Books matching: linguistic complexities
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- #1
Save:'Metaphors We Live By' by George Lakoff delves into the intricate relationship between language, metaphor, and thought. The authors introduce the Neural Theory of Language, which posits that neural connections in the brain link abstract ideas with concrete images through metaphorical thinking. They explore the philosophical implications of metaphorical thought, challenging traditional notions of truth and reality. Through a multidisciplinary approach incorporating philosophy, psychology, and scientific reasoning, the book examines how metaphors structure our concepts, thoughts, and actions. The authors argue that metaphors are not just linguistic tools but fundamental to human cognition, shaping our understanding of the world.
Metaphor is for most people a device of the poetic imagination and the rhetorical flourish—a matter of extraordinary rather than ordinary language. Moreover, metaphor is typically viewed as characteri... - #2
Save:Finnegans Wake is a challenging and unconventional piece of literature, often described as a dreamlike stream of consciousness journey through the minds of various characters. The book is filled with complex wordplay, multi-layered meanings, and references to a wide range of cultural, historical, and mythological sources. It defies traditional narrative structures and presents a unique reading experience that requires careful attention and multiple readings to fully grasp its depth and richness.
Every evening at lighting up o’clock sharp and until further notice in Feenichts Playhouse. (Bar and conveniences always open, Diddlem Club douncestears.) Entrancings: gads, a scrab; the quality, one ... - #3
Save:Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace is a vast and sprawling novel that delves into themes of addiction, recovery, popular entertainment, and tennis. The book's 981 pages, along with extensive endnotes, present a labyrinthine mass of plot lines that intersect in intricate ways, revealing linguistic complexities and stylistic experimentation for which Wallace is renowned. The narrative threads, though disjointed at times, come together towards the end, offering a fictional DSM IV of American malaise and serving as a deep reflection on communication and human nature.
3 E.T.A. is laid out as a cardioid, with the four main inward-facing bldgs. convexly rounded at the back and sides to yield a cardioid's curve, with the tennis courts and pavilions at the center and t... - #4
Save:'The Power of Babel' by John McWhorter is an informative and entertaining exploration of the history of language, delving into topics such as language change, linguistic biodiversity, and the evolution of languages over time. McWhorter's writing style is described as excellent and challenging, with engaging anecdotes, witty observations, and humorous pop culture references throughout the book. The author presents a thesis that likens the evolution of language to the evolution of life, drawing parallels between linguistic and biological changes over time. Despite some repetitiveness and lack of a cohesive narrative, the book offers a fascinating look at the diversity and complexity of human languages.
I AM ALWAYS a step behind when it comes to technological developments. At the start of my graduate study at Stanford in 1988, I had no idea what “e-mail” meant when I encountered it on a personal data... - #5
Save:'The Goblin Emperor' by Katherine Addison follows the story of Maia, the overlooked and despised half-goblin son of the emperor, who unexpectedly becomes the emperor after a tragic accident claims the lives of his father and brothers. Thrust into a world of court intrigue and political maneuvering, Maia must navigate his new role as emperor, facing challenges of betrayal, loneliness, and the complexities of ruling a kingdom. The writing style is described as character-driven, with a focus on interpersonal tensions, political negotiations, and a subtle touch of fantasy elements to explain cultural differences.
“Get thy clothes on.” Setheris shoved yesterday’s clothes at him. Maia dropped them, fumbling with the strings of his nightshirt, and Setheris hissed with exasperation as he bent to pick them up. “A m... - #6
Save:In "The Pride of Chanur," author C.J. Cherryh presents a space opera featuring a cat-like alien race known as the Hani, particularly focusing on the Chanur family. The story revolves around a first contact situation where a human stowaway seeks refuge aboard the Hani spaceship, The Pride of Chanur, causing a series of events that lead to a race against the Kif, a troublesome alien species. The plot delves into themes of intergalactic politics, cultural differences, and alliances among various alien civilizations, all narrated from the perspective of the aliens, providing a unique and immersive reading experience.
C.J. Cherryh's writing style in "The Pride of Chanur" is praised for its ability to create a complex universe filled with distinct alien species, intricate world-building, and engaging action sequences. The author skillfully explores themes of first contact, gender dynamics, power struggles, and family relationships within a diverse and well-developed interstellar society, making the book a compelling blend of science fiction, technology, and political intrigue.
There had been something loose about the station dock all morning, skulking in amongst the gantries and the lines and the canisters which were waiting to be moved, lurking wherever shadows fell among ... - #7
Save:'The Fall of Language in the Age of English' by Mari Yoshihara, Juliet Winters Carpenter, and Minae Mizumura is a thought-provoking exploration of the global dominance of English and its impact on languages like Japanese. Mizumura, through her unique perspective as a lover of the Japanese language, delves into the decline of Japanese as a literary language since 1945, emphasizing the importance of preserving linguistic diversity. presents a complex meditation on the evolution of languages in the modern world, wrapped in an endearing self-portrait of reluctant cosmopolitanism, making readers ponder the role of literature and languages in shaping human life.
The dominance of English is a subject often discussed in the mass media and by scholars in the West. When Professor Mari Yoshihara approached me with the idea of rendering this book into English, I wa... - #8
Save:"Transparent Things" by Vladimir Nabokov is a short, complex novella that delves into the themes of perception, reality, and the impact of past associations on our present experiences. The story follows the protagonist, Hugh Person, as he navigates through surreal and mundane moments, blurring the boundaries between past and present. Nabokov's writing style is described as elegant, wistful, and perceptive, showcasing his masterful use of language to create an engaging and imaginative narrative.
AN OBLONG PUDDLE inset in the coarse asphalt; like a fancy footprint filled to the brim with quicksilver; like a spatulate hole through which you can see the nether sky. Surrounded. I note, by a diffu... - #9
Save:'Conservation of Shadows' by Yoon Ha Lee is a collection of fantasy and science fiction short stories that explore unique concepts such as origami spaceships, linguistic combat, and books drained of words to create monsters. The stories are influenced by Korean culture and traditional stories, featuring Asian settings, characters, and cultural symbols. Lee's writing style is described as lyrical, poetic, and imaginative, blending themes of math, magic, war, and mythology in an unconventional and dreamlike manner.
- #10
Save:"The Unfolding Of Language" by Guy Deutscher explores the evolution of human language, delving into the intricate processes that shape grammar, syntax, and linguistic structures over time. Deutscher presents captivating insights into the history of language, touching on topics such as the development of grammatical complexity, erosion of words, and the creative forces that drive linguistic evolution. Through engaging examples and a light-hearted tone, the author navigates through the complexities of language evolution, showcasing how languages continue to adapt and transform to express intricate nuances and ideas.
Everyone knows that the words of a language, from its aardvarks to its zucchini, lend meaning to our utterances, and allow us to understand one another. And it is because foreign languages use so many...
