"تعلمون أيضا أن في شكل الكلام تغير"

The idea here is that the way we speak—our language, our expressions, everything—changes over time. It's like how fashion trends shift with the seasons, or how technology evolves at a breakneck pace. Language isn't any different. It's fluid, constantly transforming as we adapt to new circumstances, cultures, and advancements.

Now, let's set the scene a bit. This quote is from Geoffrey Chaucer's "Troilus and Criseyde," written in the 14th century. Back then, English was undergoing massive changes. Old English was giving way to Middle English, and you can imagine how confusing that might have been for people. It’s like trying to read Shakespeare without any notes—it’s still English, but it’s a struggle!

Think about the internet and texting today. Just a decade ago, 'LOL' and emojis were not as ingrained in our daily chatter. Now, they're almost indispensable. It’s not just about slang either. Consider how phrases like "Google it" or "Zoom call" have become part of our lexicon. A vivid example of this in practice: the term 'selfie' didn’t even exist in the early 2000s. Fast forward to now, and it’s not only a word but a whole cultural phenomenon. People across the globe take and share selfies. It's a snapshot that captures more than just a moment; it encapsulates the evolution of how we communicate.

So, what should you do with this nugget of wisdom? Embrace the change. Don't get too attached to the way things are now, because they will shift. Be open to learning new words, new phrases, new ways of speaking. It'll not only keep you relevant but also enrich your understanding of the world and the people in it.

Let's put this into a story. Imagine you’re chatting with your grandparents. They might tell you about how they used to call their friends on a rotary phone or how 'tweet' was something only birds did. Fast forward to a family gathering where your little cousin is explaining how they "snapped" a friend. Your grandparents might look confused—just like how Chaucer’s audience might have felt as language evolved around them. This generational gap shows language's dynamic nature and how it mirrors our lives, molding itself to fit the times.

In this context, storytelling becomes a bridge. You can explain to your grandparents what Snapchat is, while they narrate their own stories of party lines and handwritten letters. Through these conversations, you see the threads of change weaving through generations. It’s a hands-on history lesson—not from a textbook but from life itself.

So next time you encounter a new word or phrase that seems strange, think of it as a signpost of change. Dive into it. Use it. Share it. Language is our living history, a diary of our collective experiences. And just like any diary, it’s always worth flipping a few pages back while being excited about the blank ones ahead.