Language and the ancient times.

[Rox_My_Sox1]

You know, it fascinates me how much we take for granted how much language has changed throughout the ages. From Babylon to Egypt, from Greece to Rome, from China to Japanese, from the Philippines to Australia language has almost never stayed completely the same as the years passed (at least as far as I know). Even in the United States of America, our language (in the 1930's) featured phrases like "Jimmy Jacked" or other references that barely anyone would recognize in the 2000 era.

I wonder if many people realize that Jesus of Nazareth wasn't called "Jesus" or "Jesus Christ" and indeed people of that era would view the modern English language as a nearly unintelligible speech (or demonic possession at worst). Did ancient empires have people who acted as translators for rulers, dignitaries, or other chiefs of state or administrators? Was it a full time job and what were the perks (aside from getting a roof, food, clothing, and not having your head chopped off ^_~).

There is SO MUCH about ancient history I'd love to learn. I'm gonna start by trying to find my old history text books or going to the library and renting some books! ^_^

 

[sadi]

I've always loved languages, and just find all the different dialects SO interesting (not even including the differences in time to boot ;P)! :ggrin:

And yes, aside from Babel, (which I believe - SO SHUT UP and don't argue! >_<) language has changed so so sooo much! Aside from merely the connotation of words incessantly changing, it can even go so far as to change the actual meaning, the denotation of the word. For example: fag. About six decades or go, this had a very different meaning, along with gay, for that matter.

There's a BUNCH of words that have changed countless times, but just the base root, the etymology of all the different words in various languages interests me most greatly. Like for English, do we really love our significant others as much as we love chocolate? Couldn't we have picked a better word with that same, base meaning? (Other than lust, or some such)


And as for your question, I'd think there would be professional people who acted as translators, or some such, as there were scholars, who wrote everything down that was said. To take it further, why couldn't someone properly speak what was being said, if a person was unable to communicate, or articulate at all?


I find this kind of stuff interesting as well, Roxy. :happy:

 

[Nekagiggles]

I'm with you! Language has always fascinated me. If it weren't for my mental limitations, I would realize my dreams of becoming a linguist.

Ancient times have always been fascinating for me, as well. Mostly ancient Egypt. I have to blame a friend of mine for that one. But it would be cool to see what life was like back then, besides what we're told by ancient artifacts. If only we could live in the past for just one day...*dreams of pyramids and the warm sun*

 

[Journia]

I love language.

We should all get together and chat about language!

and what limitations? No one truly has limitations....unless they're limitations...

By the way, Sadistictickler,

You're not pretty!!!!

(Etymological Joke)

 

[hungman1]

And loanwords mess up the things much more 😀
And don't forget the "loan of a loanword" incident 🙂, means to give a word to another language, and then "borrow" this word and use it as the foreigners use it, ingnoring the fact that this word has your language's roots.
sadistictcklr if the etymology of the words interests you mostly, then you will definetely love modern greek language 😉 it has countless combinations and roots traced back to ancient greek language.

Oh btw in ancient Egypt only scholars, if i remember correctly, possesed the ability to writte the language (hieroglyphics).

 

[Journia]

Isis or Osiris?

 

[Camel26]

I consider myself a cunning linguist...

 

[Journia]

I consider myself a cunning linguist...

Oh.....I see what you did there....

 

[Camel26]

*bows to the audience*

Goodnight everyone! Don't forget to tip your waitress!!! Try the veal!!! The 7 o'clock show is different from the 9 o'clock show...😉


Mmm...languages...awesome...and back on track!!! woot!