an online book by David Gurteen
Gossip is informal talk or rumors about others that can be both positive (praise) and negative (criticism). It can create social bonds and provide entertainment but also spread false information and harm reputations.
Gossip consists of rumors or other information about the personal or private affairs of others. Gossiping is the sharing of gossip. Gossip often circulates within social groups and may serve social functions such as bonding, norm enforcement, or the sharing of reputational information. However, gossiping has often been viewed negatively by societies throughout history.
Credit: Wikipedia - gossipOne man spread a rumor about another. He later felt regret and went to the rabbi to ask how to make amends. “Go to the store and buy a bag of seeds,” said the rabbi, “then go to a big open field and scatter the seeds into the wind. Do so and report back to Continue reading How to Make Amends for Derogatory Speech Unknown
In this book Grooming, Gossip, and the Evolution of Language, psychologist Robin Dunbar looks at gossip as an instrument of social order and cohesion — much like the endless grooming with which our primate cousins tend to their social relationships. Select a countryAustraliaAustriaBrazilCanadaChinaCzech RepublicEgyptFranceGermanyGlobalIndiaItalyJapanMexicoNetherlandsPolandSaudia ArabiaSingaporeSpainTurkeyUAEUnited KingdomUnited States As an Amazon Associate, I earn Continue reading Grooming, Gossip, and the Evolution of Language by Robin Dunbar (1996)
Numerous words or phrases describe the varied forms of conversation and speech. This page lists some of the more common ones in alphabetic order. Continue reading The Language of Conversation and Speech Meanings of words describing conversation and speech
Lashon Hara, or harmful speech, is a longstanding Jewish prohibition with deep ethical roots. While many cultures condemn lies, this law goes further—truthful but damaging words are also forbidden. The challenge today is how to honour that principle while still addressing wrongdoing, injustice, and difficult truths responsibly. Continue reading Lashon Hara Jewish religious term for derogatory speech
An interesting conundrum arises when considering the Jewish religious law forbidding Lashon Hara (speaking derogatorily about someone) and building social trust through gossip. Why would Jewish religious law consider gossip bad while anthropologists consider it good? Continue reading Gossip and Lashon Hara Conversation about other people
