Since I've identified myself as being a wordsmith, it might be useful to offer a clear understand of what a wordsmith actually is . . .
According to Dictionary.com, a wordsmith is:
noun 1. an expert in the use of words.
2. a person, as a journalist or novelist, whose vocation is writing.
Since I don't consider myself an expert in the use of words, more of a tinkerer, the second definition seems more suitable to me.
Let's now look at the definition of the word 'word'. The New Oxford American Dictionary defines it in this way:
noun 1. a single distinct meaningful element of speech or writing, used with others (or sometimes alone) to form a sentence . . .
2. a single distinct conceptual unit of language, comprising inflected and variant forms.
As I perused a variety of dictionaries, I discovered a multitude of definitions for this commonplace word; many of them are very complex. I choose to look at words simply as 'symbols'.
According to Dictionary.com, a wordsmith is:
noun 1. an expert in the use of words.
2. a person, as a journalist or novelist, whose vocation is writing.
Since I don't consider myself an expert in the use of words, more of a tinkerer, the second definition seems more suitable to me.
Let's now look at the definition of the word 'word'. The New Oxford American Dictionary defines it in this way:
noun 1. a single distinct meaningful element of speech or writing, used with others (or sometimes alone) to form a sentence . . .
2. a single distinct conceptual unit of language, comprising inflected and variant forms.
As I perused a variety of dictionaries, I discovered a multitude of definitions for this commonplace word; many of them are very complex. I choose to look at words simply as 'symbols'.
Each culture throughout the world has a given set of symbols used to communicate concepts. Many cultures share the same symbols, as do all English speaking cultures. Other languages are distinctive to specific cultures as are the Greek letters above left and the Pakistani letters on the right.
It's fascinating to explore the visual differences between these symbols. The Arabic words consist of mostly curved lines as are many English words. Whereas, the bulk of Greek letters are formed using very straight lines. Even two very similar languages, Japanese and Chinese, have distinctive nuances in their written words:
It's fascinating to explore the visual differences between these symbols. The Arabic words consist of mostly curved lines as are many English words. Whereas, the bulk of Greek letters are formed using very straight lines. Even two very similar languages, Japanese and Chinese, have distinctive nuances in their written words:
Very ancient cultures used drawings as means of communication. On the left below are examples cave drawings, the most ancient of all forms of communication. The ancient Egyptians also chose to use images in the formation of their language.
Whether words are formed using straight or curved lines, a combination of both or images, they are all useful in conveying both abstract and concrete ideas.
Words like 'bombastic' and 'ethereal' are not commonly used but are fun to play with. There are many such words in the English language, and I can't get enough of them! Like paint brushes in an artist's hand; words may be used to add texture, shadows and highlights to a writer's palette.
So, as you can see, words are far more to me than "meaningful elements of speech and writing." My favorite definition of the word 'words' is 'toys'!
Words like 'bombastic' and 'ethereal' are not commonly used but are fun to play with. There are many such words in the English language, and I can't get enough of them! Like paint brushes in an artist's hand; words may be used to add texture, shadows and highlights to a writer's palette.
So, as you can see, words are far more to me than "meaningful elements of speech and writing." My favorite definition of the word 'words' is 'toys'!