Classical and Modern Languages

Communication is what community does. Language is one method by which members of a community communicate. Embedded in languages are the ways in which individuals and groups of people frame their worlds, experience reality and express themselves to others.

Language is a subtle and complex instrument. B.U.'s Dr. Ken Bessant made an interesting observation that we must be cautious about shifting our method of writing and expressing ourselves as we move on in life because such methods of expression are historically formed throughout our lives, as are the methods of those who would have us change, and those histories are always very different.[] Dr. Richard Rounds noted also that reading smoothness of text based work is often subtly interrupted if too many quotations are used by an author. We sense the shift in cadence in each author's "voice" as it weaves in and out of such a text. [] Since living in the north, I have noticed the wider use of passive voice in Cree speakers of English than of native speakers, as they speak "Cree in English" (or "Creenglish"). My guess is that my own increased use of passive voice comes from living in a culture where the passive voice was so prevalent, just as I tend to look down as I approach people, even after having it pointed out to me by Ed Pasap, a Lakota elder, who said "that's Cree, we look 'em right in the eye"[].

The learning and examination of languages, classical and modern, is rich with blessings and insights, as we try on another people's frame of reference and see life through a new set of glasses.

Further Resources :Modern Languages

Further Resources : Classical Languages

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