The Etymology of Language

A discussion was had in the first week where we looked closely at the relation of words and language to culture - and the building/origins of those words. Particular attention was paid to the following quote by Gary Snyder:

“Languages meander like great rivers, leaving ox-bow traces over forgotten beds to be seen only by the air and scholars.”

The correlation made is that like the rivers are in constant flux or change, so are words and, moreover, their meanings. Language communicates by creating images in our minds and we draw conclusion based on such. And, over time, one association we place on a word can systematically take on a new understanding. For instance, the word "crypt" was brought up in the discussion.

From my notes:
The connection between being hidden and being a final resting place is the body of the person
A lot of time, the changing of meaning has to do with the land and human connection to land. Sacred energy exchange is made when we consume food – in order for us to survive, something has to die.
One of the richest periods for new words was the early 19th Century – Neologism (can probably be attributed to the Industrial Revolution).
So, back to crypt: its original meaning was the ditch created by a plow. These ditches were long lines side by side; from the top one cannot see the bottom – which ended up being where bodies are laid which lead to “modern” crypts.

I paraphrased another quote: “Language is like an inter-fertile species spreading over time." WHAT DOES THAT MEAN??? Language spreads throughout society and the many facets therein. It's the intermingling of language. I thought it was surprising when we talked about lower class individuals listening in on the conversations of upper-class folks. The lower class began using the upper-class language in their own speech.

I don't know about others but I like figuring things out. That sounds so blasé but it's true. Finding the origins of anything have always fascinated me and even more, tracking how they have come to enter our generation and society. I hope this class will continue to do so.