- By Jim Evans
- Entertainment
Print 
Smart TalkSMART TALK by Dr. Viva Palaver
DIALOG: As staff psychologist at the Institute for the Linguistically Impaired, I have the extra burden of not only counseling doctors under enormous stress but also taking criticism for my own linguistic impairment.
Last week, for instance, I suggested that we dialog about a matter. You should have heard the howls about my use of psychobabble.
My colleagues are right. (I might use the psychobabble equivalent and say the I own it, but I won't.) Even though we've been pressing nouns into service as verbs at least since Shakespeare, I should have suggested that we talk about it, or discuss it.
Once, I suggested open dialog. Almost in unison, the doctors shouted, "As opposed to closed dialog?" I never said that again.
I actually love my job, because I keep learning.
----
v6i3