Love to talk about it, but I can’t. Yet.
I suspect that I have too much free time. Proof? In the variety of questions I ask (myself), during that endless conversation going on in my mind.
Today’s ponder: how large a vocubulary did my ancestors have?
I started with a basic premise. Most of us don’t know many words we know, or don’t. Unlesss you self-test, continually (continuously?). Eventually, if you peruse enough new books, you will discover words that you then have to research. But, what about those that didn’t read much, or talk to strangers. My ancestors faced this, I assume.
I’d love to revisit those moments I had with my grandmother. She spoke more than one language, and was my only tie to a language that was brought here from the Hebrides. I assume she had contact with the only Gaelic book found in area homes (the Bible). Did she own acopy? There’s nobody left that I can ask. And since she taught the language to others, I assume she had more than basic vocabulary. Did she learn the language from her older relatives? I need to know! It’s going to keep me awake.
Also, the closest village had a mix of Irish and Scottish settlers. The language wasn’t the tie that binds, according to the only written history of the area that bothered to mention this. Again, I need to know!
My own lack of vocabulary in my “other” languages comes up (in my thoughts, a lot). Ever tried to talk to yourself when you have a very limited knowledge? I can ask about your dog. I can’t discuss the dog’s personality. Note to self: study this… there may be a test.
And with that, time to find supper. Dinner. Whatever. I can tell you what I might eat, in several languages, but that won’t prepare a plate. A shortcoming.
