Tuesday 23 April 2013

T as in TACITURN (A-Z Challenge)

Initially, was going to develop something around the word "tree" for this post. But that was so unexciting I hunted for something else.

For some reason, my mind drifted to Mr. Tuvok. He was a Vulcan, and the Chief of Security and Chief Tactical Officer on the Federation Starship "Voyager." (As in Star Trek: Voyager.)

How would one describe Mr. Tuvok? Well, like most Vulcans he didn't say much more than what he had to. He was … taciturn. 

See how a Bear's mind turns? And turns. And.…

But taciturn is not a word that people use very regularly. For instance, when was the last time it occurred in your conversation? Or was used by a character in your book, if you've created one? 

Now some could say that I'm using that word just to show off. Which may be true, but misses the point.

Think for a moment about words being tools. These are tools have a specific denotation (as in definition) and, perhaps, several connotations (ideas of feelings that are attached to that word, beyond it's literal or primary meaning). With these denotations and connotations, one is able to develop nuances (subtle differences or shades of meaning, expression or sound). As I said, like tools. A hammer is good for nails, but not so much for nuts and bolts. You wouldn't want to use wire strippers to cut a thick piece of lumber. Every tool has its use; the same goes for words. 

My point is that the more words you have, the better you can write (or communicate generally). And if your reader has to consult a dictionary one or twice, that's OK. You've helped your reader expand his/her vocabulary. 

But, generally, it's still better to use simpler, more common words. Say "quiet," rather than "taciturn," unless you want some nuances in meaning which taciturn evokes. 

So, writers and readers: any thoughts about lesser-used words being worthwhile tools nonetheless?

Blessings and Bear hugs!

43 comments:

  1. I love words and all they connote. It's easy to misuse words when they are unusual, but I will look them up with my online dictionary when I use them, just to make sure I'm saying what I think I am! Like the last word in the first sentence. Sending you bear hugs, Bear! :-)

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    1. Thanks, DJan.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!
      Bears Noting

      BTW, glad the meeting with the eye speciaist went well!

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  2. I have so many ridiculous words that I love...not the least of which is still oligodendrocyte (its a french word meaning steak...just kidding.)

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    1. Words can be fun as well as hard-working tools! Yes, I play with words lots of times!

      I was fascinated to learn about the oligodendrocyte. (Brain cells supporting and protecting axons in the CNS.) You didn't expect to drop that on me and have me not check it out, did you?

      Blessings and Bear hugs!
      Bears Noting

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    2. Bears move too fast for that...

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    3. Bears don't move that fast. Yes, we can run 30 mph, but we're more likely to trundle.

      ~ Bear

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    4. Never chased by that caniche eh?Skip will never be nominated to the Friends of the Ursine club.

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    5. A caniche is only a caniche. Those of us who understand don't worry much about a caniche or two. Problem is that most Bears don't understand about the caniche.

      ~ Bear

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    6. You are the only thing entertaining me this morning...Thanks! I am laughing! I am in the endurance sitting position!BOOOORING!Unless you have a bear on the line....

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    7. Upstanding, I understand. Upsitting, not so much. And since it seems appropriate that I should string you a line or two, I'll try to do that. Unless there is a risk of my being strung up.

      ~ Bear

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    8. never...I would welcome it...and for the record...turquoise!

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    9. OK, I feel pretty safe, as in relieved, there will be no danger.

      BTW, in an encounter between Humans and Bears, the Bear is far more likely to get hurt or killed. Just check the Bear hunting statistics.

      And a vote for turquoise. This is good! Maybe I'll even pick up some eye shadow, to complete the effect.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!
      Bears Noting

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    10. Thats why I dont deal with "your ordinary bear" as someone famous once said...

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    11. Who? Me? "Smarter than the average Bear"?

      Well, maybe. Perhaps. But can't quote me on that, because I don't know!

      "And that's the truth," as Edith Ann would say.

      My goodness, have we ever been going through a lot of North American memorabilia and iconography today! (And there's a couple of words for the A-Z Challenge.)

      ~Bear

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  3. Most words that are maybe not that often used, do have specific meanings and describe exactly what they mean, and taciturn is one of them. I do like that word and can't think of a better one to use when talking about a Vulcan. Do you think you may be a bit taciturn yourself?

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    1. Bear? Taciturn? More like voluble!

      Blessings and Bear hugs!
      Bears Noting

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  4. I don't use 'taciturn' in my writings or communication, but I read it often. I love words. Thank you for including one that I don't use but do see in my readings. You are doing a great job with the A-Z challenge, my friend!
    Hugs,
    J.

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    1. Thanks, Jackie. I enjoy getting your comments!

      Blessings and Bear hugs!
      Bears Noting

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  5. You won't believe this - I just told my grandson that this morning. I was pointing out to him the words that people use all of his reading and spelling words - and they were. sandie

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    1. Just think of a Bear with prophetic powers.

      Hmmmmm. Maybe not.

      Glad you and your son had some fun (or at least did some learning together)!

      Blessings and Bear hugs!
      Bears Noting

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  6. I love words!!! New, old, gently used! Love the challenge they present ... nice post Bear!

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    1. I love words too — and I love to play with them (I think I already mentioned that).

      When I was managing my free-lance writing business, I used to say to people that my motto was "'Words' is my business."

      Blessings and Bear hugs!
      Bears Noting

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  7. I know some people that use rarely used words and it throws me off because I have to ask them what they mean. The conversation is stunted due to the crazy unused word being thrown in there. I understand that a wealthy knowledge of words is good but can be distracting. It is great when used in literature but not in every paragraph, unless if the book is leaning toward a LOTR type genre (high fantasy). Just saying.

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    1. Understood, Julia. Thanks for the observation. The conversation is stunted; the reader stunned?

      Blessings and Bear hugs!
      Bears Noting

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  8. Hey, Mr. Bear, I just found your blog today and I'll be back. I like your style. I love words. I am often taciturn, but can be gregarious at times as well.

    SiouxsiesMusings

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    1. Somebody who uses "gregarious," and has a blog title SiouxsiesMusings, has got to be fascinating. See you on your side, presently.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!
      Bears Noting

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  9. I almost had a little too much fun and started looking up words I could use to write for my response. Suffice to say, your advice is sound and well received:)

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    1. Thanks so much M. J. I appreciate the spirit within which you worked upon your reply.

      But, say, is it really possible to have "too much fun"? Can you think of an example of such a situation? I find this Human phrase a bit peculiar. More than a bit peculiar, actually.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!
      Bears Noting

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  10. Hmmmmm.....I don't think anyone would describe me as taciturn.

    Hee Hee.

    Evil Twin is laughing at the thought.

    I love words. I just wish I could remember new words I learn playing WWF!

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    1. I agree with you. For some reason, I don't think taciturn describes you. At all. Nor Evil Twin, for that matter. (And I don't know why you still have Evil Twin, but it's your life.)

      WWF. Is that anything liked MMA? Or EIEIO?

      Blessings and Bear hugs!
      Bears Noting

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  11. I remember Tuvok! Total trekie here. I'm glad to see bear is wide awake and fully out of hibernation now. ;-)

    Sylvia
    http://www.writinginwonderland.blogspot.com/

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    1. Glad to be up and about, and visiting friends in the process.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!
      Bears Noting

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  12. I also love the English language for its nuances. The names of colours sing so sweetly to me perhaps, in part, because I love to paint.

    Yellow is acceptable but how much more effective are amber, gold, canary, citron, straw, lemon, gamboge and sunshine? I could name other shades, many of them, but I'm sure you get the idea. Poetry and painting aren't so very dissimilar.

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    1. Wow! For you, yellow isn't just yellow. But you're a painter, so you see life in a lot more tones and hues that others, perhaps. And in that regard, writing and painting have a lot in common.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!
      Bears Noting

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  13. I love the word taciturn, as it perfectly describes my husband!! :)
    xo!

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    1. But taciturn doesn't suit you, does it? I think you're a happy, chatty, carefree person who uses lots of words. Which is good, too.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!
      Bears Noting

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  14. I'm saving Taciturn for my next words with friends! Thanks!!
    Connie
    A to Z-ing to the end
    Peanut Butter and Whine

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    1. Great, Connie. And I hope your friends aren't too taciturn.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!
      Bears Noting

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  15. Tuvok was never one of my favourites on Voyager. I think it was because of the way he treated Neelix, and I quite liked Neelix.

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    1. I didn't get to know the Voyager series very well. We only had basic cable, and Voyager wasn't in the basic package. I remember a bit of the plot from the few shows I did see. But the original series: I remember things about almost all of those shows.

      Blessings and Bear hugs!
      Bears Noting

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  16. I love Tuvok! I'm a big Trekkie, and love all the Star Treks. Great post!

    #atozchallenge, Kristen's blog: kristenhead.blogspot.com

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    1. Another trekkie! Yes! I remember the original shows, and the Next Generation. Though I found the movies disappointing. I remember some of DS9, but by time Voyager came along, we were having trouble getting it, because the cable company started messing with things.

      However, in the business files on my computer, I have the Ferengi Rules of Acquisition. For instance: 76. "Every once in a while, declare peace. It confuses the hell out of your enemies."

      Blessings and Bear hugs!
      Bears Noting
      Life in the Urban Forest (poetry)

      Delete
  17. Another Trekkie! Yes! I remember the original series and Next Generation. Though I found the movies disappointing. I remember DS9, but by time Voyager came along, we were having trouble getting it, because the cable company started messing with things.

    However, in the business files on my computer, I have the Ferengi Rules of Acquisition. For instance: 76. "Every once in a while, declare peace. It confuses the hell out of your enemies."

    Blessings and Bear hugs!
    Bears Noting
    Life in the Urban Forest (poetry)

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