“ ’Cause We’ve Been This Way Before” [Empire Of The Word – reflection on pp. 549-559 – chapter 14] [language series]

It seems, the author commented, at last,
A language learned is picked up rather fast
If it is built on structure underneath
That’s similar, for it’s within our reach.

It doesn’t matter what sub-structure is;
It’s more familiarity – the biz of syntax –
Ways our thought engages mind,
And syntax of new languages we find.

The author has two dozen ’neath his belt;
Linguistics PhD, so they are dealt
With by someone beyond the arm-chair view;
I tend to heed such concepts which are new.

I also wonder how to circumvent
Realities, when I see what is meant –
How does a person find a “work-around”?
Who’s made transitions such – how does s/he sound?

This brings to mind Carl Jung and “Archetypes” –
Sub-structures lodged in cultures, out of sight,
Which manifest long years beyond the fact
Of culture’s crashing – victim of attack.

The mind is such a mystery as place –
“Conceptualism’s” new and working space
(Replacement with big data, story’s flow
At end of life, for “capital” we know).

For author, there’s three things new language needs –
“How easily it’s learned” – with plus for use; “prestige”
As used amongst one’s peers is number two;
And “freedom” which it gives is also cool.

Not every King or government can see
A benefit when language sets one free –
“Free speech” is kept in bounds, now with high tech –
Keeps authors, artists, rebels held in check.

So if those three great pillars of the tongue
Are taken from the scene, that lingo’s done;
For people turn to one of six-K ways
To speak their peace, communicate their plays.

For change is social, in community –
Folks need to speak their worlds so others see
Their thoughts, made concrete in creator’s ways,
And word made flesh through revolution’s days.

We’re in a time of change here on the globe;
We’ve been through this before – right now on hold
As we await the next big thing to break,
And write our songs and novels as we wait.

So “freedom” preaches well, but limits set
Can hinder language usage here, and yet
If one will learn, new vistas open up;
For mixing language fills an artist’s cup.

So thank You, Lord, for Empires of the Word;
Insightful comments in this book I heard –
Both hope, and great despair at language loss –
And challenges ahead, at comfort’s cost.

Thanks Lord for this.

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