Understanding ‘Conversate’
One word that consistently sparks debate among language enthusiasts and critical thinkers alike is ‘conversate’. This lingual gem is often used in casual conversation, yet it’s posed with a cloud of uncertainties. Is it a legitimate word? How is it used? What does it mean? Most importantly – should we be using it at all?
Simply put, ‘conversate’ is an informal colloquialism often used as an equivalent to ‘to chat’ or ‘to converse’. It’s definitely not a traditional word, yet it owns a certain probability of being recognized as one, given its wide understanding and acceptance in various dialects and speeches.
The Myths & Debate: Is ‘Conversate’ a word?
Traditional linguists might argue that ‘conversate’ is not a true English word. This conviction stems from the fact that ‘conversate’ is not found in many prestigious dictionaries. Yet, contrarily, the word ‘conversate’ has indeed made its way into a few recognized dictionaries as an informal or nonstandard form of ‘converse’.
The American linguistic scene is characterized by its accommodating nature which often incorporates slang, local dialects, or jargon into mainstream language. Given this, one could contest that ‘conversate’ does warrant usage in appropriate contexts.
Meaning and Usage of ‘Conversate’
The term ‘conversate’ is predominantly equated to ‘engage in conversation’. It’s primarily used in American vernacular English, especially within African American Vernacular English (AAVE). Let’s delve into a few examples for a more lucid understanding:
- We should conversate about this issue.
- I was conversating with my friend about the movie.
- They often conversate over coffee.
What about ‘Conversating’?
‘Conversating’ is a variant of ‘conversate’, often used as the continuous form of the verb. As with ‘conversate’, its usage has been adopted in non-formal and colloquial conversations. Yet, here too, we should note its ‘nonstandard’ tag. See the term in action:
- He was conversating with her when I walked in.
- We were conversating about the newly released novel.
Should we use ‘Conversate’ and ‘Conversating’?
While ‘conversate’ or ‘conversating’ might have established themselves as part of vernacular language, their usage is considerably situational. They usually have a place in informal conversations, colloquial language, or dialects rather than formal English or academic contexts. If you’re aiming for standard, recognized English, ‘converse’ would be the safer bet.
However, the key here is communication. If ‘conversate’ is widely understood and accepted in a particular community – it does serve its purpose. After all, language is meant to convey messages and not merely to obey rigid rules.
In Conclusion
Thus, the terms ‘conversate’ and ‘conversating’, while nonstandard and somewhat contentious, are utilized in various dialects and casual speech. Their usage primarily depends upon the context, audience, and communicative intent of the speaker.
Whether you decide to ‘converse’ or ‘conversate’, just keep the communication going. Happy talking!
Download CHATMUNK for free to practice speaking in foreign languages