Workshop:
Discover Words That Sing
“Creativity is itself an act of optimism.” Edward Albee
Language
Study
Another
aspect to consider is the sound of your language. This goes beyond sentence
structure of flow and pacing, although it can impact both. What sound do you
want as your influence—a soft flowing romantic lilt or a more guttural tone
such as Klingon. And yes, I do know it’s not a real language even though it has
its own dictionary.
Give
yourself a few days to wander through a busy city and stop in restaurants to
listen to styles of speech. When you hear the accents that attract you, then
use their tones and words for your backdrop atmosphere. In my city culture
changes from neighborhood to neighborhood. On one street alone within a
two-block radius the restaurants include, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Indian,
Italian, Greek, Hamburger joints, vegan, coffee shops, bakeries (Russian and
Polish) and an Irish pub. And I know I’ve forgotten some. Each is owned and
provides meals from their cultural specialties.
A
twenty-minute stop for an appetizer or dessert or drink offers an opportunity
to listen to another country. It’s a relaxing way to study a language.
Another
way to hear with a fresh insight is to watch a television show episode, or a
movie, in a different language without the sub-titles in any language you
speak. Note how intensely you listen and observe and write down any actions or
expressions that stand out. Then go back and watch again with the sub-titles to
verify or clarify your immediate impressions.
Action
Steps:
1.
Using one of the suggested categories, write up a brief three to four paragraph
scene using a setting from your novel. Or a location you have found charming.
2.
Incorporate the sense of communication unique to this place and/or specific
conversation between two characters.
Share:
Did any details surprise you? Why?
Read deep, marcy
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