LL-L "Language politics" 2008.07.04 (02) [E]

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L O W L A N D S - L - 04 July 2008 - Volume 02
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From: Mike Wintzer <k9mw at yahoo.com>
Subject: LL-L "Language politics" 2008.07.03 (08) [E]

Hi Marcus, hi LLs,

Spoken from my heart, Marcus!

Just one provocative thought:

Isn't "culture"  _copying_  others (your parents, your community...)

Greetings 2Uall, Mike Wintzer

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From: R. F. Hahn <sassisch at yahoo.com>
Subject: Language politics

Good point, Mike, but in my opinion not in contradiction or provocation of
Marcus' equally good point. In fact, I feel your point adds depth to his.

We are "programmed" to acquire our cultures (and languages) by imitation ...
and by limitation. Stepping across the toed line can have dire consequences.
In other words, both incentive and fear are involved. Watch social
interaction among wolves, elephants, hyenas and other group or pack
animals!  I am convinced we belong to that category, are biologically
conditioned that way. Unless you are pack leader material and feel confident
to strike out by yourself and start a new pack, you just follow whatever
leader you know. If a new leader comes along or breaks out of the pack you
might follow him (or her in the case of hyenas) if you find his energy and
smell better and his (or her) protection superior. It's all about perceived
levels of security and advantage. Rethinking the *status quo*, challenging a
leader and breaking out of a given pack requires a lot of courage and
conviction ... or stupidity. This is not sufficient. You have to exude a
high level of strength, confidence and charisma to entice others to follow
you, or else it would be you alone against the windmills.

The important part, in my opinion, is to get at least a good handful of
energetic and charismatic people to join for a start, people others can
relate to. It could well be that the Occitan movement managed to harness the
force of disaffected, rebellious, boisterous youth (i.e. young people
struggling with their own independence and leadership instincts). This tends
to be more successful because of a stronger group drive among youths. (You
can see this happening in the Obama campaign for instance.) But you have to
actually appeal to that generation. You can't just keep pontificating in
front of a bunch of tired, lethargic, resigned "old fogies" and expect
everyone and their uncle to join you in changing the world. The "old fogies"
that haven't forgotten to think outside the box and still have some spring
left in their steps will join the younger crowd.

'Nough pontificated for a day ... or morning.

Regards,
Reinhard/Ron

•

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