boyan_fraser: Semantic Spaces

Bryan (

boyan_fraser) wrote,
@ 2007-09-22 01:24:00

Current mood:	awake
Current music:	This Ascension - I Wish
Entry tags:	linguistics

Semantic Spaces
I’m fascinated how sometimes the same words can have different meaning for different people.

When I’m observing a discussion I often find myself in the role of translator, explaining what one person said to the other even though they speak the same language, because what they said didn’t clearly express what they meant. And I see so many conflicts and arguments arising simply because people don’t really hear what the other side is trying to say.

Speech can be so imprecise sometimes... yet I always seem to understand the message it conveys. Even what’s been left unsaid. Is it because I listen to what people say as much as I listen how they say it? Or is it that I pay attention to minutiae of the body language, the tone of voice, inflection and emphasizing, facial expression?

Speech can also be a powerful weapon for those skillful enough to wield it. Careful use of language can twist truth into lie, simple fact into ambiguous riddle... But I believe that if you really listen, you can hear the hidden meaning. The true meaning behind the words.

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	dalmatica_78 2007-09-22 04:28 am (local) (link)
	:) I really like this post, because I can entirely relate to it, and because I like how you talk about the art of speech for it really is an art. Also, time and again I am stuck in the same position of explaining what one meant to another! ^_~) PS I have a ? for you, language related, looooolz!! (Reply to this)(Thread)

	boyan_fraser 2007-09-22 11:41 am (local) (link)
	Thanks. :) I find the linguistics very intriguing and I'm always thirsty to learn more about the mechanisms of the language. In my user info you can find e-mail address by which you can reach me and ask. Or you can do it here. It's fine either way. (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	dalmatica_78 2007-09-23 07:10 am (local) (link)
	Oh, me as well! Languages are great and fun to learn. I'm sooooo obnoxiously tired right now..I was wondering how to say a few phrases in Serbian like.... What is that? I am tired. Are you bored? Grr. I had a more important phrase alas, I forget it..:-/ If you know how to say them please let me know? ;) (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	boyan_fraser 2007-09-23 11:31 am (local) (link)
	Here you go: Šta je to? Umorna sam. Je l' ti dosadno? Pronunciation is exactly the same as it is written (greatest advantage of Serbian language), but if you encounter any phonetic difficulties or you're unsure of the proper sound of a certain letter, I'll try to explain it better. And of course, when you remember the rest you know where to find me. ;) (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	dalmatica_78 2007-09-23 04:44 pm (local) (link)
	Woo hoo thank you!! ^_^ The pronunciation thing is definitely a great advantage. I want to polish my skills by next spring. I originally got into it because my neighbours are Serbian, and just thought it common curtousy to know at least some of the language, now I'm just in it for fun ;) (Reply to this)(Parent)

	duskwillow 2007-09-22 12:32 pm (local) (link)
	But I believe that if you really listen, you can hear the hidden meaning. The true meaning behind the words. Agreed. I do believe in the old sayin that actions speak louder than words. Same can be said for body language while someone si talking. (Reply to this)(Thread)

	boyan_fraser 2007-09-22 03:08 pm (local) (link)
	Yes, you're completely right. That's why I am so observant of it. And, BTW, that icon is very pretty. :) (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	duskwillow 2007-09-23 10:46 am (local) (link)
	Do you watch Heroes by any chance? :D (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	boyan_fraser 2007-09-23 11:40 am (local) (link)
	Not yet... but that doesn't stop me from appreciating your art. :) I have Heroes downloaded, but I'm not sure when will I find the time to finally watch it... And I still have Torchwood and Prison Break and Supernatural on my waiting list... Or do you think I should give Heroes a priority? (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	duskwillow 2007-09-24 11:56 am (local) (link)
	Oh wow, that's a tough question. I adore TW, PB and Heroes, I really couldn't pick one to recommend over other two shows. (Reply to this)(Parent)

dare2bee
2007-09-28 12:09 pm (local) (link)

Yoohooh Heroes was back this week (haven't even watched it yet though, it's recorded...)! :-)

I really like that post.
Words are really important to me, and I try to pick them carefully, but I think sometimes my thought process is faster than my words, not in a good way and I don't have time to pick the right words. I mean I tend to be painfully honest sometimes!... :-S
But I also think sometimes people get stuck on a word and can't see past it (like those stupid arguments about "cure" and autism....), that annoys me.
I like to read between the lines also... ;-)

Speaking of reading, I'm still in The speed of dark (not much time so I read in the car while I wait on line to pick Naomi up at school), I love it. It brings tears to my eyes all the time because I keep looking at Noah and wondering what he will be like in this world as an adult. Since I'm really bad with books I read the last page, so now I know what Lou will choose...
I can't wait to go deeper in the story...
Thanks so much for pointing it out to me! <3

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boyan_fraser
2007-09-28 03:16 pm (local) (link)

Thanks. As a writer, I always tend to think about words and their shades of meanings in order to chose the ones that will reflect my thoughts in most genuine and truthful way. Still, sometimes I feel that the language fails me... it is necessary to penetrate beyond the words to get a glimpse of the true meaning. But being painfully honest is the quality I respect the most in others. Truth, no matter how harsh, could never hurt me as much as a wonderful lie.

I'm so happy that you love The Speed of Dark! It is really a wonderful book and it was the first thing that came to my mind after I found and read your blog. *hugs*

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	dare2bee 2007-09-28 06:12 pm (local) (link)
	I'm right with you there, I can't stand lies or liars :-( (Reply to this)(Parent)

_glamazon
2007-09-29 05:53 am (local) (link)

Oh hi! I came across your journal through addme25_and_up, and I was just coming to comment that I also often find myself in the role of "translator", it's like so many people miss all the subtleties and nuances of speech and communication, but somehow, I always "get" what someone is trying to communicate, even when they completely butcher the message and I can't really blame others for being angry or offended.

Also, I'm half Serbian! i govorim malo, ali vrlo lose!!! :) What a nice surprise to see you giving language tips in the comments, hehe.

Mind if I add you?

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	boyan_fraser 2007-09-29 11:00 am (local) (link)
	Not at all. I added you too. Dobrodošla! :D (Reply to this)(Parent)(Thread)

	_glamazon 2007-09-30 03:43 am (local) (link)
	yay! (Reply to this)(Parent)

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