#language

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#culture

How to say a beautiful 'hello' - inspired by philosophy from non-English speaking cultures

English greetings reflect a culture of informality and politeness, often lacking genuine concern.

Halving violence against women is not enough | Brief letters

Setting targets like halving violence against women raises concerns about the remaining victims, suggesting a need for complete eradication instead.

Opinion | Yiddish Is a Language That's Thrillingly Alive

Yiddish remains a living language with significant speakers in America, especially in ultra-Orthodox communities, contrasting mainstream perceptions of its decline.

Babies Aren't Meant For Putting Down

The Italian word bombolotto evokes a joyful, communal affection for cherubic children in Naples, emphasizing cultural norms around admiring and interacting with babies.

I Hate To Break It To You, But There's A 99% Chance You've Been Saying These Extremely Common Words And Phrases Wrong Your Entire Life

Understanding idioms enriches communication and captures cultural nuances, reflecting how language evolves alongside society.

What does 'steez' mean? The teen slang, explained

The term 'steez' is experiencing a revival among Gen Z and Gen Alpha, emphasizing personal style and authenticity.

How to say a beautiful 'hello' - inspired by philosophy from non-English speaking cultures

English greetings reflect a culture of informality and politeness, often lacking genuine concern.

Halving violence against women is not enough | Brief letters

Setting targets like halving violence against women raises concerns about the remaining victims, suggesting a need for complete eradication instead.

Opinion | Yiddish Is a Language That's Thrillingly Alive

Yiddish remains a living language with significant speakers in America, especially in ultra-Orthodox communities, contrasting mainstream perceptions of its decline.

Babies Aren't Meant For Putting Down

The Italian word bombolotto evokes a joyful, communal affection for cherubic children in Naples, emphasizing cultural norms around admiring and interacting with babies.

I Hate To Break It To You, But There's A 99% Chance You've Been Saying These Extremely Common Words And Phrases Wrong Your Entire Life

Understanding idioms enriches communication and captures cultural nuances, reflecting how language evolves alongside society.

What does 'steez' mean? The teen slang, explained

The term 'steez' is experiencing a revival among Gen Z and Gen Alpha, emphasizing personal style and authenticity.
moreculture
#word-games

Sunday Puzzle: Can you guess these words from these phonetic clues?

The phonetic puzzle challenges participants to combine sounds with letters to create new words or phrases.

Word Game: Dec. 11, 2024

Challenge readers to find 30 words in 'ordeal' while following specific rules.
The game encourages critical thinking and creativity in word formation.

Word Game: Jan. 3, 2025

Exploring creativity and vocabulary through word games can enhance linguistic skills and offer entertainment.
The carillon is a unique musical instrument comprising fixed bells controlled from a keyboard.

Word Game: Nov. 6, 2024

Kilderkin is a unit of measurement, prompting players to explore creative vocabulary within a structured format.

Sunday Puzzle: The license plate game!

Players must think creatively to find words with specific letters in order.
Engaging challenges like these promote fun and cognitive activity during travel.

Review: Lok' offers another avenue to explore word play

Word games, though not mainstream, offer accessibility and depth, as showcased by Lok, which blends basic rules with increasingly complex gameplay.

Sunday Puzzle: Can you guess these words from these phonetic clues?

The phonetic puzzle challenges participants to combine sounds with letters to create new words or phrases.

Word Game: Dec. 11, 2024

Challenge readers to find 30 words in 'ordeal' while following specific rules.
The game encourages critical thinking and creativity in word formation.

Word Game: Jan. 3, 2025

Exploring creativity and vocabulary through word games can enhance linguistic skills and offer entertainment.
The carillon is a unique musical instrument comprising fixed bells controlled from a keyboard.

Word Game: Nov. 6, 2024

Kilderkin is a unit of measurement, prompting players to explore creative vocabulary within a structured format.

Sunday Puzzle: The license plate game!

Players must think creatively to find words with specific letters in order.
Engaging challenges like these promote fun and cognitive activity during travel.

Review: Lok' offers another avenue to explore word play

Word games, though not mainstream, offer accessibility and depth, as showcased by Lok, which blends basic rules with increasingly complex gameplay.
moreword-games

Biodeutsch: Why this is Germany's ugliest word of the year

The term 'biodeutsch' insinuates racial superiority among Germans and promotes discrimination against those with migration backgrounds.

Prescriptive and Descriptive Information Architectures

The choice between prescriptive and descriptive language affects website/app usability and user understanding.
#puzzles

Sunday Puzzle: Searching M.A.P.s

The theme centers around two-word phrases starting with 'MA-' and ending with 'P-'.

Sunday Puzzle: Familiar three-word phrases

The article presents an on-air challenge involving familiar phrases that start and end with 'S', encouraging creative thinking.

Sunday Puzzle: Searching M.A.P.s

The theme centers around two-word phrases starting with 'MA-' and ending with 'P-'.

Sunday Puzzle: Familiar three-word phrases

The article presents an on-air challenge involving familiar phrases that start and end with 'S', encouraging creative thinking.
morepuzzles

Why not give Sir New Prime Minister a break? | David Mitchell

The article discusses the absurdity and limits of puns in political humor, questioning their effectiveness and impact on language.

Reading Aloud

The Harvard Sentences serve as a phonetic tool for testing speech technologies, highlighting the connection between speech, poetry, and human interaction.
#education

In Defense Of Intelligence

Criticism of standardized language and mathematics reflects a deeper ideological battle against intelligence and expertise.
The backlash against elites indicates a growing trend of rejecting knowledge in favor of populist sentiments.

I'm Not Questioning Your Intelligence, But Most People Don't Know These 49 Facts (But They Probably Should)

Interesting and lesser-known facts can improve knowledge and understanding of commonly misunderstood subjects.

R.F. Kuang's Babel, one of our favorite fantasy books, is just $2 on eBook

The students at Babel face a moral dilemma between embracing imperialism for personal gain or resisting it for a greater cause.

In Defense Of Intelligence

Criticism of standardized language and mathematics reflects a deeper ideological battle against intelligence and expertise.
The backlash against elites indicates a growing trend of rejecting knowledge in favor of populist sentiments.

I'm Not Questioning Your Intelligence, But Most People Don't Know These 49 Facts (But They Probably Should)

Interesting and lesser-known facts can improve knowledge and understanding of commonly misunderstood subjects.

R.F. Kuang's Babel, one of our favorite fantasy books, is just $2 on eBook

The students at Babel face a moral dilemma between embracing imperialism for personal gain or resisting it for a greater cause.
moreeducation

From gestation' to gentle': across Europe, why do we talk about parenting in English? | Olga Mecking

Becoming a mother can feel as challenging as moving to a new country, as it involves learning new customs, languages, and parenting terminologies.
#word-game

Word Game: Dec. 5, 2024

'Locution' highlights the significance of specific expressions in effective communication.
Words must adhere to strict rules in the word game to ensure fair play.

Word Game: Dec. 7, 2024

The word 'ephemeral' signifies something that lasts for a very brief period, highlighting the transient nature of certain experiences.

Word Game: Dec. 23, 2024

The game fosters vocabulary building by challenging players to derive multiple words from 'YOUNGER.'

Word Game: Nov. 22, 2024

Players can derive numerous valid words from 'gristle' while adhering to specific game rules.

Word Game: Nov. 12, 2024

Globulin is a versatile protein found in both plant and animal tissues, essential for biological functions.

Word Game: Jan. 4, 2025

Participants are tasked with finding 56 words from the letters in 'GENERATE', adhering to specific rules regarding word formation and letter count.

Word Game: Dec. 5, 2024

'Locution' highlights the significance of specific expressions in effective communication.
Words must adhere to strict rules in the word game to ensure fair play.

Word Game: Dec. 7, 2024

The word 'ephemeral' signifies something that lasts for a very brief period, highlighting the transient nature of certain experiences.

Word Game: Dec. 23, 2024

The game fosters vocabulary building by challenging players to derive multiple words from 'YOUNGER.'

Word Game: Nov. 22, 2024

Players can derive numerous valid words from 'gristle' while adhering to specific game rules.

Word Game: Nov. 12, 2024

Globulin is a versatile protein found in both plant and animal tissues, essential for biological functions.

Word Game: Jan. 4, 2025

Participants are tasked with finding 56 words from the letters in 'GENERATE', adhering to specific rules regarding word formation and letter count.
moreword-game

It's Cold Outside. Don't Forget Your Goobalini.

The term 'goobalini' refers to a knit winter hat, rooted in the Italian-American culture of northern New Jersey.
from www.nytimes.com
3 weeks ago

Opinion | The Best Sentences of 2024

Language can restore hope and joy in times of despair, showcasing human ingenuity and sensitivity.
#cultural-insights

Let Me Tell You a Dirty Little Secret About Die Hard

The Die Hard movies feature German villains, but their dialogue often doesn't reflect real German language.

Swedish word of the day: paltkoma

Paltkoma describes the tiredness after a hearty meal, reflecting the impact of traditional Swedish food on culture and language.

Let Me Tell You a Dirty Little Secret About Die Hard

The Die Hard movies feature German villains, but their dialogue often doesn't reflect real German language.

Swedish word of the day: paltkoma

Paltkoma describes the tiredness after a hearty meal, reflecting the impact of traditional Swedish food on culture and language.
morecultural-insights
#social-media

Out pop star Troye Sivan slams straight people who use "twink" as a slur - LGBTQ Nation

Troye Sivan calls for straight people to stop using the term 'twink,' asserting it belongs to the LGBTQ+ community and its misuse perpetuates slurs.

'Demure' named Word of the Year after trans influencer's viral meme

'Demure' named Dictionary.com's word of the year after a viral TikTok by Jools Lebron significantly increased its usage.

The 10 most-searched SLANG words in UK - do you know what they mean?

The top searched slang terms in Britain reflect the dynamic nature of language, with 'gaslighting' leading searches significantly.

Out pop star Troye Sivan slams straight people who use "twink" as a slur - LGBTQ Nation

Troye Sivan calls for straight people to stop using the term 'twink,' asserting it belongs to the LGBTQ+ community and its misuse perpetuates slurs.

'Demure' named Word of the Year after trans influencer's viral meme

'Demure' named Dictionary.com's word of the year after a viral TikTok by Jools Lebron significantly increased its usage.

The 10 most-searched SLANG words in UK - do you know what they mean?

The top searched slang terms in Britain reflect the dynamic nature of language, with 'gaslighting' leading searches significantly.
moresocial-media
#mind

Managing the Mind

The conscious mind is heavily influenced by unconscious processes, complicating the idea of free will.

This year's Spanish Scrabble champion? A man who can't speak Spanish.

Nigel Richards won the Spanish Scrabble championship despite limited Spanish skills, highlighting the extraordinary potential of the human brain.

Managing the Mind

The conscious mind is heavily influenced by unconscious processes, complicating the idea of free will.

This year's Spanish Scrabble champion? A man who can't speak Spanish.

Nigel Richards won the Spanish Scrabble championship despite limited Spanish skills, highlighting the extraordinary potential of the human brain.
moremind
#history

Watch your language

Journalists must be vigilant about word choice to maintain the humanity of those they report on, especially regarding immigration.

PODCAST: Send in your questions for special episode of Talking France

Submit your questions about various aspects of France for a special year-end episode.

Watch your language

Journalists must be vigilant about word choice to maintain the humanity of those they report on, especially regarding immigration.

PODCAST: Send in your questions for special episode of Talking France

Submit your questions about various aspects of France for a special year-end episode.
morehistory
#cultural-identity

The Messiness of Black Identity

Capitalizing identifiers like 'Black' promotes recognition of cultural identity and unity among people.

Scotland has always been multilingual': new Scottish makar Peter Mackay

Peter Mackay emphasizes the power of poetry to connect cultures and languages, celebrating his role as Scotland's youngest makar.
He expresses surprise at becoming makar, highlighting the significance of continuing literary traditions in Scotland.

Bonus: Learning British Slang With Matt Helders of the Arctic Monkeys

The episode explores British slang with guest Matt Helders, showcasing unique terms and their meanings in a fun, engaging manner.

25 Phrases And Mannerisms That Automatically Reveal Which State Someone Is From

Regional dialects can create amusing misunderstandings.
Personal experiences with language reveal connections to cultural heritage.

19 People Shared The Things That Make Americans Stick Out Abroad, And I'm Cackling

Many people feel self-conscious about being American when traveling abroad due to stereotypes.
Some American traits, such as friendliness, are positively perceived by foreigners.

Chappell Roan, semaglutide and Kamala Harris: the most mispronounced words of 2024

Correctly pronouncing names is important for identity and representation, as emphasized by public figures and cultural discussions during 2024.

The Messiness of Black Identity

Capitalizing identifiers like 'Black' promotes recognition of cultural identity and unity among people.

Scotland has always been multilingual': new Scottish makar Peter Mackay

Peter Mackay emphasizes the power of poetry to connect cultures and languages, celebrating his role as Scotland's youngest makar.
He expresses surprise at becoming makar, highlighting the significance of continuing literary traditions in Scotland.

Bonus: Learning British Slang With Matt Helders of the Arctic Monkeys

The episode explores British slang with guest Matt Helders, showcasing unique terms and their meanings in a fun, engaging manner.

25 Phrases And Mannerisms That Automatically Reveal Which State Someone Is From

Regional dialects can create amusing misunderstandings.
Personal experiences with language reveal connections to cultural heritage.

19 People Shared The Things That Make Americans Stick Out Abroad, And I'm Cackling

Many people feel self-conscious about being American when traveling abroad due to stereotypes.
Some American traits, such as friendliness, are positively perceived by foreigners.

Chappell Roan, semaglutide and Kamala Harris: the most mispronounced words of 2024

Correctly pronouncing names is important for identity and representation, as emphasized by public figures and cultural discussions during 2024.
morecultural-identity

Opinion | Who Are You Calling You Guys'? Everyone, Actually.

Language, particularly pronouns, plays a crucial role in shaping identity and social dynamics in contemporary society.
#mental-health

Oxford names 'brain rot' as 2024's word of the year

Oxford University Press announced 'brain rot' as the Word of the Year for 2024, representing the decline in mental engagement due to online content.

Oxford's Word of the Year Is Brain Rot'

Oxford's 2024 Word of the Year, "brain rot," symbolizes concerns over mental degradation due to digital overload, especially among youth.

Oxford names 'brain rot' as 2024's word of the year

Oxford University Press announced 'brain rot' as the Word of the Year for 2024, representing the decline in mental engagement due to online content.

Oxford's Word of the Year Is Brain Rot'

Oxford's 2024 Word of the Year, "brain rot," symbolizes concerns over mental degradation due to digital overload, especially among youth.
moremental-health
#social-commentary

The Real Problem With Emoji

The evolution of emoji from simple symbols to nuanced representations complicates communication.

Opinion | To Put It Bluntly

The use of euphemisms in the justice system obscures responsibility and implications of crimes committed.

You've got a great new product for dogs' bottoms? That's nice but please don't call it a revolution | Nell Frizzell

The word 'revolution' is increasingly commodified in advertising, losing its significance.

The Real Problem With Emoji

The evolution of emoji from simple symbols to nuanced representations complicates communication.

Opinion | To Put It Bluntly

The use of euphemisms in the justice system obscures responsibility and implications of crimes committed.

You've got a great new product for dogs' bottoms? That's nice but please don't call it a revolution | Nell Frizzell

The word 'revolution' is increasingly commodified in advertising, losing its significance.
moresocial-commentary

A 'lynch mob' did not come for Matt Gaetz, but the phrasing remains powerful

Words must be used carefully; misusing terms like 'starving' and 'lynch mob' can distort serious societal issues.
#linguistics

Sunday Puzzle: Two of the same

Identify a famous American whose name contains four identical consonants and has a total of eight letters.

Words of the year: maybe I'm delulu, but these don't seem like words people actually use

Words of the year often lack genuine usage outside niche communities, as evidenced by their absence in crossword puzzles.

Everyday Philosophy: Do emojis help or hurt our language?

Emojis complicate communication, provoking a discussion on whether they enrich or impoverish language use and understanding.

What Bridezillas Can Tell Us About English

English can create new terms by combining prefixes and suffixes without strict rules.
The suffix '-zilla' originated from 'Godzilla' and has a few notable usages.

"When Life Gives You Lemons..." And 19 Other Phrases You May Or May Not Know The Second Half To

Anapodoton allows the main clause to be inferred from a subordinate clause, enabling concise communication.

Sunday Puzzle: Two of the same

Identify a famous American whose name contains four identical consonants and has a total of eight letters.

Words of the year: maybe I'm delulu, but these don't seem like words people actually use

Words of the year often lack genuine usage outside niche communities, as evidenced by their absence in crossword puzzles.

Everyday Philosophy: Do emojis help or hurt our language?

Emojis complicate communication, provoking a discussion on whether they enrich or impoverish language use and understanding.

What Bridezillas Can Tell Us About English

English can create new terms by combining prefixes and suffixes without strict rules.
The suffix '-zilla' originated from 'Godzilla' and has a few notable usages.

"When Life Gives You Lemons..." And 19 Other Phrases You May Or May Not Know The Second Half To

Anapodoton allows the main clause to be inferred from a subordinate clause, enabling concise communication.
morelinguistics
#literature

Suggested in the Stars by Yoko Tawada review a linguistic odyssey

Tawada's 'Suggested in the Stars' challenges readers' perceptions of reality through a playful exploration of language and identity in a globalized context.

Sarah Smarsh on Capturing the Richness of Working-Class America

Smarsh's literary influences shape her understanding of rural poverty and the complexities of language in storytelling.

Suggested in the Stars by Yoko Tawada review a linguistic odyssey

Tawada's 'Suggested in the Stars' challenges readers' perceptions of reality through a playful exploration of language and identity in a globalized context.

Sarah Smarsh on Capturing the Richness of Working-Class America

Smarsh's literary influences shape her understanding of rural poverty and the complexities of language in storytelling.
moreliterature
#politics

The Orwell Exception

Clear language is crucial to maintaining political integrity, but its effectiveness is challenged in the current political climate.

Cavell and the Grammar of Politics

Cavell connects language and politics, arguing that the social contract is based on shared criteria rather than explicit agreements, enabling both acceptance and critique.

The Orwell Exception

Clear language is crucial to maintaining political integrity, but its effectiveness is challenged in the current political climate.

Cavell and the Grammar of Politics

Cavell connects language and politics, arguing that the social contract is based on shared criteria rather than explicit agreements, enabling both acceptance and critique.
morepolitics

Sunday Puzzle: A puzzle for [B][RO]s

This week's puzzle features compound words starting with B- and ending with RO-.
#accents

The New York Accent Is The 2nd Sexiest In The Entire Country

New York's accent is the second sexiest in America, just behind the Southern accent, according to a new social listening study.

Ok, but why do certain languages spoken with American intonations sound exactly like Simlish?

Accents can transform languages into something humorous and relatable, such as making Japanese and French sound like Simlish.

The New York Accent Is The 2nd Sexiest In The Entire Country

New York's accent is the second sexiest in America, just behind the Southern accent, according to a new social listening study.

Ok, but why do certain languages spoken with American intonations sound exactly like Simlish?

Accents can transform languages into something humorous and relatable, such as making Japanese and French sound like Simlish.
moreaccents
#journalism

In Gaza, Language Is All We Have Left | The Walrus

Journalism requires language stripped of opinion; however, the censorship of narratives regarding Palestine poses substantial challenges for journalists.

Umberto Eco's List of the 14 Common Features of Fascism

A core challenge for journalists today is maintaining accurate language as euphemisms dilute significant meanings in political discourse.

In Gaza, Language Is All We Have Left | The Walrus

Journalism requires language stripped of opinion; however, the censorship of narratives regarding Palestine poses substantial challenges for journalists.

Umberto Eco's List of the 14 Common Features of Fascism

A core challenge for journalists today is maintaining accurate language as euphemisms dilute significant meanings in political discourse.
morejournalism
#communication

Apple Adds AI Writing to iPhone 16 for Texts, Emails | Entrepreneur

AI's ability to write poses challenges for authentic human expression.
Concerns grow around the erosion of culture and language due to reliance on AI for writing.
Tech companies market AI features that assist with writing tasks.

Why Do Animals Talk?

Animal communication differs fundamentally from human language, and expecting similarities is misguided.

She's not just Mum'. She's my mum and she does have a name | Adrian Chiles

Possessive determiners enhance connection when discussing family, and their absence can feel impersonal, especially in sensitive contexts.

Asking Eric: Should I correct my girlfriend's cringey errors of speech?

Consider your girlfriend's feelings before correcting her language.
Communication is about understanding one another, not just correctness.

20 "Big" Words That Can Make You Sound Smarter

Using complex vocabulary can enhance perceived intelligence but risks misunderstanding if not fully grasped.

Apple Adds AI Writing to iPhone 16 for Texts, Emails | Entrepreneur

AI's ability to write poses challenges for authentic human expression.
Concerns grow around the erosion of culture and language due to reliance on AI for writing.
Tech companies market AI features that assist with writing tasks.

Why Do Animals Talk?

Animal communication differs fundamentally from human language, and expecting similarities is misguided.

She's not just Mum'. She's my mum and she does have a name | Adrian Chiles

Possessive determiners enhance connection when discussing family, and their absence can feel impersonal, especially in sensitive contexts.

Asking Eric: Should I correct my girlfriend's cringey errors of speech?

Consider your girlfriend's feelings before correcting her language.
Communication is about understanding one another, not just correctness.

20 "Big" Words That Can Make You Sound Smarter

Using complex vocabulary can enhance perceived intelligence but risks misunderstanding if not fully grasped.
morecommunication
from The Philosopher
3 months ago

"Reclaim or Let Go?": Isabelle Laurenzi reviews The Joy of Consent by Manon Garcia and The Feminist Killjoy Handbook by Sara Ahmed (Keywords: Desire; Feminism; Emancipation; Conceptual Engineering)

Words can be redefined to create spaces for alternative lives and challenge injustices.

You Don't Need Words to Think

The relationship between language and thought is complex, with some cognitive processes occurring independently of language.
from The New Yorker
3 months ago

How Scientists Started to Decode Birdsong

Bird communication, particularly in geese, can be more nuanced than previously understood, revealing complex social structures and interactions.
#word-puzzle

Sunday Puzzle: The 'Pits' puzzle

Engaging word puzzle requires participants to identify two-word phrases with specific starting letters.

There's A Secret Fifth Group In Today's NYT Connections That'll Trip You Up Even Worse Than "Real" Or "Way"

Today's Connections puzzle challenges players to correctly group words by their shared themes, emphasizing careful consideration of word meanings.

Sunday Puzzle: The 'Pits' puzzle

Engaging word puzzle requires participants to identify two-word phrases with specific starting letters.

There's A Secret Fifth Group In Today's NYT Connections That'll Trip You Up Even Worse Than "Real" Or "Way"

Today's Connections puzzle challenges players to correctly group words by their shared themes, emphasizing careful consideration of word meanings.
moreword-puzzle
#theater

Jake Gyllenhaal and Hans Ulrich Obrist put language into action

Language in performance impacts reality by transforming the written word into embodied expression.

Review: Bilingual 'Paradise' pulls back the curtain on picture-perfect Puerto Rico

The play 'Paradise' skillfully weaves Spanish and English to explore Puerto Rico's socio-political landscape.

Jake Gyllenhaal and Hans Ulrich Obrist put language into action

Language in performance impacts reality by transforming the written word into embodied expression.

Review: Bilingual 'Paradise' pulls back the curtain on picture-perfect Puerto Rico

The play 'Paradise' skillfully weaves Spanish and English to explore Puerto Rico's socio-political landscape.
moretheater

You Weren't Born Yesterday, But These 27 Obvious But Often Unknown Facts Might Make You Feel Like You Were

Learning fun facts is an engaging hobby that stimulates curiosity and provides humorous revelations about everyday knowledge.

Learning Spanish: How to order a beer in Spain

In Spain, beer is the most widely consumed alcoholic beverage, and regional variations in ordering terms enrich the local experience.

Why Irish names are tongue-twisters for English speakers | Seamas O'Reilly

A new baby, Sadhbh, has entered the family, bringing joy and challenges around the pronunciation of her name.

The Threads Come Together: Interpretation, Language, Lists, Graphs, and Recursion | HackerNoon

Interpretation links language, recursion, and cognitive processes in AI, highlighting the depth of human-like interaction versus the limitations of early AI.

The Real Thing: witty and revealing battle of love and language

Stoppard's The Real Thing intricately explores love, infidelity, and language through clever meta-theatrical elements and nuanced character dynamics.

Opinion | What if I'm the Friend' Donald Trump Referred To?

Trump's oratory style, termed 'the weave,' reflects a complex method of connecting multiple ideas within a speech.

"Poem Never to Be Read Aloud"

Words often fall short of our experiences and desires, yet we strive to articulate them.
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