I once found a book at a used book store simply based on its title: Women, Fire, and Dangerous Things. It is about linguistics! You may find it interesting. I never got around to reading it and it is probably packed away, but it sounds fascinating to me. Here’s a wiki page on it: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women,_Fire,_and_Dangerous_Things
This sounds like a really interesting book. From the quick info I read from your link, seems the author and I came to the same conclusions. Fascinating! Thanks for sharing, this book is now added to my list.
As a lifelong lover of languages --and happily tri-lingual-- I very much enjoyed reading this. The patriarchy is rooted in language, which manifests and is deeply intertwined with culture and history. How we transition out of the linguistic architecture that evolved with the rise of the patriarchy is still to be seen. I suspect it will take a while as evolution does not happen overnight. By the way, I recently wrote a short essay titled "Nuf Sed" about how language evolution is an organic process. If interested in this subject, please visit my substack.
Agree, the change and evolution will not happen over night. But in your "Nuf Sed" post, you make the point that it does seem to be changing. Of course I would love it to be more, but for that to happen the culture needs to change. So for now, a bit here, a bit there. Love that we wrote on a similar topic! Thanks D.C. BTW, does the D stand for Devin?
I really appreciate this post, Julie. Thank you. Ahh, the limits of the English language!!!
The Liminal. The cross over places. The magic thresholds. I wonder at times are these places only for the heart and soul?!
These thresholds are sacred and maybe there are really no words in the English language to express the depth and sacredness of these places and these moments in time. And as you said, maybe the English language is better for commerce rather than emotions...and then what do we do???? POETRY...maybe poetry is the answer...
Yes, I feel the same. Poetry, metaphor, symbols, that's what gets the closest to describing the liminal, mystical experiences, the other side, etc.
Again it comes back to the question, which came first language or culture? It seems English and our culture is one of business, corporate powers, consumption and consumerism. My sense is that the only way for the language to change is for the culture to change. And change begins with awareness... Thanks Sam for sharing this space with me. Love to you dear one!
I enjoyed this! As a writer, I run into (just like all other writers) the shortcomings of language all of the time. I have several friends who speak other languages besides English, and I often wonder how this changes their brains and their world view. I think liminality gets conveyed best, in English anyway, through metaphor.
Yes Emily, I wonder the same thing too. How do their nervous systems get wired by the culture & language of their origin. Then added on top of that, exposure to other cultures & languages. And agree again, for communicating the subtleties of the liminal, mysticism, spirituality, alchemy, etc. in English, metaphor and poetry work the best.
I have issues with Patriarchal language in astrology and even the naming of the planets. And at my age, when I do my podcasts I become painfully aware that I am speaking an old language which for some younger people won't be understood. In Chapter Five of Priestess of the Prophecy, The Power of Word's, Initiate Druid Priestess, Anwen, has a lesson from her Guide for the Air Element. He gives a detailed picture of the evolution of language and says that generations from now, her own lineage will not be able to understand what she is saying. Yes...only in our 'now' we have speeded up so much, the lack of comprehension comes so much sooner. I agree with you about the need to find words to express some of the mixtures that we don't acknowledge.
That is fascinating Shellie, the languages of the generations alongside how life is speeding up. There is more to comprehend but less time to do it. I am currently doing lineage work, specifically around Ireland of old. It's like a different language. So, I understand what you are saying here. All of what you present here, another aspect to words, language and communication. It's a fascinating study. Thanks for sharing!
Well, I know that this will expand your consciousness as connecting to the ancient and much maligned ancestors did this for me. I have ancestors from that area but for some reason, I was called by a Muse from Wales (didn't know I even had that ancestry till I was half way through writing the novels). I had believed the PR about pre-Chrisitian times and suddenly I was immersed in it...finding the truth and the role of the Divine Feminine. I hope to see you posting about your ancestral journey some day!
I appreciate what you are sharing here Julie. You are opening my mind to new threads of thought. Specifically around Sanskrit and why 1 Sanskrit word can take a whole page of English words to try to describe/ define. Thank you for distilling your curiosities about language and the in-between spaces. ✨
Thanks Heather! Agree, Your comment here is taking me on a wondrous journey through my years in Hindu practice. There are so many great Sanskirt words! Words that I studied through Pantanjali's Yoga Sutras, The Bhagavad Gita and the Pratabhijnahridayam. Along with the holistic medicine of Ayurveda. The word that stands out for me today is Sankalpa. Again, as you said it would take many English words to even begin to define. I love this word because it is a vow to the highest truth, more than that it is a knowing that this truth lives in me, moving as my intention and the deep longings of the heart.
Amazing, Julie! I love this post! English really is lacking in many ways. I often have a hard time describing metaphysical concepts, especially ideas about timelessness or all-time or reality outside of time. We just don't have words for it. But I love your idea of creating the words we lack! Grioy is wonderful! It also occurred to me, I wonder if we can look to other living beings for these words. Like, a rosebush can evoke both pain and joy. Perhaps at Thanksgiving, you were experiencing rosebushery. 😂
I once found a book at a used book store simply based on its title: Women, Fire, and Dangerous Things. It is about linguistics! You may find it interesting. I never got around to reading it and it is probably packed away, but it sounds fascinating to me. Here’s a wiki page on it: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women,_Fire,_and_Dangerous_Things
This sounds like a really interesting book. From the quick info I read from your link, seems the author and I came to the same conclusions. Fascinating! Thanks for sharing, this book is now added to my list.
its a full blown text book level book, from what i remember. but it does look intriguing!
As a lifelong lover of languages --and happily tri-lingual-- I very much enjoyed reading this. The patriarchy is rooted in language, which manifests and is deeply intertwined with culture and history. How we transition out of the linguistic architecture that evolved with the rise of the patriarchy is still to be seen. I suspect it will take a while as evolution does not happen overnight. By the way, I recently wrote a short essay titled "Nuf Sed" about how language evolution is an organic process. If interested in this subject, please visit my substack.
Agree, the change and evolution will not happen over night. But in your "Nuf Sed" post, you make the point that it does seem to be changing. Of course I would love it to be more, but for that to happen the culture needs to change. So for now, a bit here, a bit there. Love that we wrote on a similar topic! Thanks D.C. BTW, does the D stand for Devin?
My name is Dan. Devin is a character in a novel I published earlier this year.
I really appreciate this post, Julie. Thank you. Ahh, the limits of the English language!!!
The Liminal. The cross over places. The magic thresholds. I wonder at times are these places only for the heart and soul?!
These thresholds are sacred and maybe there are really no words in the English language to express the depth and sacredness of these places and these moments in time. And as you said, maybe the English language is better for commerce rather than emotions...and then what do we do???? POETRY...maybe poetry is the answer...
Yes, I feel the same. Poetry, metaphor, symbols, that's what gets the closest to describing the liminal, mystical experiences, the other side, etc.
Again it comes back to the question, which came first language or culture? It seems English and our culture is one of business, corporate powers, consumption and consumerism. My sense is that the only way for the language to change is for the culture to change. And change begins with awareness... Thanks Sam for sharing this space with me. Love to you dear one!
I enjoyed this! As a writer, I run into (just like all other writers) the shortcomings of language all of the time. I have several friends who speak other languages besides English, and I often wonder how this changes their brains and their world view. I think liminality gets conveyed best, in English anyway, through metaphor.
Yes Emily, I wonder the same thing too. How do their nervous systems get wired by the culture & language of their origin. Then added on top of that, exposure to other cultures & languages. And agree again, for communicating the subtleties of the liminal, mysticism, spirituality, alchemy, etc. in English, metaphor and poetry work the best.
Thanks, Julie. I’m still planning to learn another language and travel more. We’ll see what happens!
I have issues with Patriarchal language in astrology and even the naming of the planets. And at my age, when I do my podcasts I become painfully aware that I am speaking an old language which for some younger people won't be understood. In Chapter Five of Priestess of the Prophecy, The Power of Word's, Initiate Druid Priestess, Anwen, has a lesson from her Guide for the Air Element. He gives a detailed picture of the evolution of language and says that generations from now, her own lineage will not be able to understand what she is saying. Yes...only in our 'now' we have speeded up so much, the lack of comprehension comes so much sooner. I agree with you about the need to find words to express some of the mixtures that we don't acknowledge.
That is fascinating Shellie, the languages of the generations alongside how life is speeding up. There is more to comprehend but less time to do it. I am currently doing lineage work, specifically around Ireland of old. It's like a different language. So, I understand what you are saying here. All of what you present here, another aspect to words, language and communication. It's a fascinating study. Thanks for sharing!
Well, I know that this will expand your consciousness as connecting to the ancient and much maligned ancestors did this for me. I have ancestors from that area but for some reason, I was called by a Muse from Wales (didn't know I even had that ancestry till I was half way through writing the novels). I had believed the PR about pre-Chrisitian times and suddenly I was immersed in it...finding the truth and the role of the Divine Feminine. I hope to see you posting about your ancestral journey some day!
I appreciate what you are sharing here Julie. You are opening my mind to new threads of thought. Specifically around Sanskrit and why 1 Sanskrit word can take a whole page of English words to try to describe/ define. Thank you for distilling your curiosities about language and the in-between spaces. ✨
Thanks Heather! Agree, Your comment here is taking me on a wondrous journey through my years in Hindu practice. There are so many great Sanskirt words! Words that I studied through Pantanjali's Yoga Sutras, The Bhagavad Gita and the Pratabhijnahridayam. Along with the holistic medicine of Ayurveda. The word that stands out for me today is Sankalpa. Again, as you said it would take many English words to even begin to define. I love this word because it is a vow to the highest truth, more than that it is a knowing that this truth lives in me, moving as my intention and the deep longings of the heart.
Amazing, Julie! I love this post! English really is lacking in many ways. I often have a hard time describing metaphysical concepts, especially ideas about timelessness or all-time or reality outside of time. We just don't have words for it. But I love your idea of creating the words we lack! Grioy is wonderful! It also occurred to me, I wonder if we can look to other living beings for these words. Like, a rosebush can evoke both pain and joy. Perhaps at Thanksgiving, you were experiencing rosebushery. 😂
P.S. I LOVE your images in this post!