Self and Others

This is more an observation than a rebut to the article linked by David in the previous post.

Will Self says that “the supposedly difficult language” he uses in his stories and novels “seems to have become more and more offensive to readers.” It’s not the language that’s offensive, guv'nor. It’s the attitude, if you know what I mean. I'll spell it out for you. When you use a word like “milt” you’re saying: I know this word and you don’t, and you should know it because it’s good for you, and if you’re too lazy to look it up, then I’m not interested in trying to communicate with you. The proper response to that kind of arrogance is an Anglo-Saxon expletive followed by “you.” Writing is an act of communication with a reader, so damn right we’re offended when we find that you’re actually masturbating for our apparent entertainment and edification.

Of course Self is right about the richness of English vocabulary. And thanks to modern technology, perhaps there are ways to bring its more arcane elements back into play. Since World War II, there have been continuing official moves here in Japan to limit or abolish Chinese characters in the interests of effective communication. But today, thanks to technology (type in word, out come its kanjis) there are more obscure Chinese characters being used than ever.

So don’t be a wanker, Will. If you write stuff like

I'd observe that English, being a mishmash of several different languages, had a large and exciting vocabulary, and that it seemed a shame not to use it - especially given that it went on growing all the time, spawning argot and specialist terminology as freely as an oyster does its milt.

and you want us to understand, enjoy and learn, give us a click-through definition.

--Julian

Comments

[David]

When Will Self uses a word like "milt" he is not "saying: I know this word and you don’t, and you should know it because it’s good for you, and if you’re too lazy to look it up, then I’m not interested in trying to communicate with you."

Rather, he is making three assumptions: that his reader has at least as good a vocabulary as he does; that if he (Self) happens to use a word with which his reader isn't familiar, his reader has access to a dictionary, knows how to use it, and won't be traumatized by doing so; and that, rather than reacting defensively when encountering an unfamiliar word (or an unfamiliar bit of knowledge of any type), rather than feeling condescended to, the reader will welcome the opportunity to learn something new.

All of these assumptions are profoundly respectful of the reader.

Deciding in advance, on the other hand, that one's reader has a limited vocabulary, doesn't know how to use a dictionary, and will have his self-esteem irredeemably damaged if he encounters a word or an idea that isn't familiar, is profoundly disrespectful.

The ultimate form of literary snobbishness is to write down to one's readers; kudos to Will Self for refusing to do so.

[Bill Elf]

Julian uses hard words. He uses words I don't know. He makes me feel bad. He says "edification,"Anglo-Saxon,"guv'nor (is this a foreign word?), "masturbating," "kanjis," "arcane." Why doesn't he use easy words? I asked my friend who got an A in English to help me. He changed Julian's hard English into easy English. If Julian weren't a snob and really wanted to talk to me he would have written:
___

Will Self uses hard words like "milt." He does this to show he is smart and to make me feel dumb. He's a mean guy. He thinks he's better than me because he knows hard words. If he wants me to read what he writes he should use easy words so I can understand. Fuck you, Will Self. You are a wanker.

There a lot of words in English, and we can google them, so it's okay to use them sometimes. People in Asia can use google, too.

Don't be a wanker, Will Self. Don't make me use google by myself. Do the work for me. Make hard words blue so when I click them I can learn them.
_____

Don't be such a snob Julian. Write like my friend does, with easy words. Big words are no fun, and clicking links is really hard.

[David Cozy]

Words found in the first few lines of "Tarzan of the Apes," once considered a work suitable for schoolboys: "seductive," "skeptical," "incredulity," "convivial, "salient."

Who knew Edgar Rice Burroughs was such an elitist snob.

[Julian Bamford]

Regardless of any points I was trying to make, I apologize for my ill-considered rant, for (arrogantly) asserting that someone else was arrogant, and for inflammatory language. Had I lived 200 years ago, been someone of any importance, and written in other than a tiny blog, I would have been labeled a cad and challenged to a duel. Or have at least gotten a deserved punch in the nose. Thanks to my insignificance, limited readership and these peaceable times, I live to see another day, and will try and behave better in future.
--Julian

[David]

As far as I'm concerned, no apology is necessary. I can't speak for Mr. Elf, though. He sounds pretty upset.