This is a lachrymose blog, in case you
do not know what lachrymose means, by all means find a dictionary and look it
up. Go now, I am serious. This blog will
still be here when you get back. I promise.
For
those of you who already know the word, bravo. For those of you who ran off and
found the meaning, commendable and for those of you who did not know and did
not look for it either I will just tell it to you. Lachrymose means mournful or
tearful, now that all of you know what it means let us get straight to what
this blog is about.
As
a student, I encounter the dictionary in an everyday basis, but now I question
myself if whether I paid much attention to it.
I still remember
the first dictionary I had, it was small and red with poor paper quality, and I
rarely opened it until I graduated from elementary and threw it away for a new,
much thicker, and scholarly one. Then again I let it sit on my desk for three
years before I opened it again and realized how much knowledge I missed in all
those years I neglected to even open my rusty old dictionary.
I face dilemmas such as; until
now I do not know all the pronunciation symbols in my dictionary so I always depend on the
Internet to tell me how a particular word is pronounced. I have trouble in my
spelling and my diction is greatly affected because of my poor vocabulary. My hobby, which is reading, is also difficult because I sometimes find simple words to be clueless and I have to repeatedly consult my dictionary.
I
am clearly suffering the consequences of my actions, so I could conclude that
ignoring the "wordy" book should never be in one's to-do list.
Images from: www.Google.com.
I totally agree on your experience with the dictionary since I am also guilty on letting it gather dust on one side of my table. Moreover, I think your introduction is excellent and catches my attention easily.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment.
DeleteThis is the first time I've heard of the word "lachrymose", and I thank you for adding that to the short list of words that I call my "vocabulary".
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I can totally relate to everything you've said! My mom bought me my first dictionary when I was 8. I had no idea how to use it. It was only when I started indulging myself in books that I realized how important it was. Like you, I often find a lot of unfamiliar words when I read, and I have to immediately check a dictionary. It's a good thing I have one on my iPod since it's always there whenever I need it.
It is a good thing that with today's technology we no longer need those thick, heavy wordy books around us whenever we encounter crazy words. I am glad I helped expand your vocabulary.
Delete"I face dilemmas such as; until now I do not know all the pronunciation symbols in my dictionary so I always depend on the Internet to tell me how a particular word is pronounced."
ReplyDeleteThe sentence above caught my attention. When I was younger, I also do not know what is the use of these unfamiliar symbols written right after each word in the dictionary. My English instructor when I was a sophomore student taught us all about these symbols. These symbols are based in the Latin alphabet and it was called International Phonetic Alphabet (also known the IPA). The IPA helps us to:
1.) pronounce a word correctly,and
2.) spell a word properly.
If you want to learn how to use these symbols, there is a page in the dictionary that explains what letter corresponds each symbol and what is their pronunciation.
Thank you Louie for sharing your experience with us. Good job!
Thank you for the information. Indeed, there is a part in the dictionary that shows how those symbols work and sometimes when I cannot connect to the Internet I turn to that page as reference but I find it tiring; maybe I should sometime study those symbols.
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DeleteIt is my pleasure to share what I learned to a friend.
DeleteClearly, you are not alone. I also regret those years I didn't love my dictionary. My uncle even told me to at least read five words a day. Who would read a dictionary everyday at the age of 8? Your introduction is good. As a whole, it was nicely done.
ReplyDeleteI totally relate with what you experienced because whenever I implement a rule that I should learn a new word each day I tend to forget it after a week or two and end up learning a handful of words.
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ReplyDeleteIn my own opinion, the sentences "Go now, I am serious. This blog will still be here when you get back. I promise.", is irrelevant to the first paragraph and unnecessary to say.
ReplyDeleteWhile reading the paragraphs, I was quite confused because you were not able to put the correct punctuation marks in the sentences. You failed to put commas, to be specific, in some parts of your entry that is why I had difficulty in understanding what you really wanted to say.
Nevertheless, I truly appreciate your topic because I also tend to neglect the importance of dictionary. When I was eight, my mother gave me a dictionary as a Christmas present and I was like "What shall I do with this?" I thought that was a ridiculous gift. Anyway, this serves as an eye-opener not only to me, but also to students who are not aware of the usefulness of the dictionary. Your illustrations and introduction also caught my interest. Great job!
I appreciate your comment, I will make sure that I will study punctuation marks so that I will know when or where to place them to make myself clearer. I think I can also understand your sentiment as a young child because obviously one in that age would find it difficult to appreciate a "wordy" book.
Delete"Then again I let it sit on my desk for three years before I opened it again and realized how much knowledge I missed in all those years I neglected to even open my rusty old dictionary."
ReplyDelete"I face dilemmas such as; until now I do not know all the pronunciation symbols in my dictionary so I always depend on the Internet to tell me how a particular word is pronounced."
I agree with Yona. You failed to put proper punctuation marks in some of your sentences. Consider using a comma after the phrase "Then again" and "until now" to set off words or phrases and to avoid confusion.
Truly, a dictionary is of great help to everyone especially to students. It helps us in enriching our vocabulary and in pronouncing the words properly. I hope everyone will realize the importance of a dictionary.
Thank you for the comment, I will always remember to be mindful of the punctuation marks.
ReplyDeleteBravo. You are what you said. After I finished reading this, I asked for more.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I had my first dictionary when I was two! It was a bit weird that she gave me a dictionary when I couldn't read yet because my mom really gave so much effort on things I need to learn. But I opened it rarely and wasted years of learning because I thought it was boring. Good job, Louie! Just remember the punctuation marks.
Wow, a dictionary in the age of two? You are lucky your mom gives so much effort for your early development; I wish all kids have moms like yours so that illiteracy would not be rampant especially among Filipinos, who are known as one of the greatest English speakers in the world.
DeleteAside from the incorrectly placed punctuation marks, this part caught my attention:
ReplyDelete"As a student, I encounter the dictionary in an everyday basis, but now I question myself if whether I paid much attention to it."
Do you not think it is redundant to use "if" and "whether" in the same sentence? To know more about the proper usage of "if" and "whether", I found these sites that may clear things up for you: http://www.grammar-monster.com/easily_confused/if_and_whether.htm
http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/if-versus-whether.aspx
Thank you for pointing out that redundancy in that particular sentence and for suggesting websites that will make me understand my mistake.
DeleteHello Louie! I commend you for a great article. The title is good and catchy and most importantly, the main idea is there. In short, "kumpletos rekados". By the way, just a little brag, I still trust and consult my old Mr. Dictionary whenever I encounter words that are unfamiliar to me rather than surfing the net.
ReplyDeleteI thank you for your generous comment. It is also commendable that your dictionary grew old with you.
DeleteUnfortunately, I am also suffering such consequences. Back to my elementary days, we were instructed to bring a mini dictionary everytime. I rarely opened mine. I am always attacked by laziness whenever I see one. Wish I appreciated its worth back then.
ReplyDeleteGreat job with the introduction.
I think it is not yet too late because we are still young and we could still catch-up our relationship with Mr. Dictionary.
DeleteYour post was much appreciated. Just try to be aware on using the proper punctuation marks.
ReplyDeleteThank you fro appreciating my blog and I really promise to study punctuation marks so that I would not be committing the same mistakes all over again.
Delete"As a student, I encounter the dictionary in an everyday basis, but now I question myself if whether I paid much attention to it."
ReplyDeleteI think it is better if you just used "whether" rather than "if whether".
Dictionary helps me a lot in learning English. When I read books, I always consult Mr. Webster when there are some words that are unfamiliar to me.
This blog taught us to give more importance to our dictionaries. Well done!
Thank you for pointing out that redundancy from that particular sentence, now I would be mindful to never use "whether" and "if" together.
DeleteBack then, I'm not fond of using the dictionary as a reference guide. However, I realized that dictionary is a very useful tool in our everyday life as a student.
ReplyDeleteI like the concept of your blog and it is an eye-opener to me.
I really appreciate that my blog enlightened you on the importance of the dictionary.
DeleteI find your blog very interesting because I also have a poor vocabulary. Just be aware on your punctuation marks. Good job!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind comment.
DeleteYour introduction sound a little unpleasant, because it’s like you’re telling us what to do. I suggest that you state it in a more pleasing way, like suggesting it to the readers instead of directly commanding them.
ReplyDeleteThank you for pointing that out, I did not really intend to sound "commanding" instead I just want the readers to be involved and to convey a sense of urgency and importance in my blog.
DeleteNext time I will try a more pleasant approach so not to make readers misunderstand my goals.
You did it for effect. It's okay. I don't mind it as long as I don't see the technique (or feel the tone) in an academic paper. I understand that this is a blog and that we can't really be too formal with one another.
DeleteYour introduction is indeed very catchy. I commend you for that. Also, the whole content of your blog is interesting.
ReplyDeleteLike most of us, I am not also fond of using dictionary back then. I really regret it when I enter high school.
Thank you for appreciating my introduction. Like I said earlier it is not yet too late too build your bond with the dictionary since we are still young.
DeleteHi Louie! That was a fun introduction, but I do not think it is appropriate for Standard English Writing.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all the points you made. The dictionary plays a huge part of our everyday lives. Thank you for reminding me to make use of it regularly.
Thank you for your comment, maybe next time I will make a more scholarly introduction that may appeal to point of view.
DeleteNot fit for academic writing, true, but the more important issue in this case is that the intro is too long. Having said that, I appreciate Louie's creativity.
DeleteHello Louie! I actually did Google the word, just so you know. The dictionary is one of the greatest inventions of humankind that is overlooked and I can relate to everything you wrote on your blog. Aside from the faulty use of punctuations, I thought your topic and the structure of your entry was great.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your appreciation and I commend you for finding out the meaning of the word I used in my blog.
DeleteThank you Louie for reminding me about the importance of the dictionary. I must admit that I also had the same experience during my elementary days. Good work on making such a very interesting topic.
ReplyDeleteIt is my pleasure to remind people the importance of the dictionary for our lives. Thank you for the appreciation of my blog.
DeleteThat was a great introduction, Louie. Just like you, I am also guilty of ignoring the dictionary and suffered great consequences and embarrassments. Truly, this book could either humiliate or do you proud.
ReplyDeleteThank you for understanding my purpose for the introduction I used for my blog. I also commend you for understanding the importance of the dictionary.
DeleteWith the wrong choice of words, you made your first 2 paragraphs a little bit offensive but it's still a nice blog overall.
ReplyDeleteThank you for appreciating my blog, I think you could help me by pointing out what are the wrong words I chose that made the first two paragraphs a bit offensive.
DeleteFirst paragraph is quite inappropriate, it sounds like you are preaching. However, the intro caught me. Honestly, I rush to another tab, just to do what you commanded. Excellent, friend. God bless!
ReplyDeleteThank you for appreciating my blog , I also commend you for finding out the meaning of "lachrymose". I also think that preaching is not the right word to describe the tone I used for my blog because I am merely conveying my experience in terms of the use of the dictionary. I hope that next time I will be able to make a composition with the right flavor to invoke the reader of my real intentions.
DeleteYour post reminded me of my own negligence in using the dictionary. That's why I have poor vocabulary even though I'm already in college. Just take note of your punctuation marks and slightly revise your introduction, but overall your blog is good.
ReplyDeleteThank you acknowledging my blog and pointing out my mistakes.
DeleteYour topic is very interesting. An eye-opener to me because it reminded me of the importance of the dictionary.
ReplyDeleteThank you for finding my topic interesting.
DeleteIt's interesting how you started this entry.
ReplyDelete"This is a lachrymose blog, in case you do not know what lachrymose means, by all means find a dictionary and look it up. Go now, I am serious. This blog will still be here when you get back. I promise."
But I find that it is inappropriate to start it that way. Because by writing it that way, it gives the entry the tinge of grandiloquence, which lingers till the end. By the way, “grandiloquence” means pompous or bombastic speech.
Nonetheless, you did a pretty good job here and I really like your topic.
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DeleteThank you for your comment; by the way, it is weird that when I was deciding what word will best begin my introduction, grandiloquence and lachrymose were the two words I chose from. Lachrymose, to describe it as mournful or tearful and grandiloquence, to show that this blog is not just a pompous or bombastic entry.
DeletePeople, the entire website is the blog. Our blog. The entries are blog POSTS. Go create your own blog. ;-)
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