Discourse
Why "No Problem" Can Seem Rude
Play videoThis video elaborates on the clash between different speakers' interpretations of phatic expressions like "no problem." It cites Dinkin (2017) as one of its sources.
Sonic girls making new words
Play videoThese girls are taking words that already exist and combining them to make a new word with a new meaning.
Jesse Williams' Speech (BET Awards 2016)
Play videoPopular speech upon receiving the BET Humanitarian award. Example of black preacher style by biracial speaker.
Should Holocaust Denial be Criminalized?
Play videoFascinating example of rhetorical devices and traditions at the Oxford Union...Question is whether holocaust denial should be criminalized. Proponents narrow the scope of the debate, opponents broaden the issue well beyond holocaust denial. Also, I love the fact that at the Oxford Union, the speakers are introduced by their opposition in the debate...great device that illustrates the philosophy of this great institution.
The Semantics of "Literally"
Play videoThis clip from the television show Frasier demonstrates discourse over the semantics of the word "literally".
The Language of Maya Angelou
Sociolinguist Anne H. Charity Hudley discusses the linguistic legacy of Dr. Maya Angelou. Although Angelou spoke out against the legitimacy of African American English during the Ebonics Controversy in the late 1990s, Charity Hudley points out her use of many features of AAE, from morphosyntax to discourse. [Published on 05-29-2014]
Hashtags are the new scarce quotes
the various stances that a hashtag can convey, including distance, solidarity, and sarcasm
The Origins of Office Speak
An article that describes the evolution of "office speak" or business jargon, in American English, across the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. [Published on 04-24-2014]
Yo Momma Jokes
Play videoA You Tuber in 2007 demonstrating his best "Yo Momma" jokes.
I use this with the reading: Labov, William. 1972. Rules for Ritual Insults. In Language in the Inner City.
Flavor Flav and Doctor Dre Play the Dozens
Play videoA video from 1988 of Flavor Flav and Doctor Dre trading ritual insults.
I use this with the reading: Labov, William. 1972. Rules for Ritual Insults. In Language and the Inner City.
Anita Hill-Clarence Thomas Hearings
Play videoA clip from the 1991 confirmation hearing of Supreme Court Justic Clarence Thomas, which shows Senator Arlen Specter questioning Anita Hill.
I use this with the reading: Mendoza-Denton, Norma. 1995. "Pregnant Pauses: Silence and Authority in the Anita Hill-Clarence Thomas Hearings."