The English language must be one of the most mangled, derivative languages in the world, and I sincerely admire the many people who have to learn English as a second language and become so fluent.
Take for example, the historical basis for the names we use to describe the basic calendar.
All pagan, all ancient, and linked to the simplest of planetary and astronomical observations.
There is a world of history behind WHY we have twelve months and seven week days, which many cultures do not share.
January. From the god Janus.
In Roman mythology, Janus (or Ianus) was the god of gates, doors, doorways, beginnings, and endings.
His most apparent remnants in modern culture are his namesakes, the month of January, and the caretaker of doors and halls: Janitor.
Janus is usually depicted in sculpture and text as having two faces, one looking backwards, one looking forward.
Janus was also thought to represent beginnings. This belief comes from the idea that one must emerge through a gate or door before entering a new place.
Wednesday: This name comes from the Old English Wodnesdæg meaning the day of the Germanic god Woden or Wodan, more commonly known as Odin, who was the highest god in Norse mythology, and a prominent god of the Anglo-Saxons (and other places) in England until about the seventh century.
In Old Norse myth, Odin, like Mercury, is associated with poetic and musical inspiration.
Two words with a cultural heritage which we take for granted, even as writers.
My twisted brain cell finds that quite fascinating.
Now on with using other words to create my made-up world and people.
What's playing on my YouTube right now? Cuban music from the past. http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=wFCG2TIEAjY&eurl=http://doyouspeakenglishradio.blogspot.com/
No comments:
Post a Comment