The New Yorker Finally Embraces Modernity
In 1971, the world saw the first email being sent while Richard Nixon held the office of the presidency. A lot has changed since then, including a groundbreaking invention that has evolved into an essential means of communication. Fast forward to today, and even one of America’s most respected magazines, The New Yorker, has updated its copyediting guidelines to reflect more modern internet-related language.
Historically, The New Yorker had a conservative approach to its style, often using terms that seemed outdated. Phrases like “e-mails,” “in box,” and referring to “the Internet” via “web site” characterized its writing style for decades. Now, the publication has made an effort to refresh its language to be more in line with contemporary usage. This change signifies an effort to stay relevant in an ever-evolving digital landscape, where language is fluid and continuously changing.
The shift in style guidelines came about during a secretive meeting among The New Yorker’s editors in January, which also included input from former copy editors. Andrew Boynton, the magazine’s Head of Copy, documented this editorial gathering and the discussions that ensued over potential stylistic changes. These discussions mirrored conversations that occur in news organizations, where editor engagement is crucial for shaping coverage.
During this editorial rendezvous, it was acknowledged that while some traditional quirks in language would remain—such as stylistic forms like “teen-ager” and “per cent”—certain more modern terms were deemed acceptable for change. Boynton noted that reactions to these adjustments would likely vary; some readers may see the updates as a necessary modernization, while others may view them as a departure from traditional grammatical intricacies.
While adopting some contemporary styles, The New Yorker will retain its unique touch with the diaeresis, a stylistic choice that involves spellings like “coöperative” or “reënergize.” This choice distinguishes the magazine’s approach to language and allows it to maintain its traditional charm, appealing to its dedicated readership. Identifying and understanding the difference between diaeresis and umlaut might seem trivial to the general public, but for The New Yorker’s community, it symbolizes a deep-rooted commitment to linguistic precision.
This modernization isn’t unique to The New Yorker; many publications have their own distinctive style practices. For instance, in a notable change just last year, TechCrunch, among others, adopted the Oxford comma, sparking a mix of delight and surprise. Such revisions reflect larger trends in media, where clarity and relatability in language play critical roles in engaging with readers.
As technology and culture evolve rapidly, it is crucial for written publications to adapt accordingly. The New Yorker’s recent updates reveal an understanding of this need to embrace change while holding onto the aspects that define its identity. The challenge lies in balancing tradition with modernity, and in that vein, The New Yorker is stepping forward into the current age with a wider acceptance of the ways we communicate in our increasingly digital world.
