Re: What is it we are saying in our languages?

From: "Sally Caves" <scaves@...>
Sent: Monday, July 03, 2006 4:23 PM
Subject: Re: What is it we are saying in our languages?

> Hi, Carsten.  Let's see, here are some snippets from my
> original message:
>
> "what I want to pose in this thread is the extent to which
> we focus on *language* as creative or *message* that is
> creative.  Or both.  In other words, what are we saying
> that is unique in our languages, and how do our languages
> help us *say* something that the world can hear--
> or deem unique?"
OK. Thanks.

> I'm trying to get away from discussions of innovative
> structure to focus on innovative expression and idea, so
> mode of expression is relevant.
As you already explained in an earlier mail in this thread.

> I'm responding as I said to the "tinkering vs. creativity"
> thread.  Did you read any of that?
I confess I haven't yet. I have downloaded the essay, but
just haven't had a look at it yet.

> The focus there was on stretching the limits of what
> language can do and say--structurally, I think.  Given
> that we develop such an innovative language, or not, what
> it is we ultimately say or write in said languages that is
> creative or poetic, or noteworthy, perhaps because of
> structure but perhaps even more because of lexicon and
> idiom?  "How do our languages help us *say* something that
> the world can hear or deem unique?"
OK. I think I have understood now.

> I sincerely wanted to know what people do with their
> languages (on websites or in private).
Yes, it's true that we have more about Linguistics here
on the list than about the actual *use* of our conlangs.
Jörg mentioned that as well a while ago.

> Not at all, Carsten!
Heh, thanks ;-)

> That's what I mean.  I have some of the same problem, and
> I'm trying to correct that.  To think of the Teonaht
> expression first, and not write it in English first, is a
> goal of mine.  I wonder what would happen to my writing if
> I were to start it in a language of my own creation, and
> conversely, what would happen to Teonaht.  How would it
> develop, how would I be able to say things that are
> uniquely expressive in that language only?  The process is
> starting, since I've worked on it for so long, but it has
> a long way to go.
I see. So you basically asked yourself how to get more in
depth with your conlang -- how to get actual Life into it? A
curious side note on that: Some guys over on the ZBB, most
prominently Halyihev and Tsiauk-Pron (sp?), managed to
become very fluent in their conlangs, they use them for
basically anything private, like our Jim Henry. They said in
that thread that it sometimes feels strange for them to use
English IIRC ... I.e. they managed to become "quasi-native
speakers" of their conlangs.

Carsten

--
"Miranayam kepauarà naranoaris." (Kalvin nay Hobbes)
Venena, Rayam 15, 2315 ya 09:00:08 pd

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