Information Research Weblog

Chasing down a reference recently, I happened upon the 'Language Corner' of the Columbia Journalism Review. Back entries are available in two printable lists. Here's a sample:

Unlike the distinctly unlovely use of 'reference' as a verb (CJR, July/August 2006), the figurative use of 'resonate' is effective and apt. But it became painfully popular as the century rolled over; a nice metaphor has been cheapened.
'Resonate' means to sound strongly and deeply, or to echo, pleasingly or otherwise. And our word makes for a fine, versatile metaphor, meaning ring a bell, strike a chord, make a strong impression, have a lasting impact, be memorable, and so on.
And on:

'But it takes a Byrne, Rushdie or Fellini or Dali to make the details resonate'.
'What is important is that the Teen-age Mutants resonate so strongly with the kids'.
'The songs resonate to her own experience'.
'When people see the big company letterhead, it resonates well'.

But enough — and that’s the point. 'Resonate' is trite. We should let it rest awhile.

and

Some distinctions between similar words need to be maintained because they’re useful; examples abound in the archives of this font of wisdom. Here’s another: the distinction between 'historic' and 'historical.' In the phrase 'Chile, Bolivia’s historic enemy,' the choice was unfortunate. By hoary consensus, 'historic' has been reserved for events of great moment, like the Battle of Yorktown or the Emancipation Proclamation. To describe a longtime pattern, like Chilean-Bolivian enmity, or for any variation on the broad notion 'relating to history,' the job is best done by 'historical.' Different words for different meanings. Useful. (CJR September/October 2004)

Not at all useful is the insistence among the finicky (including this traveler at one time) that 'advisor' is a misspelling, an ignorant back-formation from 'advisory,' and that only 'adviser' is correct. 'Advisor' is ubiquitous, and it was not surprising to find 'became a valued advisor' in a historical (not historic) work of impeccable pedigree. So we should pick a spelling (CJR prefers 'adviser'), stay with it, and relax.

It's good to know that there's a small voice of reason in journalism in the USA, although the battle against the linguistic barbarism of current academic writing will probably be a long one