Received: by alpheratz.cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk id AAA01580 (8.6.9/5.3[ref pg@gmsl.co.uk] for cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk from fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk); Tue, 21 Nov 2000 00:51:40 GMT Date: Mon, 20 Nov 2000 16:43:45 -0800 (PST) From: Nathan <nathan@militant.org> To: "'memetics@mmu.ac.uk'" <memetics@mmu.ac.uk> Subject: RE: FW: NOTICE OF REVOCATION OF INDEPENDENCE In-Reply-To: <2D1C159B783DD211808A006008062D3101745B1F@inchna.stir.ac.uk> Message-ID: <Pine.BSO.4.21.0011201615530.3487-100000@shellac.militant.org> Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Sender: fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk Precedence: bulk Reply-To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
I think that the discussion of accents goes a step further. I have
often thought that variations in communication, such as accent and hand
gestures, are probably the most straightforward examples of memes.
The structure of the language (connotation, punctuation, rhythm,
etc) conveys as much as the words themselves ; When I use the word
"plane" or the word "lead" or the word "orange", which one of the objects
do I mean. Or what is the difference between "soda" and "pop"
It is possible, and even common for words do not have entirely
descrete word <---> meaning mappings. There is an interesting correlation
between language and culture.
I lived in England for a about four years when I was younger, and
although I have no accent to speak of, every time I talk to someone with
an accent I find myself slipping into one. I have realized that I try to
adapt my pattern of speach to theirs in order to communicate more
effectively. (at least in my perception)
Given that the greatest impact on accent and word use is cultural,
we can use the features of language to tell what sort of ideosphere
someone comes from. The artifacts of a language give information about the
culture that uses them.
The "taking the mickey" 'meme' for example... the expression is
commonly used and understood in England, and I have yet to find an
American equivilant. (Perhaps this explains some of the gullability of my
countrymen).
that's my $.02 worth
- Nathan
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