Our language proficiency and intellect go hand in hand.
Some even claim that communication and comprehension are two sides of the same coin. As we peal the many layers of meaning and intention hidden in our everyday communication, it is important to master the basics.
“If a word doesn’t work for you, it works against you.”
Same goes with sentences, body language and even the tone!
My fascination with the written-word as a medium for passing great truths started way back in my school days. Here are two areas that currently hold my interest:
1) Scientific Writing
During an incidental stint as scientific-writing instructor, I came to appreciate even more how our written language refines our thoughts.
With clarity, brevity and engagement as the central themes, useful guides I have been developing for my students can be found in the Downloads section.
My recommendations
Other than reading seminal papers in your field, my basic reading list: “Good English and Best English” by Vallins, “100 ways to improve your writing” By Gary Provost, “Writing tools” by Roy Peter Clark, Classics like “The Elements of Style” William Strunk Jr., Style: Toward Clarity and Grace by Joseph M. Williams.
Write. Writing is your mental gym. It helps you understand better what you don’t know you-don’t-know.
2) Samskrutam
Popularly anglicized as Sanskrit, derives its name from samyak-krutam (well done). This well done language is vast, nuanced and just so incredible interms what it can offer us to attain clarity and brevity in expressing our thoughts . The more I learn, the more I fall in love with it. This language has permanently changed the way I see the world and express my thought. Again, you can find some of my notes in the Downloads section and in my blog posts.
My recommendations
Take a graded course by PPSM (Poornaprajna Samshodana Mandiram) or by Vyoma or Samskrita Bharati. Keep learning the scripture that interests you. Warning: Once you start learning Samskritam, there is no going back. It will steal your body, mind and soul 🙂
ज्ञीप्सा /jñĪpsA/ 