Offline Life....

[thambok]

Something about AH has made a lasting impression on me. I am amazed by the use of language, even in short snippets of posts.

A fairly large number of authors here, seem to revel in words and their power. I liken reading posts in AH to getting lost in a beautiful harmony.

My question is... whether or not that love of language is reflected in daily life? Do you search for the right word, or use a word that fits?

I ask because I have been told many times that I don't speak like other people. I was just wondering if this was true for the authors whose works I enjoy.

 

[impressive]

What offline life?

 

[cloudy]

what is this life that you speak of?

 

[zeb1094]

Life! Oh, you mean the elusive "Real Life", never heard of it!

 

[Guest]

 

[BlackShanglan]

I've gotten that comment a few times, yes - that I speak differently. It's tricky for me because when I am talking (rather than writing) I have a great deal less time to think about word choice and recognize when and how I might differ. I don't perceive myself as speaking notably differently, but have been told that I do.

It can be frustrating. Once or twice I'm been the startled and rather baffled recipient of a snarled "I guess you just think you're smarter than everyone else." This is very awkward for me, as I don't, and in fact I hate when people use their intelligence or natural gifts to try to make others feel small. I wish that the offended individuals would realize that it's precisely because I think of others as intellectual equals that it doesn't occur to me to scrutinize my vocabulary or try to rephrase my ideas. I'm not sure that I could in any effective way; what would make me feel self-consciously snobbish would be to deliberately rework my thoughts into simple words and phrases, and I think I would end up making a God-awful mess of it.

 

[Purple Sage]

I'm told that (I speak differently) all the time. But... I'm not an author. So go figger.

 

[hugo_sam]

Good Question. Two answers for me.

#1. What is an offline life? Huh?

#2. I write like I speak. I give my editors fits because I use few contraction, etc. I am working on it in my writing, but the problem is that is the way I speak when I am actually out in the mythical real Life.
I hope that answers some of your question.

ETA: Actually I speak slightly differently on the forums because there is no spell check and I cannot spell many of the words I commonly use.

JMHO

Hugo

 

[logophile]

I had a relationship in the fall and early winter with a woman who I adored. A large part of our relationship was our mutual love of the language. Every conversation with her was like a word game, with each of us carefully selecting each and every phrase. Even the really hard times, the worst fights, were beautifully spoken. And damn, the sex talk was hot!

And additionally - in my work as a midwife I am very careful about my language. It's important to me that I am always building my client's view of themselves and their good health. I speak in terms that give them information and allow them to feel good about themselves.

So, I guess what I'm saying is that Yes, in my every day life language is very important to me.

Welcome to the AH, by the way. I don't think I've run into you before!

 

[carsonshepherd]

I write almost exactly the way I talk. I tend to speak in simple words. I tell my stories in simple words, with the hope that the meaning will come through without being overshadowed by vocabulary.

Not that I mind intriguing verbiage.

 

[drksideofthemoon]

Something about AH has made a lasting impression on me. I am amazed by the use of language, even in short snippets of posts. LOL!! Obviously you aren't talking about me!

A fairly large number of authors here, seem to revel in words and their power. I liken reading posts in AH to getting lost in a beautiful harmony. Did you start drinking before you came online?...Just kidding...

My question is... whether or not that love of language is reflected in daily life? Do you search for the right word, or use a word that fits? Yes, but I have always been like that, even before writing.

I ask because I have been told many times that I don't speak like other people. I was just wondering if this was true for the authors whose works I enjoy.I write the way I speak...

 

[sophia jane]

Like many others, I have no life. But to answer your question...I actually, quite often, have trouble coming up with good words when I'm talking to someone because I tend to get shy and flustered. So, on that part of things, no.
However, I am finding now that I've gone back to school that my writing abilities, even tho they've mostly be focused on porn lately, have helped me greatly and the profs seems to appreciate it.

 

[BlackShanglan]

Not that I mind intriguing verbiage.

When there's a Bushhog handy ...

 

[carsonshepherd]

When there's a Bushhog handy ...

*lick*

 

[cloudy]

When there's a Bushhog handy ...

bushhog: one of those little pigs that lives in them bushes over yonder.
I've told people that, and gotten away with it.

To answer the "words' question: Like Shang, I speak pretty much the way I post here, and I don't "dumb down" my vocabulary, but assume that people's own vocabulary is as big, if not bigger, than mine.

It's hard sometimes, in this backwater that I live in (my nearest neighbors are cows, I'm not kidding), but that's what the AH is for.

 

[BlackShanglan]

It's hard sometimes, in this backwater that I live in (my nearest neighbors are cows, I'm not kidding), but that's what the AH is for.

Hey, some of my best friends are cows ...

 

[cloudy]

Hey, some of my best friends are cows ...

they're rather ungainly (and really, really stupid), unlike you.

 

[BlackShanglan]

they're rather ungainly (and really, really stupid), unlike you.

They're just saving up their energy for a panicked burst when they hear the word "hamburger."

 

[cloudy]

They're just saving up their energy for a panicked burst when they hear the word "hamburger."

I have actually seen a cow get stuck in a DRY ditch about a foot deep because she didn't know how to get out.

 

[MissBri]

 

[Guest]

My question is... whether or not that love of language is reflected in daily life? Do you search for the right word, or use a word that fits?

Yes, and yes.

I've always been able to express myself better in writing. Actually seeing the structure of my thinking helps the process along (whether I'm writing, or composing a personal note or business memo).

When needed I can speak quite formally and with an obvious structure. I speak slowly while I search for the right words and pretend I'm not searching, ha ha. I learned to work at enunciation when very young and believe it helps enough to be taken more seriously than not.

Depending on the listener or conversation partner I can sometimes express myself as if I were dancing or singing (that is if I were a good dancer or singer). I like when another mind and I can perform together to our mutual benefit. It's not as rare as it sounds and usually happens with good close friends but sometimes I can dance with a stranger .

Perdita

 

[bholderman]

Something about AH has made a lasting impression on me. I am amazed by the use of language, even in short snippets of posts.

A fairly large number of authors here, seem to revel in words and their power. I liken reading posts in AH to getting lost in a beautiful harmony.

My question is... whether or not that love of language is reflected in daily life? Do you search for the right word, or use a word that fits?

I ask because I have been told many times that I don't speak like other people. I was just wondering if this was true for the authors whose works I enjoy.

I dont consider myself an author, that endeavor past long ago. But, I am a reader, and people have commented on my use of more expressive language. This is the result primarily of Moby Dick. Although, I consider it one of the most boring books ever written, Melville's use of the English language simply as an art form has had a lasting impression on me.

 

[3113]

My question is... whether or not that love of language is reflected in daily life? Do you search for the right word, or use a word that fits?

Nabokov use to say that he wrote like a genius and spoke like a baby. He apparently was not nearly as good verbally as he was in his head or with the written word.

With me it really depends on the situation. If you met me at, say a party or a big table of verbal people, you probably wouldn't notice me at all. You'd think me quiet. I listen more than I talk.

If you met me at an intimate dinner or saw me at a conference and I was, say, on some panel, then you might hear me talk like I write.

And if you called me on the phone...you'd get that "baby" situation. I'm terrible on the phone.

 

[Samandiriel]

My native language is pig latin but they don't accept stories in that context.

However words in general are an obsession with me...learning new ones, using them in converstation, extending my vocabulary is essential to my existence.

 

[SonOfAGhost]

*generalization warning*
People that write more also tend to read/have read more. As a direct consequence of that they'll have both a larger (to varying degrees) vocabulary as well as a more precise use of more 'common' words. Better grammar and spelling also tend to follow. Though not as much in the sometimes hasty online world of forums, IM and chat rooms.