Caliann the Elf <calianng_graves at yahoo.com> wrote... > I have to agree that the English Language is large, ponderous and unweildy. > It could stand to be whittled down into something more efficient. When was > the last time anyone used the word "druthers" as a synonym for "choice"? > Actually, when was the last time anyone used the word "druthers" when it was > not precluded by the words "Give my..." or "If I had my..."? > > Then again, new words do come into the language. Being a computer geek for > a living, I do not believe I could live and without many of the new words and > acronyms. Most "new words" are usually ones that have been taken form other languages or are old words with new meanings. Occasionally there are words that are compounds of existing words but the German language does that all the time anyway. > Besides, I am rather fond of the word "squick". I never realized how much > that word was necessary to my lifestyle until I learned it. Now it is a > regular part of my vocabulary. Useful word! You won't find it in the > dictionary.....yet. As long as you're only using the word and not practicing it : http://www.mich.com/~pnsnv/othershit/squick.html > There is a point to this, which is that I DO feel that English can use a lot > of help. It could be streamlined into what is actually USED. I'd like a > dictionary that didn't have the name of a piece of harness used for draft > horses in the 1200's. A "modern use in vocabulary" dictionary. The language IS streamlined. The vocabulary of your average newspaper is aimed at an 8-year-old. Published dictionaries will only use common to rare words. For archaic words and definitions you need an encyclopaedic dictionary or an expanded multiple volume edition. Your average Pocket Dictionary is not going to contain "aventaille" or "hastif". However if you check a dictionary for Middle English you'll probably find them. Language is not static. Sethra seems to have a remarkably modern grip on her language for someone who learned to speak 20,000 years ago! > As for Shakespear, I adore Shakespear, but the language has changed in many > ways since then. I am sure thee knowest of what I speak, forsooth. <pedant> It's spelt Shakespeare </pedant> > Perhaps these changes are good, perhaps not. I do know I have not read > anything in Shakespear that describes what I do for a living. <chuckles> True. But I doubt very few people would be able to *comprehend* Shakespeare's life from a modern point of view. Baralier -- If you steal from one person, it's plagiarism. If you steal from many, it's research http://members.optushome.com.au/velvetspyder Costumier & Reprobate