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Predictability of the language is its key feature

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Predictability of Language is its Key Feature

  • Every word has its place in a sentence and in the structure of speech.
    • We recognize that speech is also text delivered orally.
    • The intriguing thing about guesswork is that we can predict, from the first written or uttered word, what the dialogue will be about.
      • Or at least where it’s headed.
      • Beware of word markers. They signal the intention of the text and symbolize value. Word markers, such as “either,” “however,” “although,” etc., provide necessary clues, but many people overlook them.
      • When you see the word “if” in a sentence, expecting “then” is only logical. Similarly, seeing “however” at the beginning suggests an upcoming contradiction.
    • The same pattern of predictability applies to the flow of ideas. The author presents them sequentially.
      • The discerning reader understands the rules of engagement with the book — how to approach it and what signs to be wary of.
    • The structure of words in a text can transform something simple and banal into something unexpected and creative, like the idea of a well-redacted pine, or even a limerick.
      • In journalism, they say that when a dog bites a man, it’s hardly news, but when a man bites a dog, that’s a story.
      • The same words, arranged differently, create something new and captivating.
        • From the phrase “a dog bites,” you might infer it’s biting a person or perhaps another animal.
        • But when you read “a person bites,” you generally expect words like “cake,” “meat,” or “pie” to follow, not “dog.” This unexpected pairing grabs attention and piques curiosity.
      • This is the beauty of language.
        • We can not only create anything but any possible combination.
        • This is particularly valuable when conveying abstract ideas. That’s where the beauty of language truly shines.

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