XML Topic Maps: Creating and Using Topic Maps for the Web

Language

Language is precious. Although we often take it for granted, it is one of our greatest riches. Further, it is clear that thought and language are inexplicably intertwined. Language exerts a powerful effect on the meanings that humans create, express, and transmit. It also influences human perceptions, understandings, feelings, and values. Language ultimately facilitates or impedes our chances of survival [Postman 1970].

Neil Postman is an author and media scholar, currently the head of the Culture and Communication Department at New York University and professor of Media Ecology. He has written 18 books and many articles on language, media, and culture. In one of his books [Postman 1982], he writes that changes in communication styles ...