Quote Blog: Olde Language

“And if in their judgment, after due deliberation, conference and employment of adequate means of information they are convinced of the impracticability of division they will so report.” Woah, that’s a mouth full. While reading through the pages of “History of Newburyport” I have come across several first hand accounts of old town meetings, bylaws, and event and location descriptions. The ways in which the original speakers used language was far different than how people talk present day, and frankly I found it much more intelligent sounding. This is not the first book I have noticed this on. While reading other old fashioned literatures such as pieces from the puritans, old English literature and revolutionary readings it has always been very clear to me the difference in the language used. For example, the words shall, avail, adequate, and deliberation are all used in that one sentence making it seem so ridiculously formal. Not even in present day formal speakings do people use language anywhere close to as intellectual sounding. Language can have a tremendous effect on a person’s first impression. Having the vocabulary is one thing, but being able to attach words into a sentence much like the original quote makes one sound very intelligent. Alluding to a movie, Nicolas Cage states in National Treasure “People just don’t talk like that anymore” after he reads an excerpt from the Declaration. Reading this book is drilling vocabulary into my head. I know a good chunk of the words, but this book is teaching me how to use them.