I just finished reading Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. It’s on my list as a book I was to read as a child, but I didn’t read it then – I read it now.
My take away from this book, is realizing the utter lack of language skills we have today; especially those used in everyday conversation. I will say, those Little Women had some splendid chinwags.
Generally speaking, our vocabulary sucks in comparison. For example, if you are able (without getting sick) listen to the president of the United States. He uses the same 12 unimpressive words, every time he speaks. Honestly, I seriously doubt he can read, and if he can, he doesn’t.
I held a FB contest asking people for new words.
These contests are fun, and I did learn from it — but more than anything, I was offered big words. Words we don’t and won’t use in everyday conversation, unless we are doctors, drug makers or food creators.
Of the following words, is there one you might use in conversation?
Perfidy, Floccinaucinihilipilification, Callipygian, Nemophilist, Agitos.
I spent some time with Marian on Bowen Island last week. I love spending time with her for many reasons. Marian is funny, extremely talented, and oh so, very interesting. She is also one of the smartest people I know, and I know A LOT of smart people. She also effortlessly, tossed in one of those words as we spoke!
I can honestly say, that at some point in every conversation, I interrupt Marian, to ask for clarification, of a particular word, she used. Her vocabulary is staggering!
She challenges me to stretch my vocabulary as well. I love it. And, good friend that she is, she has never made me feel stupid, when I struggle. (I do that on my own.)
Our friends, Ed and Marsha, in Campbell River, hosts an adult spelling bee, through the Elder College over there. What a fine way to learn new words!
When I first thought about starting a writing practice; the piece of advice I was given more than any, was to read. Read, read, read. I thought I would be told to write, write and write.
Today, I understand how reading, and consorting with others who read, is paramount to unlocking just about any puzzle.
I also think that not reading, is but one, of the many reasons, tRump is such an atrocious lummox.
You are too kind, my dear. A few years ago I realized that my way of writing-as-speaking (as I’m doing now) is a little bit antiquated, slightly wordier than most, and upon wondering why I realized that it’s from all those old novels I read as a teenager—Bronte, Austin, Hardy, Dickens …. reading really does change your brain!