One of the things I love about linguistics is that there are soooo many different aspects of it to look at; language acquisition isn't my main thing, but it can be kinda fascinating, especially second language acquisition.

Actually, linguistic play (i.e. making up words) can be an excellent part of aquiring language—plays on words, repetition, rhyming, etc. all help familiarize a young child with word structure and syntax.

This is a good summation:

Not really true; studies have shown that "baby talk" does serve a useful linguistic purpose in infant acquisition of language. Once they're past infancy, that's a whole 'nother ball of wax.

Also, that WSJ article uses Kathleen Turner as an example of vocal fry, which I don't think is accurate. A woman with a deeper or huskier voice is not the same as someone who uses vocal fry in their speech.

Yes. Yes, she is.

Excellent reackles.

Who do I snoogle first?

I think the one on the left is just stoned.

It's not animated, but here ya go. Use it as you will.

I spent all day today looking at reports of domestic violence fatalities, so I totally needed this. And lots of more this-like things. Unamused corgies help chase the ick away.

I am super happy about your perfect gif action, but...I'm so confused by the comment approval system. Or non-system. Are you a magical, pre-approved commenter or something?

You own four pairs of pants that fit you? Color me envious, and I'm not even pregnant.

Perhaps there should be some sort of matchmaker site that matches up fashion-savvy fat girls with formerly-thin-now-preggers girls. Because these all sound like mostly your basic "how to shop for plus-size" problems.

Why? Because you are MISSING THE POINT. Maybe take just a moment from the woe-is-me-I'm-so-smart-and-have-all-the-answers routine, and stop and think about what people are trying to tell you.

"Your rambling, incoherent statement perfectly captures everything that is wrong with ignorant, confident people. You know nothing, but you still talk. It's embarrassing."

Are you being deliberately obtuse? Of COURSE Islam is not a race. But the stupid fact is that many, if not most, USians equate Islam with Arab and/or darker skin. THUS RACISM IS COMPLETELY AND 100 PERCENT RELEVANT.

"those bimbos" and "vulgar"

"Mass production means that they became so cheap to produce that now they are no more than headbands with a feather stuck on with a glue gun"