Language is perceived by semanticists and literati, even archaeologists, in styles, which for the purpose of our interests may be perceived as degrees – from simple to complex, from crude to high art. Any style can be used well or poorly. When used poorly it offends, even distracts from language purpose. Used well it dignifies, offers beauty, informs, lifts, persuades. The ancients in Greece and Rome highly honored the spoken word, used it often and wrote books about it. I have read some of them and have been well served by the study. They come to us, even in our time from persons as significant as Aristotle and Cicero, but others not well known in our time, but highly influential in theirs through oral rhetoric, are conserved partly in written rhetoric. Ultimately, whether written or oral, rhetoric has served three large general purposes – to educate, to honor, to persuade. The concept of honor (epideictic) is well represented in Greek history by the speech of Pericles, in Rome by the words of leaders like Cicero – for us illustrated in the Gettysburg Address of Lincoln. That address came from the heights of biblical language: Fourscore and seven years ago, from, a widow of about fourscore and four years (Luke 2:37); our fathers brought forth a new nation, from she brought forth her firstborn son (Luke 2:7); conceived in liberty, from Elisabeth conceived (Luke 1:24) or from Mary’s experience, that which is conceived in her (Matthew 1:20). We can carry the style over even to his Second Inaugural, spoken a few days before he died, when he called on the nation to care for the fatherless (orphan) and widows (Deuteronomy 26:13), but other sites from 24:19 – 27:19. This review can be extended for Lincoln history, most fully after his election in 1860. He had mastered the style of the King James Version of the translation of Scripture. With Shakespeare included, it helped form the English language for those serious about the use of language. The German language was well formed by Luther’s cast of Scripture. Goethe too was influential. The point is made that the great wordsmiths of history had an idealistic view of what was happening to persons, and what ought to happen. Even ordinary persons can find ways of expressing themselves in thoughtful style as did Robert Burns: Would that God the gift to give us, to see ourselves as others see us. Burns begs to be heard to gain the power of his style.
We are helped in the process of language quality and style in the study of other languages. I earned a doctorate during the years when candidates had to pass tests in two languages other than that of their native tongue. For me the decision was Latin, German, Spanish and a bit of French, that included tests in German and Spanish. The greatest help came from Latin, and I would have traded some of the others for Greek. I now spend considerable time in the Greek/Hebrew concordances for what I want. Almost any major idea coming from another language carries an insight or implication that one’s own language does not get until the translatable synonyms (or near synonyms) capture the original statements.
I believe it likely that those persons mired in crude language, or what might be called low pedestrian language that may include inability to put together easily a simple declarative sentence are likely going to miss out on some important life contexts. They not only will miss some important spiritual concepts, but also information necessary for good earth life in the understanding of relationships, in knowledge about daily life and experience. Certainly it does affect the success of a person beyond family environment. In the style of currency at the time of this writing many youth have reduced language management beyond rather simple exchanges in society and in friendship. The loss is and will continue to be costly for many of them who must meet the expectations of a world controlled by progress and improvement. There is serious decline in respect for elevated language so to reduce what we could become. To use much of the style now appearing even in some professional media reveals a cultural infection. It is caused, if we may use parable, like a good meal placed on a soiled dish. We likely decide we don’t want the meal. Thoughtful persons will not likely listen to communications that include swear words, grunts, shallowness, and attitudes inconsiderate of the concept that there are better-to-best words and attitudes for every situation. We need to use excellence in communication to gain information and persuasion for life. *Mark W. Lee, Sr. — 2016, 2020