Nowhereverse Tales, Issue 12
The human brain looks for patterns. Sometimes it sees patterns that aren’t really there. Other times, it grows so used to patterns that they blend into the background.
At its core, learning a new language is like this. One may start out learning vocabulary lists and translations, knowing «pomme» means “apple”. But as the concepts gel, as one immerses themselves in the language, the translation gives way to understanding. «Pomme» ceases to become a stand-in for the word “apple” and simply becomes another reference to the concept of a sweet fruit grown on trees that is often red and crunchy.
So what happens when a new life form has its own language? And what if we learned to speak it?
If I can say something about the real world: I’ve seen a lot this past month of people coming together to support each other, to stand up for those who can’t, and to show us that we aren’t alone. I’m not entirely sure what I believe these days, but I believe in that. We have everything to gain by helping each other where we can and defending others from harm.
Stay curious,
—Ronyo