Researcher finds the word ‘like’ is, like, here to stay

Kirsten Goruk, the Gateway (University of Alberta)

EDMONTON (CUP) — Thirteen years after then-University of Michigan graduate student Jennifer Dailey-O’Cain researched uses of the word “like” in informal speech, it appears the term isn’t going anywhere.

Now an associate professor in the department of modern languages and cultural studies at the University of Alberta, Dailey-O’Cain has found that her research hasn’t lost relevance.

Studies examining the use of “like” are still being conducted, she said, and there are plenty of reasons why.

“It’s an interesting, marked, observable and measurable recent change,” explained John Considine, an associate professor in English and film studies. “Linguists are thinking about language variation through time and from one group to another.”

Considine went on to say that although sometimes frowned upon, the use of “like” fulfills specific functions in language. As with all grammar, “like” follows certain rules.

After Dailey-O’Cain noticed this trend, she became interested in the functions of the word and how it’s used in speech.

Her research was three-fold in design. She used a quantitative approach to look at the actual usages of “like,” allowing her to compare instances where the term was used and where it could be used. She then studied perceptions of its use.

“It wasn’t about how it was actually used, it was how people thought it was used, whether people thought women or men used it more, younger or older people, that sort of thing,” Dailey-O’Cain said.

The final study employed the “matched guise” technique: four people’s voices were recorded, and then two sets of each recording were made — one with the “likes” digitally removed. The four people were given two guises, and test subjects were told there were eight people.

“Then you really know that what they’re reacting to is the “like” and not some other aspect of the person,” she explained.

The listeners were asked about the perceived education levels and friendliness of the people on the recordings, said Dailey-O’Cain.

“The guises were associated with the speakers seeming more attractive, cheerful, friendly and, believe it or not, successful. [But] they also seemed less educated,” she said.

Jessie Loyer, a third-year English student, admits to being guilty of using “like” around her friends, and says she notices when others use it as well.

“If someone in authority, such as a professor, uses “like” too often, I just doubt their authority and look elsewhere for a professional opinion,” Loyer said.

Although Considine hasn’t noticed an overly increased use of “like” among his students or colleagues, he can understand Loyer’s position.

“These new uses of ‘like’ do annoy some people who value the conservative use of English,” he said.

For those who are using “like” in their speech, there’s a perfectly good explanation. As Dailey-O’Cain pointed out, it serves two purposes in our language.

“The first thing it does is it serves as a focuser. It says that the next thing that I say after this ‘like’ is what I want you to focus your attention on,” she explained.

The other is its grammatical function as a quotative; it can be used before quotes, direct or otherwise.

Like it or not, “like” is useful, and Dailey-O’Cain is confident that it will continue to be adapted and endure the test of time.

“One of the things that make this topic so exciting is that language change usually happens quite slowly — you compare generations. But with “like,” it’s happening really fast; it’s changing every three or four years.”