Great article from the November Poetry Magazine

[rayheinrich]

Referring to the article. I would say the information is generally correct, however the conclusions drawn are not, which is something of a surprise as the writer is James Longenbach who is both poet and critic. It is true that because of the Norman invasion in 1066 (also the date of the beginning of middle English) that over fifty percent of current English words are derived from French. This is so, because the Normans were French, and anybody who wished to advance himself learned to speak French (which at the time was no more than a dialect of Latin). As a result, the Germanic words, "old English" began to be seen as crude and vulgar. The French became the high language, and the German became the low language. The thesis of the article was that one could consciously choose either the Germanic words, which are general short and sharp words, or the French words are generally more elongated, to good effect. I disagree, as I believe, based upon my experience that the better poetry comes about when one sets that part of the mind (the part of conscious thought needed to use such a device) aside. I know many will disagree with me, so be it. As Longenbach noted even small children are aware of the different was of manipulating words for best outcome. It should be even more so for adults, and for someone who practices poetry, greater still. One can make oneself aware of these distinctions so that they are available without needing to make this into a conscious effort.
Should you read the article, sure if you haven't been introduced to this concept before, and would like to get an important history lesson along the way.
Thanks Crow, It was entertaining and thought provoking.
Dale

Yes, thinking deeply about walking is best reserved for those times when one isn't walking.

I haven't changed my sheets in three months.

Germans should never have spoken in the first place.

Manipulating words for the best outcome should be left to small children and adults;
poets attempting such feats invariably trip over them because they involve thinking
about walking.