Faculty Interview

When asked about her take on whether or not literal meaning has falleninto disfavor and disarray in the academic community, Professor Rothrocksuggested that it was more of a case of evolution rather than disarray.According to her, language is an organic, living thing, and that thosewho say it has fallen into disfavor employ the rhetorical situationin a different way than she does. Genuine voice is hindered by rigidity of application, as well as traditional, historical constraints in the absence of the audience and purpose of each communication situation.Language itself has evolved to fit the audience of the situation it isused in. However, rigidity is sometimes required, if the situation callsfor it. Literal meaning is too confining, and the English language and its grammars need to be able to change shape.When asked if it was possible to fix the literal meaning using atextbook or other implements, she said that it needed to be taught in arhetorical sense , with a focus on audience and purpose dictating the style,not in the isolation of a classroom, with all the established rules as the only guide. Language loses power if it is used too literally. Much like politics, it can be seen as tyrannical if the rules are adhered to with such fervor. Language needs to therefore be flexible with each application. She goes on to state that the rules should be learned, and properly applied, but we should be wary of purist views, since language is the tool for communication that people use, and people are likewise organic and evolving.