Thursday, May 06, 2010

On Language: Vocabulary Size

What do you think of Ammon Shea's ideas about vocabulary? Do you agree?

1 comment:

Brad said...

I'm not sure, but I think I might be able to put "groak" to use in some way. I hate it when someone "stares silently" at me while I eat. That is, unless it is a dog, where I expect it! Mostly, I admire Ammon Shea's reasonable approach, for what's the point of vocabulary if you can't use it? I had this discussion earlier this term with a student studying from some kind of SAT (or some test like that). To know words for a test is one thing; to know them for use is another. If you get too fancy and technical, many (including we teachers) will get a blank look on our faces!

So, ultimately, I enjoy my vocabulary prowess because "It makes life more interesting," and not because I want to earn more money or pass an esoteric test.