“Starting Out ” [Reflection on Book The Loom of language, by Frederick Bodmer and Lancelot Hogben (ed), 1944 (pp. 17-21)]

A simple spreadsheet make to handle this,
For particles and pronouns are the key
To Europe’s many ways to think and speak,
When you send words through Internet to me.

Along the side, list particles – two groups:
The first, essential (learn these cold at first);
The second, not so common, (recognize
Them as that class, from which deep meaning bursts).

Then add the pronouns – (that rounds out the list);
Across the top ten languages, two groups –
Romance, Teutonic – feeder streams to us;
Learn all at once – much easier that route.

For tongues evolve, thus patterns we will see,
And recognize these words for what they are –
One-third of all that’s spoken, put pen;
Efficient way to take it in, by Gar!

So Lord, that says those words give power new
To other words we learn as time moves on;
Bless us with ways to hop across that wall,
Converse with other groups, and sing their songs.

Thanks Lord for this.

Navigation