Truth and Linguistics

[kerravonsen]

Interesting quote from the book I'm currently reading(*):
Their [human] language is equally confusing. Who can believe what they say if every word has several meanings?

Which makes one wonder... for of course, in human languages, one can lie while telling the truth. Yet what a poor language it would be if words had only one meaning.

Does poetry lie in ambiguity? Or does poetry lie in ambiguity?

(*) "City of Pearl" by Karen Traviss

Comments

[kerravonsen]

I do recognise that hymn, though I can't recall the tune at the minute. "And the things of earth will grow strangely dim" (nods)

and then the perspective makes me think that maybe it isn't all so bad, especially since, ultimately, the struggle is temporary

"To live is Christ, to die is gain."

[reveilles.livejournal.com]

If you're willing to sit through a not-too-terrible MIDI recording of it, I got the lyrics off this page.