs: @different-picture-daily and @gimmick-sniffer

[duckprintspress]

Meet Aether Beyond the Binary Contributors Flore Picard and Alec J. Marsh

We are 57% of the way to our funding goal for AETHER BEYOND THE BINARY, with 19 days to go!! This awesome anthology featuring non-binary and genderqueer characters in aetherpunk settings has been in the works for a year, and we’re optimistic that we’ll reach our funding target so that we can publish the book as an e-book, trade paperback, and hardcover. Slow and steady, race winning, you know the deal. 😀 Things have definitely slowed down, as is normal for this stage of the campaign, so just a note that we’d always appreciate your help with spread the word about this project so that more people will know it exists! You can find our “main” posts about the campaign on different platforms using these links:

Bluesky

Dreamwidth

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Mastodon

Patreon (public post)

Pillowfort

Tiktok

Tumblr

WordPress

Thanks in advance!!

You can learn all about the campaign, the book, the merch, and the authors, by visiting our Kickstarter campaign page!

And, today we’re introducing two more contributing authors: Flore Picard and Alec J. Marsh!

The Light Organ by Flore Picard

About Flore Picard: I’m a linguist and translator who lives in France and I have been itching to write since I learned how to. I started writing (fan)fiction more regularly when I was procrastinating on my PhD dissertation, and I haven’t looked back since. I’m also an artist who loves drawing both fanart and original art, and I have a passion for patterns and systems, for the beauty at the edge of chaos and the complexity of being human. I tend to write about queer and disabled characters finding themselves and each other and learning to take up space in the world.

Links: Instagram | Twitter

This is Flore’s first publication with Duck Prints Press.

Title: The Light Organ

Tags: angst with a happy ending, capitalism is the real villain, coming out, disabled character, emotional hurt/comfort, family, fraught family dynamics, illusion, in the closet, magic use, mechanic, musician, non-binary, parenthood, present tense, science fiction with magic, teenager, third person limited point of view, transphobia (mentions of) (past)

Excerpt:

“No, no, no—the organ, the light ring—it’s all about the imagination, not the mechanics,” Kas exclaims, gesturing widely to encompass the aether pool behind the glass.

“I’m just here for the tubes,” the tech—Gilbert—says flatly.

His face betrays no emotions, not even annoyance. Kas almost wishes he would yell or be rude, if only for the sake of feeling like they’re having an actual conversation, but Gilbert has always been polite. He just never seems to care.

“Fine,” Kas gives up. “We’ve got glitches. They started about a week ago. It could be a leaking tube, I’m not sure.”

“What kind of glitches?”

“It’s as if… as if the story stops responding to me. I know how that sounds, but I swear that’s what happens. It doesn’t last more than a few seconds, but it’s getting worse. Earlier, I powered everything up to tune it and it kept flickering.”

“Flickering,” Gilbert repeats, mumbling into his neatly trimmed beard.

Kas grabs a cane in each hand and makes their way to the organ’s seat. “I can show you.”

You’re Gonna Get Older by Alec J. Marsh

About Alec J. Marsh: Alec lives in the Pacific Northwest, where they write romantic adult fantasy and self-indulgent fanfiction. They make candles inspired by their favorite characters.

Links: Etsy | Instagram | Twitter

Alec is one of the editors for Aether Beyond the Binary and has also published multiple titles with Duck Prints Press. His novella To Drive the Hundred Miles (modern, f/m, trans male lead) was recently successfully crowdfunded and orders fulfilled. His two erotica stories Heart’s Scaffold (sci-fi, m/m) and Study Hall (modern academia, m/m) are part of the Contributor Short Story Bundle add-on.

Title: You’re Gonna Get Older

Tags: arranged marriage, christian, coming of age, coming out, cults, fraught family dynamics, friends, in the closet, lesbian, midwest, misgendering, non-binary, north dakota, past tense, post-apocalyptic, relationship of convenience, religion, song fic, teenager, third person limited pov, trans man, trans woman, transphobia

Excerpt:

There was a radio in the room, an old two-way they had found on their last visit and hidden in an empty supply closet. It was still there. They slid open the battery pack and snapped in a fresh battery from their aether lantern. Chips of the meteor had been encased in metal tubing to mimic the lithium batteries of the Before, but they were precious and had to be used sparingly. Stardancer knew better than to use precious energy on something this frivolous.

They popped the battery cover in place and pressed the power button. It crackled to life. They cradled it like it was made from glass. The dials made a tak-tak-tak noise as Stardancer scrolled through channels. Music came through softly. It faded in and out, cut through with static, but it was music, and not the kind made on an acoustic guitar. They adjusted the antenna and turned up the volume.

It was like nothing they had heard before, fast paced with a heavy beat. Even over the fuzzy AM connection, it was invigorating. They wanted to dance. They wanted to sing along with words they had never heard before. The singer screamed their triumph, and Stardancer felt invincible.

There's no time like right now to become a backer and help us reach 100% funded! Check it out!

[kingofthewilderwest]

Hi! I found your account through your old Shipping Names and Linguistics post, and I was wondering, do you know of any actual sources talking about the construction of ship names in English fandoms that might back up your observations? I am actually currently in my way-too-young cocky linguistics grad student stage of life and thinking of looking into something similar regarding Japanese ship naming. So, I figured it would be good to have a solid base in English fandom conventions to compare it with if possible.

Obviously that post was quite a while ago, so no big deal if you never really delved into it further. Thank you regardless!

Hey there and thanks for popping in!!! Now I'm curious about Japanese ship naming, and I think that's a fun adventure you've got! I wish you the best luck with your exploration. XD

From your message, it sounds like you read my pinned note or the note in the comments. For others coming into the conversation, this is my note:

I was trying to hedge my words in that comment, but also give a clear warning. I'll be more direct here, hah, and hope no one minds. The fact that the shipping names and linguistics post had a reblog renaissance in 2024 has been a bane. 😅 A small bane, but oh noooooOoOoOo.

I mean, it's good people are interested in linguistics, and I had fun writing that post at the time. Maybe that post did more good than I think it has. ^^ But one of the biggest issues tumblr has with linguistics is that Most Of The Information On Tumblr About Linguistics Is Sorta Wrong (TM), and it's galled me, oh it's galled me, oh it's galled me bad that I could've contributed to that. Ahahaha. I tried to be accurate in those old posts, but as above mentioned, I went waaaaaay beyond things I knew, and a first year PhD student is not anywhere as informed as they'd like you to think. (NO SHADE ON YOU. JUST SHADE ON MYSELF. JUST SHADE ON MYSELF!!!)

I haven't read that post since I wrote it, and I haven't braved myself to, because I don't know if I'll be begrudgingly impressed with myself, or cringing so hard I pop out of my skin. I've suspected it may be the latter, so I just wrote my friendly warning, prayed no one would dig up my other old linguistics posts, and fled into the night. XD

The short and the long of it is that I do not really want that post circulating nor for me to be intellectually connected with it today. I'm not going to delete or private it because I have more control if I still have access to it as OP, but I've sorta disowned it. Ahahaha. I ended up with a career in linguistics and am working in the industry, but I left education after my first year of PhD due to personal and health reasons, and have not been in linguistics academia since. This means I have not been around any sources you could ask for, and you're more likely than me to come across them. Best of luck in your hunt for information. ^^ I hope you run into some fascinating ideas.

I hope these responses come out as humorous rather than disappointing to anyone reading. I am grateful you stopped by! And now I'll have to learn about the Japanese side of ship names. Because I love Japanese and I love fandom shenanigans and that's, when I'm not making drastic claims on tumblr, still very fun stuff!!!

Enjoy your academic rabbit holes, enjoy your grad school years, enjoy linguistics, and enjoy all else you get your paws on!

[flyfutureeducation-studyabroad]

Perm State University Russia

One of the oldest and most prominent universities in the Ural region is Perm State University (PSU) Russia, which is situated in the Russian city of Perm. The institution was established in 1916 and has a long history of academic innovation and success.

PSU is renowned for its dedication to delivering top-notch instruction, supporting innovative research, and making a substantial contribution to the intellectual and cultural advancement of the area and beyond. This page explores PSU's history, academic offerings, campus amenities, faculty, student life, and the reasons it continues to be a popular choice for students from all over the world.

During a pivotal moment in Russian history, Perm State University was founded. Initially founded as a branch of St. Petersburg University, it quickly became an independent institution. Its establishment marked a significant milestone in the development of higher education in the Ural region, providing new opportunities for academic and professional growth.

Over the years, PSU has grown into a comprehensive university offering a wide range of programs in natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, and technology. Its history is intertwined with the development of Perm as a major educational and cultural hub.

Programs for Undergraduates

PSU's faculties provide a wide range of undergraduate programs. Among the most popular undergraduate courses are:

Natural Sciences: Courses in geology, physics, chemistry, and biology emphasize both theoretical understanding and real-world application.

Engineering and Technology: Students who take courses in industrial technology, civil engineering, and information technology are prepared for jobs in quickly changing industries.

Humanities and Social Sciences: Courses in philosophy, sociology, linguistics, and history are intended to foster analytical and critical thinking abilities.

Law and Economics: These courses give students a strong grounding in both economic ideas and legal concepts.

Doctoral and Postgraduate Programs

Postgraduate study at Perm State University is well-known, with master's and doctoral programs available in a variety of fields. These programs are intended for individuals who want to contribute to academic and applied research while specializing in their chosen disciplines. Focus areas include:

Advanced coursework in computer science and mathematics

Environmental sciences research that is innovative

thorough investigation of Russian literature and language

The chance to collaborate with top academics and the demanding academic requirements of PSU's PhD programs make them especially noteworthy.

Investigation and Creativity

A key component of PSU's goal is research. The university has a number of research centers and institutions that encourage cooperation between academics, industry professionals, and students. Important fields of study include:

Research on climate change, renewable energy sources, and ecological preservation is known as environmental sustainability.

Advanced Technology: Developments in robotics, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence.

Cultural Studies: Studying the history, language, and cultural legacy of Russia.

Researchers at PSU regularly work with foreign organizations, leading to ground-breaking findings and developments in a range of disciplines.

Teachers and Staff

Many of the highly skilled faculty members at PSU are acknowledged authorities in their disciplines. The faculty at the institution consists of:

Professors with substantial backgrounds in academia and research

Professionals from the industry who contribute useful perspectives to the classroom

International institutions' visiting academics

Because of the faculty's commitment to mentoring and teaching, students are guaranteed individualized support and guidance throughout their academic careers.

Perm State University: Why Choose It ?

Academic Standing

PSU, which is renowned for its demanding academic programs and research accomplishments, is frequently included among Russia's best institutions.

Various Possibilities

PSU has a lot to offer every student in terms of curriculum, research facilities, and extracurricular activities.

A helpful setting

From academic support to cultural integration, the university's emphasis on student well-being guarantees a rewarding educational experience.

Worldwide Acknowledgment

International recognition of PSU degrees gives graduates the chance to pursue employment or higher study anywhere in the world.

Perm State University offers a distinctive fusion of innovation and history, making it a shining example of educational achievement. With its cutting-edge facilities, lively campus culture, and varied academic offerings, PSU gives students the resources they need to be successful in their chosen disciplines.

Selecting Perm State University entails starting a path of intellectual development and cultural exploration, regardless of whether you are a local student or an international applicant. PSU is without a doubt a top option for anyone looking for a top-notch education in Russia.

[superlinguo]

Superlinguo 2023 in review

I spent 2023 on leave to hang out with a new tiny human. I still found time for some linguistics, including regular Lingthusiasm episodes and even some intermittent blogging. I also got to reuse all my linguist pregnancy announcement jokes.

Lingthusiasm

Lingthusiasm turned 7 this year! We celebrated with a dozen main episodes as well as our monthly bonus episodes for patrons. We had some help to get through the year while I was on leave with interviews with linguists from around the world, including Lingthusiasm team members Martha Tsutsi-Billins and Sara Dopierela.

We released our new Etymology isn't Destiny merch, which is available alongside merch for all kinds of linguists and language fans.

Main episodes

Where language names come from and why they change (transcript)

How kids learn language in Singapore - Interview with Woon Fei Ting (transcript)

Bringing stories to life in Auslan - Interview with Gabrielle Hodge (transcript)

Tone and Intonation? Tone and Intonation! (transcript)

Word Magic (transcript)

The verbs had been being helped by auxiliaries (transcript)

Frogs, pears, and more staples from linguistics example sentences (transcript)

How kids learn Q’anjob’al and other Mayan languages - Interview with Pedro Mateo Pedro (transcript)

Look, it’s deixis, a word for linguistic pointing! (transcript)

Ergativity delights us (transcript)

Revival, reggaeton, and rejecting unicorns - Basque interview with Itxaso Rodríguez-Ordóñez (transcript)

If I were an irrealis episode (transcript)

Bonus episodes

Parrots, art and what even is a word - deleted scenes from Kat Gupta, Lucy Maddox and Randall Munroe interviews

Singapore, New Zealand, and a favourite linguistics paper - 2023 Year Ahead Chat

When books speculate on the future of English

Neopronouns, gender-neutral vocab, and why linguistic gender even exists - Liveshow Q&A with Kirby Conrod

2022 Survey Results - kiki/bouba, synesthesia fomo, and pluralizing emoji

Linguistic jobs beyond academia

LingthusiASMR - The Harvard Sentences

How we make Lingthusiasm transcripts - Interview with Sarah Dopierala

Field Notes on linguistic fieldwork - Interview with Martha Tsutsui Billins

Postcards from linguistics summer camp

Linguistic Advice - Challenging grammar snobs, finding linguistic community, accents in singing, and more

Frak, smeg, and more swearing in fiction - Ex Urbe Ad Astra interview with Jo Walton and Ada Palmer

LingComm: 2023 conference

The 2023 LingComm conference happened in February, and was once again in the LingComm conference space in Gather Town. I enjoyed being on the planning committee that put together an amazing event that built on the inaugural conference in 2021. Stay tuned for 2024 lingcomm updates!

Top Superlinguo posts in 2022

This year was a chance to reflect on the decade since I graduated, and to articulate the important role my main supervisor had in shaping my career.

After wrapping up the linguistics jobs interview series last year, this year was a chance to share some aggregated resources from 8 years and 80 interviews.

I also got to read a couple of great linguistics books for kids, keep up to date with linguistics podcasts, share some of my favourite linguistics books and check in on some things happening online.

General posts and reviews

10 years of a PhD

Barb Kelly

Gender Variations for Person in Suit Levitating Emoji - Emoji Proposal

Linguistics and Language Podcasts (2023 update)

Language Books for Kids: Highly Irregular, Arika Okrent & Sean O'Neill

Linguistics books for kids: Once Upon a Word - a Word-origin Dictionary, Jess Zafarris

Linguistics Jobs resources

Linguistics Jobs Interviews - directory of posts and resources

Linguistics Jobs resource set

Superlinguo Linguist Job Interviews full list

Linguistics education and its application in the workplace: An analysis of interviews with linguistics graduates (new publication in Language)

Information and advice

hapax legomenon and automated email replies

Lingthusiasm guide to pop linguistics books

Hello Grambank! A new typological database of 2,467 language varieties

What we can accomplish in 30 years of lingcomm: Opening keynote of #LingComm23

Australian Linguistic Society’s Accredited Linguist program

Academic articles in 2023

Although I was on leave, things that I was working on earlier made it through to publication. I like that there was one paper on lingcomm, one on gesture (including emoji!) and one on the linguistics job interviews, it feels like a nice mix of some of my current interests. Just a pity there wasn't a Tibeto-Burman paper in there!

Gawne, L. & A. Cabraal. 2023. Linguistics education and its application in the workplace: an analysis of interviews with linguistics graduates. Language, 99(1), e35-e57. [doi][Superlinguo post]

Freestone, P., J. Kruk & L. Gawne. forthcoming. From Star Trek to The Hunger Games: emblem gestures in science fiction and their uptake in popular culture. Linguistic Vanguard, 9(3), 257-266. [doi][Superlinguo post]

Gawne, L., & McCulloch, G. (2023). ‘Communicating about linguistics using lingcomm-driven evidence: Lingthusiasm podcast as a case study’, Language and Linguistics Compass, 17/5: e12499. DOI: 10.1111/lnc3.12499 [doi][Superlinguo post]

The year ahead

I'll be back to work full time. I've found the low-key level of blogging I managed this year to be sustainable, so expect it to be business-as-usual here. Lingthusiasm will also continue with monthly main and bonus episodes, thanks to the patrons who support the show and ensure we have a team that can keep everything rolling while begin to take on more administrative responsibilities in my job.

I'm looking forward to sharing some things that are in the final stages of peer-review and copy editing, and I'm excited to be spinning up some new projects.

Browsing old Superlinguo content?

I have a welcome page on the blog that points you to aggregate posts, and series of posts I've done over the years, as well as themed collections of posts that have appeared on the blog in the last twelve years.

Previous years

Superlinguo 2022 in review

Superlinguo 2021 in review

Superlinguo 2020 in review

Superlinguo 2020 (2019 in review)

Superlinguo 2019 (2018 in review)

Superlinguo 2018 (2017 in review)

Superlinguo 2017 (2016 in review)

Superlinguo 2015 highlights

[ordinaryoffensivemagic]

Welcome

New year, new blog, same me falling down the rabbit hole of another fandom.

This sideblog exists because there were a lot of Frieren-related things that I wanted to reblog and discuss but I didn't want to clutter up my main, which is currently focused on a different fandom.

This blog will consist mostly of images from the manga, anime, gifs, screencaps, official art, and fanart.

I'll also be posting thoughts about the new manga chapters as they release. (tagged: ordinary mage reads)

Anything beyond Season 1 of the anime will be tagged with "Frieren manga spoilers". Manga chapters are tagged as "Frieren + chapter number" (ie: "Frieren 119")

Navigation + Tags:

sousou no frieren - any posts relating to the series as a whole, including meta and discussions about plot, themes, timeline, etc.

葬送のフリーレン - the Japanese name for the series is used for posts that discuss things related to linguistics/translation, cultural context, or mangacaps with Japanese text

Frieren (the character) is tagged with just her name

Characters & Dynamics:

Hero Party - for posts including multiple members of the original party of heroes: Frieren, Himmel, Heiter, Eisen

Frieren's Party - for posts including multiple members of the present-day party: Frieren, Fern, Stark, Sein

Past and Present - for posts including an overlap of characters in the hero party & frieren's present-day party

Ships are generally tagged alphabetically, with the exception that Frieren is always tagged first in a pair.

Romantic ships: frieren x himmel, fern x stark

Platonic tags: frieren and fern, frieren and stark

*As a courtesy, I'm not a huge fan of frieren x himmel as romantic ship. I don't hate it, but I prefer the complexity of their canon relationship and don't believe that romantic relationships are inherently better/deeper than platonic ones.

Themes & Topics:

a mere ten years - posts that reference the passage of time and Frieren's understanding of how her years with the original party of heroes changed her

crossover - any post that includes characters from other series (either in collaboration or referencing parallels)

lost in translation - posts referring to the inherent flaws in translated media and things that aren't obvious if you only read/watch the English version

Frieren-sama tags:

Frieren art - solo art of Frieren

Frieren the slayer - Frieren being a badass

disaster elf - Frieren being a disaster (includes frieren and the mimic)

sleepy Frieren

Frieren's silly spells - the silly spells Frieren collects along her journey (some of them aren't actually that silly)

frieren munching on stuff

aroace frieren - examples of frieren being on the aro/ace spectrum *note: this tag includes any references/headcanons about Frieren being on the aromantic and/or asexual spectrum, even though the two identities do not always coincide

Other Character tags:

Fern is not amused

little Fern

Other places to find me:

Tumblr main: AdventureOfTheDancingGirl - (currently I'm mostly posting about My Hero Academia over there)

My twitter is a mix of various fandoms. Mostly Frieren & MHA at the moment.

[last updated: 05/03/2024]

[faizalkhan1393]

Exploring Arabic's Awesomeness: An Adventure in Linguistics

Arabic is a language with a rich cultural heritage and a deep historical significance, and it is loved by millions of people worldwide. Acquiring knowledge of Arabic can provide a strong link to a lively and multicultural world community, from the elegance of its poetry to the accuracy of its grammar. In this piece, we explore the wonders of studying Arabic, including its potential, rewards, and problems.

Arabic learning can lead to a wealth of opportunities in terms of communication, history, and culture. Arabic is one of the most frequently spoken languages in the world. It is important not only because it is the language of the Quran but also because it can be used to communicate with millions of people globally and navigate a variety of geographical situations. Learners are prepared to go out on an engrossing language journey that promises insight into a lively and diverse world, whether they are motivated by curiosity, academic aspirations, or a desire to explore the intricate beauty of Arabic literature and poetry.

Arabic's Alluring Look:

Learners are drawn to Arabic by its beautiful calligraphy and poetic resonance, as well as its script's fluid flow from right to left. Arabic is a language that is spoken by many people worldwide, and it provides access to a diverse range of cultures from the Middle East and North Africa. It has shaped literature, philosophy, and the arts for ages, and its influence transcends language barriers. Arabic captivates students with its complex writing, beautiful sounds, and rich cultural complexity, going beyond just linguistic interest. Through centuries of artistic expression and scholastic pursuits, its elegant handwriting flows across pages. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, learners are invited to immerse themselves in the language's lyrical beauty through its phonetic subtleties and rhythmic cadence, which create a tapestry of communication. In addition, Arabic opens doors to an extensive legacy that includes science, philosophy, and literature that have influenced civilizations all around the world. Arabic has a captivating quality that can take learners to a world of unmatched depth and richness, regardless of whether they are captivated by its beautiful poetry, enthralling music, or very complex grammar.

Problems and Possibilities:

The intricacy and richness of the Arabic language make learning it both challenging and rewarding. The complexity of Arabic grammar and syntax is one of the main obstacles for learners, as it can be intimidating for those used to simpler language patterns. Moreover, learning the Arabic script is a major first step that takes commitment and repetition to become fluent. But there are also lots of chances for learning and development among these difficulties. Learners have access to an extensive range of cultural materials, including modern media and classic literature, while they work through the complexities of Arabic. Speaking Arabic well also makes it possible to pursue a variety of job options in fields including business, academia, international relations, and diplomacy. Acquiring proficiency in Arabic poses distinct difficulties, especially for individuals who speak languages with dissimilar linguistic frameworks. The script can seem intimidating at first because of its complex lettering and diacritical marks. The roots and patterns system of Arabic further complicates the process of learning new words. Nevertheless, these difficulties can be turned into chances for development and comprehension with commitment and effort.

Links to Educational Resources:

Luckily for people who want to start learning Arabic, there are a lot of tools available. Students can select from a wide range of resources to fit their unique learning preferences and methods, including intensive language programs, online courses, and textbooks. There are many possibilities to practice speaking and listening in authentic situations through language exchange programs and conversation partners.

Cultural Immersion:

Arabic learning through immersion in the culture goes beyond only learning grammar and vocabulary; it also helps learners grasp the subtleties of everyday life and conversation. Every encounter broadens one's understanding of the language's origins and its significance in forming various communities throughout the Arab world, from discovering the poetic beauty of Arabic calligraphy to indulging in the olfactory delights of traditional cuisine. Learning about the intricate layers of identity, religion, and social dynamics that characterize Arabic-speaking communities is made possible via art, music, and literature. Accepting cultural immersion helps one develop a strong connection to the Arab spirit in addition to language proficiency.

Learning Arabic outside of the classroom enhances one's comprehension and admiration of the language. Experiencing Arabic music, literature, and cinema offers a deeper understanding of the subtleties of expression and cultural background. Visiting nations where Arabic is spoken provides immersive experiences that allow language proficiency to be tested in real-world contexts, promoting cross-cultural communication and personal development.

Importance of Arabic:

For several reasons, Arabic learning is crucial. First of all, with over 420 million people using Arabic as their first language, it is the fifth most spoken language in the world. Being able to communicate and comprehend in Arabic promotes economic prospects and cross-cultural engagement throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Arabic is also the language of the Quran, which makes it essential for Muslims around the world who want to connect with their faith on a deeper level. Arabic poetry, literature, and historical writings are also significant sources of wisdom and information that shed light on a variety of cultures and eras. Thus, Arabic learning opens doors to a wide range of intellectual, religious, and cultural traditions, enhancing one's personal and professional life.

Conclusion:

 Arabic learning is an adventure of exploration, finding, and making connections. Arabic provides a doorway to other cultural traditions and international societies because of its elegance and complexity. Being fluent in Arabic has many benefits, including opening doors to new opportunities and viewpoints, even though the journey may occasionally be difficult. Deciding to start studying Arabic is a decision that promises to expand perspectives and enhance life, regardless of the driving force behind it—curiosity, professional goals, or a desire to stay connected to one's roots. So let's embrace Arabic's beauty and go out on this enlightening trip together.

[stepseduworld]

Life-Changing Journeys: Treasuring the Study Abroad Experience

Embrace Diversity and Cultivate Lifelong Connections: Immerse yourself in a kaleidoscope of cultures and perspectives, gaining a unique global perspective during your time studying abroad. Universities around the world welcome students from diverse backgrounds, offering an opportunity to forge enduring friendships and expand your professional network on a global scale. Explore the unique traditions and norms of your host country, enriching your worldview in ways you never imagined.

Confront Challenges and Foster Resilience: Engaging in education abroad goes beyond the realm of academics, as it presents an incredible odyssey towards individual maturation. Step out of your comfort zone and confront challenges head-on, from overcoming homesickness to navigating unfamiliar environments. These experiences will strengthen your resilience and equip you with the confidence to tackle life's obstacles with grace.

Master New Languages: Experience the transformative power of language as you embrace a new cultural setting. Whether through formal study or everyday interactions with locals, seize the opportunity to enhance your linguistic skills. Fluency in multiple languages not only enhances your professional prospects but also deepens your connections with people from diverse backgrounds.

Cultivate Independence and Broaden Your Horizons: Embrace the freedom of independent living as you navigate life in a new country. From managing finances to navigating public transportation, studying abroad empowers you to take charge of your life like never before. Embrace the chance to broaden your horizons, gaining fresh perspectives on global issues and discovering new ways of thinking that will shape your worldview for years to come.

Advance Your Career: Studying abroad is a strategic career move that sets you apart in the job market. Showcase your adaptability, initiative, and cultural competence gained through international experience. Whether launching your career abroad or returning home with newfound insights, studying abroad positions you as a dynamic and forward-thinking candidate.

Embark on Adventures Near and Far: Seize the opportunity to explore diverse landscapes and cultures within your host country and beyond. Take advantage of student discounts and travel perks to embark on unforgettable journeys, discovering hidden gems and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Open Doors to Further Education: Elevate your academic pursuits by pursuing advanced degrees at prestigious institutions worldwide. Graduate schools value the global perspective and cross-cultural competence gained through studying abroad, making you a desirable candidate for future educational opportunities.

Treasure a Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience: The act of pursuing education in a foreign land goes beyond the realms of academia; it is a profound odyssey that forever shapes and influences one's life. Embrace every moment as a precious opportunity for growth, exploration, and self-discovery.

[alanlechuszaauthor]

TALK TO ME, SISTER: TRIXIE MATTEL AS A POP SOCIAL LINGUIST

Alan Lechusza

In an era where banned books are up 30-40% nationwide overall (1,477 instances of banned books affecting 874 titles, PEN America 2023), the importance of contemporary cultural language – its use, dialectic, and multimedia reference – becomes evident. Pop cultural language bridges the growing divide between academia and the modern lingua franca. In this age where print media is being swept under the rug, the performative linguistic acrobatics of drag queen extraordinaire Trixie Mattel bring to life the living articulations of contemporary pop language. Through her expressions, videos, music, and drag queen identity – dragxploitation – Trixie Mattel challenges the status quo of formal language through her performance expression of linguistic pop cultural slang. Sociolinguists argue, through their academic works, for the compartmentalization of pop culture. As a counterpoint, Trixie Mattel provides a parfait d' experience on how to flip the script, manipulate, reframe, and perform the contemporary canon of social linguistic terms.

Trixie Mattel is the drag queen name of Brian Michael Firkus. Trixie Mattel has a flourishing career as a singer, actor, and highly regarded drag queen personality. After winning RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars (season 3), Trixie Mattel gave American pop culture a dramatic inoculation into the current bloodline of the modern social fabric. Trixie Mattel thrives beyond the margins of post-modernism and firmly grasps the assumed representations of sex, gender, and power. According to Robert H. Fiske, pop culture language has historically focused on "the active process of generating and circulating meanings and pleasures within a social system" (Fiske 2011). Through the outlandish exposure of self – in this case, the identity of a drag queen, a dragxploitation – Trixie Mattel forces the circulating meanings and pleasures of pop vernaculars to be rescripted through the performative lens of queer and drag culture. The lexicon of pop culture thrives upon stability for its survival. To begin to understand the depth and breadth of the expressive arts of Trixie Mattel, it becomes necessary to indulge in the glamorous delicacy of queer politics. No longer can a blind eye be turned away from Trixie Mattel's active social dialectic statements. Pop culture is, as Fiske states, "Witnessing a turning point" (Fiske 2011). Trixie Mattel ruptures the epistemology sociolinguists have used to define pop culture. Her caricature persona uncovers institutional fears that straddle, cross over, and rupture socio-political borders. Highbrow linguistic academics find themselves at a loss for words to address, define, and deal with the glaring limelight of Trixie Mattel. Exit, stage right for standard English literature, and enter center stage, the discourse of Gen X, Y, and Z.

Girl’s Life magazine cites the comic character Ms. Marvel (Kamala Khan), who states that “[t]here is no normal. There’s just us and what we do with what we’ve been given… And if what you’ve been given isn’t like what the people around you have been given, do the world a favor and make the most of sharing everything that’s uniquely you with the rest of us.” (Roberts 2022) Trixie Mattel is the embodiment of this statement in more than the proverbial nutshell.

A recent conference held by the Sociolinguistics of Pop Culture (March 30-31, 2023) states, “Pop culture… in its diverse manifestations, is a ubiquitous phenomenon where the linguistic sign interacts with other modes of communication.” Trixie Mattel herself is a “diverse manifestation,” an “ubiquitous phenomenon,” and a living “linguistic sign” that not only “interacts with other nodes of communication,” she talks to – or, rather, yells at! - historical standards of scripting the self, forcing the gazing audience to directly and without apology contend with identity signifiers in an ambivalent space outlined and colored by her glamorous lipstick.

Kian Bakhtiari states that "[a]nti-social algorithms, [t]he abundance of [digital and media] information creates a poverty of attention. Finite time makes attention the most valuable commodity in the world… Social media is no longer a social experience; we have migrated into personal entertainment bubbles. There’s no shared space for public discourse and healthy disagreement. The outcome is deep divisions within democratic societies… [there’s] no room for collective memory because, unlike traditional media, we are not all experiencing the same thing at the same time" (2023).

More than a social phenomenon, Trixie Mattel is a dialectic pop icon rewriting the homogenous linguistic platform in a dynamic performative context. The lingua franca of Gen X, Y, and Z provides the necessary sociolinguistic tools to teach those who do not know what they need to know about their own discipline and its interconnectedness with social-cultural expression.

Alan Lechusza

Trixie Mattell’s revolution of dragxploitation is not a negative view of queer or drag culture. Rather, dragxploitation is the dynamic epicenter of drag culture that re-positions previous cultural norms. Dragxploitation is a constructed expressive reality that embodies a positive light, accurate articulation of how performing identity touches grass (read: grounds the attention of the moment) by reframing contemporary slang and pop vernacular. It’s giving (read: just great or an awesome vibe) to realize how Trixie Mattel has broken through the firm socio-political wall, smashing politically correct ideology and drawing attention to the currency of queer and drag culture. Trixie Mattel scripts an era (read: modern era) through her performative representations and updates definitions of previous unspoken cultures - drag, queer - and the sexualization of the body politic. There’s no denying that Trixie Mattel slays (read: takes advantage of a situation and restates by one’s own definitions) pop culture assumptions of gender. She provides a counter to the American culture eye of queer politics and further slays even the broadest incorporation of drag reality, all with those whipping eyelashes.

Trixie Mattel is not one who fell off (read: left out of the public view), resides as a gatekeeper (read: functions in the control of the knowledge and reference of culture), or does a bad take (read: presents an issue or reference that is assumed to be inconsistent with standard cultural norms) in producing a positive – and quite loud – reference of queer and drag culture and identity. She flips the script on being private, not secret (read: one who is secure being alone while displaying references of themselves in a voyeuristic manner). Embracing the exclusive norms of a patriarchal social society, Trixie Mattel plunges her style into this cultural pool, not being secret nor private, but rather being upfront, direct, serious, and firm about who she is, what she states, and what she presents. Inverting assumed masculine signifiers, Trixie Mattel resituates contemporary pop culture into a situationship (read: an uncomfortable in-between zone where the references are not certain of their time-honored positions). These current sociolinguistic Gen X, Y, and Z terms are not the lone epistemologies of youthful discourse. Trixie Mattel exemplifies the pulse of these phrases and how they each talk back to structured language. Trixie Mattel is someone who is rizz (read: has great charisma… super engaging… [with a superstar] knack for charming others). “Slang… [is understood as] words or phrases that have a cultural definition that is different from the literal definition.” (Shorelight 2023) Current sociolinguists remain wedded to historical, literal definitions of words and phrases. Through academic re-reading and forced rhetorical re-structuring, sociolinguists make a bad take (read: miss the mark or understanding of a point) when it comes to modern slang. “[S]lang changes constantly… where the meaning of certain word combinations is… different from their literal meaning.” (Shorelight 2023) This is the necessity of grasping the vast character traits and dynamic array of Trixie Mattel, as exemplified through her drag queen identity. Trixie Mattell’s works ensure that Iykyk (read: If You Know, You Know) and if you Dkwydk (read: Don’t Know What You Don’t Know). There’s no literary middle ground within Trixie Mattell’s performance expose. Though she may appear to be just another outlandish drag queen, it’s through her work, representation, and dragxploitation that Trixie Mattel captures the core relevance of what modern sociolinguists have been trying to do with their understanding of slang vernacular. By reviewing any image or work by Trixie Mattel, it’s obvious how she eloquently points to a necessary discourse, the need for updated knowledge, and direct open attention to embrace her extravagant glorified persona, regardless of the words she does or does not speak. Trixie Mattel disturbs and dismantles the American pop lexicon one hip twist and blown kiss at a time. “Ya feel me?”

[hornkneebee]

🌻Hello, nice to meet you!🌻

Before you engage further with my blog, please read this post to further understand about me, my stance and my belief. I will not tolerate debate over what I accept and believe. Unless I am part of a discussion or argument, I will ignore any form of communication that tries to debate about my belief and will blatantly blocked anyone that doesn't respect my wishes after being warned.

It is imperative for you to read this post, lest you'd be surprise to see any unwarranted content on your feed.

Disclaimer: I advised against reading this post on my own blog and instead, just read it on Tumblr itself. The post somehow broke when read through my own blog, causing some words appear incorrectly (coloured text not coloured, for example). You can reach it here.

🌻My Fan fiction Masterpost | My Twitter | My Bluesky🌻

🌻What is my name and what you can call me?

My name is Hornkneebee, but you may also refer me by my other aliases; Madukara.

🌻What is my age?

I'm in my early 20's (20 to 25 year old) and hence, my content may reflects as such.

🌻What pronoun(s) do I use?🌻

You may refer me with; ➼ He/Him ➼ They/Them

🌻My interests and my hobbies?🌻

Throughout the time I've been lurking in the internet, I had developed so many love in so many interests or hobbies, naming a few include; ➼ Language and linguistics ➼ History ➼ Anthropology ➼ World building ➼ Writing ➼ Gaming

🌻What language(s) I can speak?🌻

Aside from English 🇬🇧, I am proficient in Bahasa Melayu 🇲🇾 and may be able to understand Bahasa Indonesia 🇮🇩. Currently, I'm trying to study 한국어 🇰🇷 (I could only able to read Hangul, not yet to understand them).

🌻What game am I playing?🌻

I've been juggling a lot of different game, but am currently active on; 🎮 Genshin Impact ✨🍃 🎮 Honkai Star Rail 🚂☄️ 🎮 Alchemy Stars ⚗️🌟 🎮 Cookie Run Kingdom 🏰🍪 🎮 Reverse: 1999 ⌛⛈️ 🎮 Punishing Grey Raven 🐦‍⬛🦠 🎮 Arknights ⚔️ Otherwise, I also play with; 🎮 The Sims (primarily Sims 2) 🟢 🎮 Stardew Valley 🐔 🎮 Spiritfarer ⛴️ 🎮 Let's School 📚 🎮 Coral Island 🪸

🌻Show I have watched, watching or planning to watch?🌻

Show I have watched; ✅ Merlin BBC ✅ Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood ✅ Ranking of the King ✅ Little Witch Academia Show I am watching; ⏯️ Fairy Tail ⏯️ How to get away with murder ⏯️ Nation Z ⏯️ Black Summer ⏯️ Gurren Lagann ⏯️ The Waling Dead Show I'm planning to watch; 📝 Attack on Titan 📝 Codename: Kids next door 📝 Mob Psycho 100, Season 3

🌻Pertaining to Proshipping, Antishipping and Fancop?🌻

I'm a proship/profic, hence, I will engage, create or share contents that are themed over it. If you're uncomfortable with proship contents in general, this is my warning for you to leave my space and block me if you can. Additionally, puriteens or fancops that engage with me will be blocked!

more info, please refer to: Proship, Puriteens, Fancops

🌻Is my blog minors friendly?🌻

I am outright saying this to you all; this blog is not minors friendly. Meaning, the contents that I engage with or create will sometime be around adult themes or themes that are seen as problematic. Thus, minors are advised to NOT engage with me beyond just reblogging posts that they like that are innocent.

🌻Is my blog a queer safe space?🌻

Yes. My blog is a queer safe space and I will ensure that the posts that I engage or create are queer friendly. In addition to this, because this blog is queer (and so am I), queerphobes should see themselves out!

🌻Is my blog a muslim safe space?🌻

Generally, yes. But I am rather critical of Islam and Muslim as a whole due to personal experience with Islam and the Muslim community (especially conservative Muslims). If you could not bare to see Islam or Muslim being criticised by me or posts that criticised Islam or Muslim, you may block me. That being said, I am advocator of Muslim's right to exist and understand how Muslims are discriminated outside of the Islamic world.

🌻Do not interact list🌻

Please do not interact with me if you're; 🚫 Racists, Racial Supremacists 🚫 Zionists, Pro-Israel 🚫 Conservative 🚫 Very religious 🚫 Sexists 🚫 Queerphobes 🚫 TERFs 🚫 Antishippers, Fancop, Fanpol 🚫 Minors 🚫 MAPs, Zoos!!!

Sources: TERFs, MAPs, Zoos

🌻Postface🌻

Again, I must remind you that my blog is my space, and you should respect my rules that I have set upon this blog. If you find anything about my blog uncomfortable, disgusting or upsetting, I am not going to argue with you to justify my point of view. You can always block me, unfollow me (and make me unfollow you), or not engage with my block at all. Additionally, over time, this post might be edited to update with my current stance or add more questions that will give you a general view about me as a person.