That’s how it’s been for me lately; which way do I turn. Which path to take. I need to take stock and focus on a recurring dream I have: maps, routes, landscapes.
I’m a great fan of books by Robert Macfarlane and one book that comes to mind just now is Landmarks. It’s a book about language and landscape and after each chapter, the author adds a glossary of words relating to the landscape of that chapter, for example, flowing water words like the Gaelic “caochan” meaning slender moor-stream obscured by vegetation, Sussex “rife” for a small river flowing across a coastal plain, or Yorkshire “sike” for a small stream flowing through marshy ground. I am no linguist or language expert but just look what I’m missing! Words used describing the natural environment of these islands come from so many different languages and cultures, including Irish, Welsh, Old English, Gaelic, Cornish…….and so the list goes on. The book also wishes to capture these words now and hold them for future generations. Macfarlane tells of the deletion of words from the Oxford Junior Dictionary because they are not relevant to modern day childhood. Words like acorn, beech, conker, and many, many more. By contrast, newly introduced words thought to be more relevant to the children of today are bullet-point, celebrity, chatroom and so on.
I’ve just written all of that and whilst I bought Landmarks when it was first published in 2015, I think I shall have to read it again, and all his other brilliant books!
A Different View 
Interesting. Specialized litterature and odd words. And changes in language – all over the world I think (some changes good, some regrettable).
BTW Mind-mapping could be an idea for exploring possible paths.
Happy week.
I shall check that out. For now I’m chillin’ 😎
Sounds like a great read, Ashley. Must check it out. Love those really descriptive old words. Interesting about the change in vocab relevant to children.
Macfarlane transports me to fascinating landscapes in all his books. Another book, “The Old Ways” includes a walk on “The Broomway” on the south-east coast of England when he walks out into the North Sea on an ancient pathway marked only by brooms pushed into the seabed; a bit like how I feel at this time!
Sounds intriguing! Will have to check him out.
Sike is one of my favourite words. It’s so descriptive and fits perfectly into the environment.
Alen
Alen, there are many more words like it, in Macfarlane’s book. Here’s another one for you….”lum”….meaning slack water at the bend of a stream, or a pool in a stream. That’s one from your part of the world apparently. Not your current location though, unless you’ve moved back!
Don’t know lum in than context, Ash, though I’ve heard it in reference to a chimney – as in “yer lum needs sweeping.”
A wonderful expression! I think my “lum” needs a good sweep, metaphorically speaking.
If you get the chance, do check out MacFarlane’s books. Regards, Ashley
I’ve been meaning to read Robert MacFarlane’s books for ages. After reading this I’m off to the library this week to borrow a copy of Landmarks!
It’s a wonderful book although I think my favourite Macfarlane book is still “The Old Ways”.
No wonder today’s generation has little sense of the world outside their limited surroundings when such “educational teachers” as the Oxford Junior Dictionary eliminate words like acorn and beech. We should be expanding children’s horizons, not confining them!
I absolutely agree! It seems that everything nowadays must be “dumbed-down”, made easier! One learns by inquiry, by using our brains to find solutions and explanations!
Hi, Ashley, I love learning about words that are no longer in use. Wow, this post is from 2017! 🌞
Hi Lisa, I had to have a quick read to remind myself what I wrote that long ago! Also, I’ll write soon. Enjoy your Sunday 😊🙋♂️