Whose font is it, anyway?

When I decided to set up this blog, I agonised over which fonts to use for the headings, blog posts etc. No, I really did. But why? Does the type of font you use say something about you as a person - does it affect how you gauge a business' credentials? How did different fonts come into use? I am fascinated about these aspects of language. If you are too, it may be worthwhile listening to the BBC Radio 4 programme, Book of the Week, which explores the history of the font and the people responsible for them via Simon Garfield's new book Just My Type. 


You can listen to this programme - and others in the series - via BBC i-Player (follow the link above).

Are you a writer? Do you dream of becoming a journalist..?

Why not enter The Guardian's blogger competition for student writers: tell them how you think higher tuition fees will change student behaviour. More details can be found by following this link.

Closing date: 4th December, 5pm

Language and Gender

Next week (w/c 7th November), AS English Language students will be looking at theories and concepts related to Language and Gender as part on their Unit 1 Presenting Self exam topic. Those students who would like a comprehensive introduction to this topic, should head to the Emagazine - English and Media Centre - website and view the emagclips featuring Professor Deborah Cameron - an eminent academic of language and gender at the University of Oxford. Catch these short videos whilst you can! (also available via Coulsdon's library pages - following the link on Moodle).

AS Language students would be wise to remember that their first Moodle assessment is due on 14th November and will involve researching theories and concepts related to Language and Gender - this would certainly be an excellent place to start...

RIP RP

With a little help from Emagazine - well, their Facebook page to be precise -  I have recently discovered an excellent language website by Alison Ross called RIP RP. AS and A2 English Language students may already be familiar with this name as Alison is one of the authors of your Edexcel Student Book and is an Edexcel examiner (for those of you who have looked at child language acquisition transcripts and recordings, Alison also goes under the guise of Techno nanny..!)

Alison's website is still in its infancy, but it looks really interesting as it focuses on news and issues related to language study. Upcoming topics include idiolect and non-fluency features - and information related to Unit 2 of English Languge (coursework) which we will focus on in the summer term.

TOWIE: It's educational (linguistically speaking, of course...)

It's official. Watching TOWIE can be educational - or certainly insightful - from a linguistic perspective. A recent article in The Sun discusses TOWIE in relation to dialectal difference and the casts' use of spoken language. The article is written by Paul Kerswill, a professor of sociolinguistics at Lancaster University; you can read it here:
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/features/3885529/TOWIEs-dialect-continues-a-lengthy-linguistic-tradition.html

AS English Language students will be studying 'Language and Region' after the half term break, as part of their exam unit, Presenting Self (section B).

Reminder: AS English Literature study day

Just a reminder to all AS English Literature students that the Edexcel study day takes place on Monday 21st November. Adrian Price has sent out a letter to all students with details of the event and timings. If you would like to attend, please speak to your teacher ASAP after the half term break, so your place can be reserved.

It costs £19 and you should bring your money along to the Finance Office before 14th November.
(Transport is free if you are able to meet us at East Croydon station at 09.45am.)

Michael Sheen plays Hamlet

A new adaptation of Hamlet opens on 28th October at the Young Vic, starring Michael Sheen as the tortured protagonist. Read his interview below:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/culture/2011/oct/23/michael-sheen-interview

The play runs until 21st January 2012