Sunday, April 25, 2021

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.”

20 comments:

  1. Yes, petrichor's lovely. But I like moonbroch even better – which I didn't know of until I read this post. I've just been getting back in touch with my Scottish heritage via some reading, and I've had a lifelong love affair with the moon, so I guess it's only natural I'd be drawn to this word.

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    1. I also love the look of a moonbroch night. And how the world sounds as if the moon is painting.

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  2. My favourite word for mist or fog off the sea is a fret - Neptune's worrying. :)

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  3. Yay, rain - love of my life. Many new (to me) weather words today. Thank you, Magaly for the link. Gloriole and moonbroch sound lovely. As I've been a pluviophile forever petrichor is my favorite weather word.

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    1. The way they sound is my favorite thing about gloriole and moonbroch, too! How cool is that? And I'm right there with you, ploviophile sister.

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  4. Downpour ~ because I live in Central Oregon high desert country. It seldom rains and when it does, it is short lived. Happy Sunday everyone!

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    1. I really like what the word downpour does to the lips, how it shapes them in a way that speaks of a rush. And I completely understand why you love it. Every downpour must feel like a blessing.

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  5. Good day, poets!

    what a list of weather words! but so long there's no typhoon, hurricane or tornado, that's okay. my favourite is 'sirocco', and i even wrote a sci-fi poem with that word, but i think it's a lousy poem.
    anyway, the weather over here is hot, hot and hot.

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    1. Thank goodness for no typhoon, hurricane or tornado. Let's hope things stay that way for a very long time. I love the sound of the "sirocco". I know it isn't pleasant, but the word sounds very cool. And now you must share that poem with us. I bet it isn't lousy at all!

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    2. yeah, guess i have to dust out that very old poem, and do some editing. :)

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  6. What a wondrous array of words you've gifted us, Magaly. I'll add derecho and bengy to the list! It's a beautiful, sunny Sunday in my world. Happy Day all!

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    1. I thought I had added derecho to the list! So glad you did, Bev. And bengy is new to me--love how it came to be.

      I hope your Sunday is lovely!

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  7. Hi Magaly. Happy Sunday all...! :) Writing this consumed much of Friday and editing iy to its current form took a hunk of Saturday. So I wanted to post it to get some reaction. Now I’m gonna read me some writ’n...

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    1. Then, I shall fly right over and react away, Rob! Enjoy the reading...

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  8. Those weather words are interesting! Happy Sunday. :)

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    1. Glad you think so. I hope your Sunday is just as happy...

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