Americans are smarter than ever. Only a year ago, we were all searching for our most recent map to find out where Afghanistan was. Most folks are now able to carry on a semi-intelligent conversation about the Israel-Palestinian conflict, and some people have even formed their own opinions about invading Iraq. Global awareness and knowledge of international relations are at a seemingly all-time high. Don't believe me? Here are a few words and phrases nearly unheard of in August 2001, yet are common today.

The war in Afghanistan has exploded on the language scene with new, ominous sounding words. Arabic words are a bit difficult for English mouths to form. The most popular new words seemed to require very little tongue-gymnastics, and tend to be of the one- and two-syllable variety. Until a year ago, very few people knew how to pronounce jihad or fatwa, much less know what they meant. Even the fashion world garnered a new word when burkas appeared to the Western television viewing audience.

Dirty bombs and suitcase bombs are two types of weapons of mass destruction. Al Qaeda members who consider using them may find themselves classified as detainees at Gitmo. Homeland Security was locked in place and the Patriot Act took center stage. Airline security became all the rage. Air Marshalls are now on the beat in the skies, profiling passengers for potential shoe bombers.

The Israel-Palestinian conflict has resurrected old words like incursion, occupation and settlements. These older phrases seem almost comfortable when compared to homicide bomber, or suicide bomber, if you prefer.

Anthrax mailings have their own new words to add to American vocabulary. Becoming a "Person of Interest" had been a good thing until this year; now it can mean you sent something bad through the mail or are associated with child abductions. Small towns' police chiefs are becoming TV stars with each Amber Alert issued.

Even the corporate world is not immune to the ever-changing face of the English language. Enron executives used all their energies to come up with new recipes for cooking the books. After this financial feeding frenzy was over, Congress put the phrase "Corporate Responsibility" on the menu.

Yes, we are a much smarter world now. The English language continues to evolve to reflect the times we live in. The year 2002 incorporated words of awareness, vigilance and war. Perhaps 2003 will bring words of peace and enlightenment.