Writing as Conversation? Names, Etymology and the Power of Words

I am still waiting for emails, so please get your account set up. That was a great discussion today. Does it really make it easier to think about writing when we view it as conversation? Thank you to those who shared their name histories with the class--I look forward to hearing the rest of these histories and more odd nicknames (Egg, Chilly, Cabbage). Language awareness is one of our goals this semester, and this often begins by looking closely at how words affect our lives. I stated in class that there is no thought without language, but perhaps I am incorrect. Is their thought without language? And how do we create new thought without new words? Will (Cisneros--his new nickname) made a good point--we can't know it all and we can't look up every word. But I would add that our goal isn't to "know it all" but to develop how we think and use langauge, and often this means familiarizing ourselves with words we newly encounter. Let's look at the following quote again:

Words, like poetry, can be treated as arbitrary mathematical symbols or formulas. Sometimes this is necessary and expediant. But to do so can be like treating a diamond as a material fo the cutting of refractory substances. Seen as the product of perhaps three thousand years of human experience, a word may have not only many facets, but may somehow reflect with brilliant intensity the concetrated expereince or insights of the generations. It is still true that words have a mysterious power to conjure up images, or evoke visions, or stir up emotions deep-seated in the shared experience of mankind. ("Etymology" 2)

The class explored this idea that words can shine "with brilliant intensity". Both Kyle and Megan made a great point about positive powerful words--the power of "soul" or the power of "love." I was thinking about the power of curse words and their suggestions reminded me that "powerful words" play on many different levels. The question now is why and how and when these words shine.