Kuuk Thaayorre

Link For the newest edition of the Language Explorers Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljNkBk3cKWw

Language and Imagery in Discussing Language

It is fascinating to know that there are currently around 6500 languages being spoken around the world today. The sad truth is, however, that close to half of those are already endangered or near extinction. This shocking revelation was brought about by my recent indulgence in an article in time magazine written by James Geary where he discusses different examples of dying languages and the different ways language has been utilized throughout history.

As I was reading I suddenly realized the detail and care that Geary took with his use of language specifically towards this topic. He took advantage of the English language and included the use of imagery to convey his thoughts on the topic in question. Immediately from the start, it is clear that he is against the erosion of languages. In order to characterize this and convey this, he used words such as diaspora, shrinking and same when discussing, globalization and the way languages are becoming extinct. These words carry a negative connotation thus indicating the author's views. He also portrays the importance of language using metaphors and imagery. At one point, he forms a comparison between languages and living things and species. This effectively creates an emotional connection between the readers and the topic causing them to care. The phrase that communicates this best is when Geary states that “Any language is as divine and endless a mystery as a living organism.” This quote directly impacts the reader as it uses words such as divine and mystery which creates a vague and foggy yet magical image in their minds that they want to see more clearly. This idea continues when he then introduces a quote by Brazilian native language authority, Aryon Rodriguez, “The world is a mosaic of visions” and that each language is a piece of mosaic and with each extinction of a language a piece of the mosaic is lost. This again gives the reader the impression of an incomplete image and an emotional reason as to why they should care and be interested. Finally, even the use of the word extinct when referring to a language no longer spoken surrounds the reader with feelings of guilt and attention

Overall the reading was highly enjoyable and enlightening and James Geary utilized linguistic choices brilliantly to communicate the importance of language.