Language as a Game

When I opened up the readings for tomorrow's class, I was not surprised to see a reading by Lippi-Green sitting in the folder. I am currently in a linguistic class entitled "Language and Discrimination". Therefore, not only have I read a lot of Lippi-Green, but I have also discussed these linguistic issues at length. After rereading what Lippi-Green had to say about the Linguistic Facts of Life, I went to the other reading, "Speech Play and Verbal Act".

In Chapter 3, Sherzer claims that "play languages are one of the most common forms of speech play". He then goes on to talk about Pig Latin, and other familiar forms of speech play. This got me thinking about my childhood. I will never forget the time I sat in my third grade classroom and three of the kids around me starting talking “Gibberish”. I was so confused at the time and did not know what was going on.

For those of you that did not have this childish experience, here is a video on how to speak Gibberish:

Anyways, what was most interesting to see, was that in my third grade classroom, speaking gibberish started to create a sense of hierarchy. This new, made up language (which was actually just entirely based on English), gave those students who could speak it an upper hand. For example, people would tell each other "secrets" out loud if only the people they wanted to hear knew how to understand Gibberish and the people that they didn’t want to hear could not.

Those students that never learned to speak it, myself included, were put down and eventually considered to be the minority. However, in time, almost everyone learned how to speak this new language in my third grade class. This put pressure to find something new, which led to the start of the use of "Pig Latin". The same cycle appeared with Pig Latin as it did with Gibberish.

What is most interesting to see, is how quickly these new, invented languages, adapted to the people around me in my third grade world. It was so easy for these new play languages to become a "fad" and then shortly die out being replaced by something else. All students wanted was something that could make them "better" than the rest of the students, something that gave them more power, something that allowed them to "win". From this, I could see how speaking a language is like playing a game. The better you are and the more you practice, the higher chance you have to "win" and succeed.

Sports and the Search for Respect

Respect. It's something each of us demands, but how do we go about earning it? For me, sports has always been crucial in earning the respect of my peers. In sports, there is no bullshitting. You either have the talent to play a sport, or you don't; therefore you have no way to hide behind excuses or blame others. Your play on the field/court is in someways a reflection of your personality. Are you the tough cat who is willing to give the extra 2% necessary for victory, or are you the weakling who shrinks in the face of competition, and worse yet openly shows your fear?

For me, Basketball has always been a venue where I've earned the respect of others. Physically I don't particularly stand out. I am of average height and average build. I am also very unassuming. I don't talk much trash, but rather play the game to the best of my ability. Because of my stature, people often take my skills granted and I am not guarded very hard. Everything changes after I begin to make a few shots. My defender realizes that I am talented and that my game must be respected. In many ways, my experience on the court translates into life outside the court.

Nothing about my life particularly WOWS others. I am a smart person, but others are surely smarter. I am a good looking person, but others are surely better looking. I am charismatic, yet others are surely more charismatic. So, in keeping with my basketball mindset, I find inspiration in being overlooked by others. I carry with me the proverbial chip-on-the-shoulder mindset. Regardless of how people view me, I take it upon myself to show other's that my abilities are equal to, if not exceeding, theirs, and that I have earned their respect.

The Madness Begins

Now that we have entered the month of March, I can't help buy comment on the upcoming NCAA Division 1 Men's Basketball Tournament. Tonight, 68 teams will realize their goal of playing in the NCAA Tournament, but only 1 team will cut down the nets in New Orleans. When thinking about March Madness I think back to Steven Garcia's presentation about social psychology. I wonder whether the runner-up feels more upset, disappointed, sad, than the other 66 teams that don't make it to the national championship game. To advance so far, yet fall short of the ultimate goal must be incredibly painful and no other team probably can fully relate, but every team goes through the ups and downs of March, and that is what makes college basketball so much fun.

Every year when tournament time rolls around, I am always amazed by effort and resilience shown by the top teams and players in the nation. Each team enters the NCAA Tournament thinking that they have a legitimate shot to walk away as champions and that makes March Madness so thrilling. There are the upsets and buzzer-beater thrillers, but my favorite part of March Madness would have to be the Mid-Major Cinderella run to the Final Four. Teams like George Mason, VCU, and Butler have given new life to the possibility of small schools making it to the Final Four and possibly winning a national title. As a result, every school enters the NCAA Tournament with the hope and aspiration of winning a title, but when they fall short the disappointment shown on their faces tells you everything you need to know. March for me is all about passion, competition, and an enduring love for the game of basketball. I love March and I can't wait for this year's tournament. Hopefully you enjoy March this year as well. Whether it's your first time or your umpteenth, sit back and get your popcorn ready because its sure to be amazing (1).

(1) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moyIYzV24XI

The Importance of Puppy Play

After listening to Professor Gelman lecture about the psychological need for children to play, it got me thinking more and more about how play is important for every social creature. When I think about my own childhood, the neighborhood kids that weren't allowed to come out and play always ended up being the most awkward. Likewise, people who never walked their dogs tended to have dogs that were aggressive or antisocial. Melinda Wenner's article, The Serious Need for Play, briefly discusses how play is important for animals, such as dogs. When puppies play, they learn the different between a friendly tumble and an aggressive attack. The also learn how to trust. It is not only important for you to play with your dog to build a good relationship, but also for your dog to play with other dogs.

In doing further research, I found that in puppy training websites, such as the guide provided by PEDIGREE, include instructions to socialize your puppy with other dogs before they get too old. Once dogs are socialized, they have fuller lives are and less stressed when they encounter other dogs and people. Also, they are less likely to act out to get your attention like this:

More and more owners are now realizing their pet's need for socialization. There are even play date websites for your puppy now. Play is clearly just as important in animals as it is in humans. In some ways, it is even more important since their interactions with anything beyond the family is unfamiliar and often limited. However, proper socialization, or proper puppy play, can lead to  a lifetime of happiness for your dog.