Analyze the impact of language changes.

Do your OMGs and LOLs have you sometimes srsly forgetting how to write in proper English? If so, you may not be alone. Texting is on the rise, and changing the ways people interact with language. For some high schoolers today, abbreviations like those above have likely been a part of their vocabulary since they learned to write a five-paragraph essay.

TED, the conference that united people from the worlds of Technology, Entertainment and Design for the first time in 1984, continues to captivate diverse audiences around the world.

Where did spoken language come from? Join Josh and Chuck as they go back in time to follow the hunting exploits of Tuk-Tuk, a hungry homosapien who evolves a primitive language. Tune in for new episodes of the Stuff You Should Know animated series every Monday!

View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-did-english-evolve-kate-gardoqui What is the difference between "a hearty welcome" and "a cordial reception"? In a brief, action-packed history of the English language, Kate Gardoqui explains why these semantically equal phrases evoke such different images. Lesson by Kate Gardoqui, animation by Ben Tobitt.