How to Make Your Writing Memorable | Mark Forsyth

Tech Influence

The evolution of language has been significantly influenced by technology, particularly through texting and platforms like Twitter. David Perell and Mark Forsyth discuss how these mediums have made written communication more informal and conversational, akin to spoken language 1. Forsyth notes the rapid change in word meanings, highlighting how terms like "troll" and "spam" have evolved drastically over the years 1.

Everything's getting more casual, and words change very quickly.

--- Mark Forsyth

This shift towards informality reflects a broader trend where writing has become a primary mode of communication, reshaping how we express and perceive language 2.

   

Historical Slang

Historical slang offers a unique lens into the cultural and historical contexts of different eras. Mark Forsyth shares his fascination with old slang dictionaries, which encapsulate the lives and experiences of people from various periods, such as World War I soldiers or 18th-century highwaymen 3. These dictionaries reveal how language evolves to reflect societal changes and the everyday realities of the time.

You invent words for the things of your life.

--- Mark Forsyth

Forsyth emphasizes that slang not only captures the essence of a particular era but also serves as a historical record of the human experience 2.

   

Slang Dictionaries

Slang dictionaries play a crucial role in preserving the nuances of language evolution. David Perell and Mark Forsyth explore how these dictionaries offer insights into the past, capturing the vernacular of different communities and times 3. Forsyth highlights the importance of these resources in understanding how language adapts and transforms, often reflecting broader cultural shifts.

A world is contained in a dictionary like that.

--- Mark Forsyth

These dictionaries not only document linguistic changes but also preserve the cultural heritage embedded in language, offering a window into the lives of those who came before us 1.