ONLINE RESOURCES

Analyzing language use in context Using language in public
  • Megan Washington: Why I live in mortal dread of public speaking
    TED description: "Megan Washington is one of Australia's premier singer/songwriters. And, since childhood, she has had a stutter. In this bold and personal talk, she reveals how she copes with this speech impediment—from avoiding the letter combination “st” to tricking her brain by changing her words at the last minute to, yes, singing the things she has to say rather than speaking them."
  • Susan Cain: The power of introverts
    TED description: "In a culture where being social and outgoing are prized above all else, it can be difficult, even shameful, to be an introvert. But, as Susan Cain argues in this passionate talk, introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the world, and should be encouraged and celebrated."
  • Julian Treasure: 5 ways to listen better
    TED description: "In our louder and louder world, says sound expert Julian Treasure, "We are losing our listening." In this short, fascinating talk, Treasure shares five ways to re-tune your ears for conscious listening — to other people and the world around you."
Gender and Language Communicating and relating electronically
  • John McWhorter: Txtng is killing language. JK!!!
    TED description: "Does texting mean the death of good writing skills? John McWhorter posits that there’s much more to texting — linguistically, culturally — than it seems, and it’s all good news."
  • Stefana Broadbent: How the Internet enables
    On the "democratization of intimacy" - are we returning to an old pattern of how relationships were maintained while at work?
    TED description: "We worry that IM, texting, Facebook are spoiling human intimacy, but Stefana Broadbent's research shows how communication tech is capable of cultivating deeper relationships, bringing love across barriers like distance and workplace rules."