Writers’ Pantry# 67: Ecolinguistics

“Ecolinguistics explores the role of language in the life-sustaining interactions of humans, other species and the physical environment. The first aim is to develop linguistic theories which see humans not only as part of society, but also as part of the larger ecosystems that life depends on. The second aim is to show how linguistics can be used to address key ecological issues, from climate change and biodiversity loss to environmental justice.”

When I finished reading the introductory quote, the first thought that came to mind was, I love language. I feel that, as writers, we are beyond lucky to have a medium that allows us to explore pretty much everything. And through our exploration we can affect the way the world and its creatures work and evolve. Doesn’t that sound like a superpower?

I spent most of Earth Day reading about the relationship between language and the environment. While searching around the Web, I ran into a list of weather words that are both poetic and terrifying: bombogenesis, frazil, haboob (I really like the way this one sounds, and it is not just because it includes the word ‘boob’), crepuscular ray, sastruga, williwaw, gloriole, moonbroch… the list goes on and on. One day, I will put all those words in a story or a poem or both. And deep in my heart, I hope that said story or poem won’t be about how terribly we are still treating our home. 

Do you have a favorite weather word? My favorite is petrichor—a bit predictable, I know, but still lovely… And it always makes me smile.  😊       

Now, the Writers’ Pantry is open! We welcome poetry or prose that is old or new, fiction or nonfiction about rainbows or thunder. Let your contributions be short or longish (if choosing prose, the word count be 369 words or fewer). One link per participant. This prompt will stay open for a week. Write. Share. Read. Rain clear comments!

- for our next Weekly Scribblings, our Rommy would like us “to dive into the idea of liminal space.” It’s not necessary to use the actual words (unless we want to) “but the idea of liminal space should be clearly conveyed.”

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