Then let us have a language worthy of our world, a…
““Then let us have a language worthy of our world, a democratic style where rich and well-born nouns can roister with some sluttish verb yet find themselves content and uncomplained of. We want a diction which contains the quaint, the rare, the technical, the obsolete, the old, the lent, the nonce, the local slang and argot of the street, in neighborly confinement. Our tone should suit our time: uncommon quiet dashed with common thunder. It should be young and quick and sweet and dangerous as we are.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A vibrant, eclectic diction that mixes formal and informal, old and new, reflects the complexity and dynamism of contemporary life.
In simple terms: Mix varied words to capture modern life’s richness.
Key Takeaway
Embrace diverse language to reflect reality.
Themes
language
culture
diversity
modernity
expression
Mood
playful
critical
intellectual
Type
literary
philosophical
descriptive
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- public speaking
- media communication
- educational curricula
Key Concepts
lexical richness
democratic discourse
stylistic hybridity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does word choice shape perception?
- When should simplicity trump variety?
A Different Perspective
Overly eclectic language can obscure clarity and alienate some audiences.