This prose sampler from West Greenland reveals a century-old independent literary tradition, the rich written expression in a native North American language of an ancient and successful culture. Linguist Michael Fortescue compiled these excerpts to demonstrate the range of Greenlandic writing and make works in this flourishing language more accessible to English-speaking readers.
Exploring the peculiar outcomes of the coronavirus pandemic in the UK, this collection features a variety of short tales that range from the absurd to the humorous. Each story presents unique characters facing bizarre situations, often with an ironic twist. The narratives provide both entertainment and reflection during challenging times, showcasing the diverse human experiences shaped by the pandemic.
The first part of this volume features prose poems that creatively juxtapose contrasting images, leading to surprising interpretations and an engaging either/or choice. In contrast, the second part embraces a more playful approach, focusing on free association and word play, resulting in a lighthearted exploration of language. Together, these elements create a dynamic reading experience that challenges perceptions and delights in linguistic creativity.
Set in the fictional village of Slatefield, the story explores the clash between science and imagination through the rivalry of two brothers—an Oxford archaeologist and a popular writer. The discovery of a stone with ancient script ignites differing interpretations, leading to tensions over its authenticity and implications of a prehistoric civilization. Alongside a land dispute and villagers' debates on reopening slate mines, a bumbling vicar adds humor with his unconventional wisdom, culminating in a surprising resolution to their conflicts.
Set against a backdrop of a prestigious publishing house, the narrative revolves around the chaos caused by words escaping from a flagship project. Lexicographers, treated poorly and rebelling with word games, face harsh oversight. As management struggles to regain control, emissaries attempt to negotiate with the rebellious words, which have their own demands. The story highlights the conflict between editorial integrity and corporate interests, culminating in an unexpected resolution facilitated by a compassionate female character who advocates for the lexicographers.
The narrative follows a grumpy old hypochondriac who discovers pieces of a puzzle that unlock a dreamlike realm filled with memories. As he navigates this world, he confronts a secret tied to a walled town depicted in the puzzle. The story unfolds as a tragi-comic exploration of his aimless existence, revealing encounters with ambiguous characters and a glimpse of a lost love. The book itself serves as a puzzle, with the narrator's journey leading to a deeper understanding of his life and past.
Exploring unconventional perspectives, the first part of the book presents miniatures that challenge perception through various lenses, from frame-by-frame views to macroscopic and microscopic observations. The second part shifts focus to the metamorphoses of language, emphasizing the evolution of words through associative meanings rather than physical transformations. Together, these sections weave a tapestry of interconnected ideas and images, offering a playful and thought-provoking experience.
Through a series of unconventional dialogues, this book explores the intricacies of semantics and pragmatics by deliberately breaking language rules. Each dialogue serves to reveal the hidden aspects of communication, making abstract concepts more tangible. The emphasis on context is vital, as it unlocks the deeper meanings of individual words and entire phrases, enhancing the reader's understanding of everyday language interactions. This engaging approach aims to sharpen awareness of the complexities underlying typical communication.
An IT consultant at the Brain Imaging Institute uncovers encrypted book titles while upgrading their computer system, sparking his curiosity after the institute's director is dismissed for financial misconduct and disappears. As James investigates the mysterious title "Christina's Book," he encounters dead ends, including a blank catalogue entry. His quest for answers intensifies when a solar storm disrupts a covert experiment linked to his nanotechnological research, propelling him into a web of intrigue surrounding the director's secretive activities.
Exploring the intriguing relationship between language and various concepts, this collection of tales raises thought-provoking questions about communication, knowledge transfer, and memory. It delves into imaginative scenarios, such as the assignment of language at birth and the possibility of communicating with alien entities. Each story invites readers to ponder the complexities of language without providing definitive answers, encouraging a deeper reflection on the nature of communication and understanding.