Language

Language evolves over time as new things are introduced and old things fade away. The word "blog" didn't exist ten years ago. "iPod" has become the generic term for any MP3 player. However, if I told you to get off the davenport, you would probably slap me. Words cycle in and out because they have to keep up with the rest of the world.

Your personal language changes all the time, even if you don't realize it. If I started refering to the sofa/couch/divan as a davenport, and Maddie liked the word, she may start using it. Annalee picks it up off of Maddie. Suddenly, three people are saying davenport, so obviously it's a cool word to say. Now everyone is saying "davenport." People pick up on new words all the time, and as more people say them, even more people will start to use them on a regular basis.

In the future, Chicano may become a more standard language in the Southwest. Anglo children will play with chicano children, and naturally it will become part of every day life. However, some of these kids may have parents who do not want them to speak Chicano English. Situations like this cause people to change their language based on their enviornments.

I do not speak to my parents like I speak to my friends. My friends make fun of each other and themselves in ways that an adult may interperate as offensive. Words choices with friends may be a little more blunt, though it's all in good humor. A parent would punish their kid for disrespect if (s)he said to them what (s)he said with friends.

Language is your identity, but like your identity, it changes. No piece of your language is ever entirely left behind, it just adapts to the changing enviornments.