What I've been wondering in reading this series is how could a human communicate in this language? It seems so species-specific, needing the ability to create clicks and light pulses. For a being without those abilities, I imagine it will be quit the challenge to communicate! But that's what makes it so fascinating, the desire to see that process of joining cultures. I'm really enjoying this and can't wait to read the book! 😁
Joshua, you are so spot on about how great a challenge it is to find a way to communicate outside our own species. Especially since we don't always communicate so well within our own species. But honestly, that's my point - maybe it takes something entirely foreign to bring us back to our own future survival - which requires authentic two-way communication.
Also consider this - Jayla has a little bit of insight that she is not initially aware of in decoding the message. IRL- the challenge is far greater, and it is important to me that I represent how truly great - and not insurmountable - the challenge is. And you are so right to think that decoding the message alone is an incredible challenge ... but 'speaking' back to the Biet Lagos??? A greater challenge yet.
In the end, the real message may be the willingness to listen.
What struck me most about this essay was the human parallels. As a reluctant writer, I fear that someone might misinterpret a conversation between characters I created. I knew what I wanted to say and the feeling I wanted to convey, but someone who doesn't speak English as their first language may not understand. In diplomacy, misinterpretations could lead to conflict or worse. On the World Wide Web, it gives some a voice, who through anonymity, can criticize, compliment, not realizing that their silence may speak louder than their words.
Many words for the same plant depending on the season. It's hard to picture Threlraan, since the language you've invented involves so much more than just color, tone, and rhythm. It's almost as if you are preparing us for an eventual takeover?
Melvin, I love your response to the essay. "... eventual takeover?" LOL - don't tell anyone, but the Biet Lagos are already here ... hiding ... wondering "What were we thinking?" LOL
Actually, it's purposeful to make Threlraan different than many of us have ever imagined. I think if, when, we make first contact Threlraan will be a piece of cake compared to the possibilities. It's exciting to imagine and one of the reasons I love talking to whales. :-)
What I've been wondering in reading this series is how could a human communicate in this language? It seems so species-specific, needing the ability to create clicks and light pulses. For a being without those abilities, I imagine it will be quit the challenge to communicate! But that's what makes it so fascinating, the desire to see that process of joining cultures. I'm really enjoying this and can't wait to read the book! 😁
Joshua, you are so spot on about how great a challenge it is to find a way to communicate outside our own species. Especially since we don't always communicate so well within our own species. But honestly, that's my point - maybe it takes something entirely foreign to bring us back to our own future survival - which requires authentic two-way communication.
Also consider this - Jayla has a little bit of insight that she is not initially aware of in decoding the message. IRL- the challenge is far greater, and it is important to me that I represent how truly great - and not insurmountable - the challenge is. And you are so right to think that decoding the message alone is an incredible challenge ... but 'speaking' back to the Biet Lagos??? A greater challenge yet.
In the end, the real message may be the willingness to listen.
What struck me most about this essay was the human parallels. As a reluctant writer, I fear that someone might misinterpret a conversation between characters I created. I knew what I wanted to say and the feeling I wanted to convey, but someone who doesn't speak English as their first language may not understand. In diplomacy, misinterpretations could lead to conflict or worse. On the World Wide Web, it gives some a voice, who through anonymity, can criticize, compliment, not realizing that their silence may speak louder than their words.
Many words for the same plant depending on the season. It's hard to picture Threlraan, since the language you've invented involves so much more than just color, tone, and rhythm. It's almost as if you are preparing us for an eventual takeover?
Melvin, I love your response to the essay. "... eventual takeover?" LOL - don't tell anyone, but the Biet Lagos are already here ... hiding ... wondering "What were we thinking?" LOL
Actually, it's purposeful to make Threlraan different than many of us have ever imagined. I think if, when, we make first contact Threlraan will be a piece of cake compared to the possibilities. It's exciting to imagine and one of the reasons I love talking to whales. :-)