Don't you recall those youthful days?

Back then, language held a certain magic that seemed to lack specific meaning.

What you could utter might not convey a definite sense.

The invisible was what our imagination eagerly strived to perceive.

Questions and the urgent demands for answers burned with such intensity that not knowing made you tremble with fury.

“Tell us what it means to be a woman so that we can understand what it means to be a man.

What exists at the margin.

What it feels like to have no home in this place.

To be cast adrift from the one you were familiar with.

What it is to live on the outskirts of towns that cannot tolerate your presence.”

Early in October, an artist friend left a message.

I retained it on the answering service for weeks and would play it back from time to time.

Just to listen to the trembling pleasure in her voice and the unwavering faith in her words.

It was a precious moment that brought a sense of warmth and inspiration.

Toni Morrison is a renowned and highly respected author. This particular work of hers is a nice minor piece.

While it may not be one of the absolute essential works that define her entire body of literature, it still holds a certain charm and value.

If you happen to come across it, it is definitely worth picking up.

Morrison's writing is known for its depth, complexity, and the way it explores various themes and human experiences.

Even in this minor work, one can expect to find elements of her unique style and the ability to engage the reader on multiple levels.

It might offer a different perspective or a smaller, yet still significant, window into Morrison's literary world.

So, if you have the opportunity to discover this work, don't hesitate to give it a chance and see what it has to offer.

In a Nobel lecture that reads more like a poem,

Toni Morrison deeply reflects on the multifaceted nature of language.

She contemplates its remarkable power, which has the ability to inspire, unite, and convey the most profound of emotions and ideas.

However, she also acknowledges its limitations, as there are some experiences and feelings that are difficult to express fully through words alone.

Moving on, Morrison explores the various forms that language can take, from the written word to the spoken voice, each with its own unique charm and impact.

She is not blind to the misuses of language either, such as when it is used to deceive, manipulate, or spread hatred.

Finally, Morrison ponders the legacy of language, how it shapes our cultures, our identities, and our understanding of the world around us.

This lecture is truly a masterpiece, and I’ll definitely be returning to it time and time again to gain further insights into the wonderful world of language.

The systematic looting of language is a phenomenon that can be easily recognized. It is characterized by the tendency of its users to abandon the nuanced, complex, and life-giving properties of language in favor of menace and subjugation. Oppressive language is not just a representation of violence; it is violence itself. It not only represents the limits of knowledge but also restricts and confines knowledge.

We all know that we will die. That might be the ultimate meaning of life. However, what sets us apart is our ability to use language. Through language, we can express our thoughts, emotions, and ideas. It is through language that we communicate with one another and build relationships. In a sense, our use of language may be the measure of our lives. It is what allows us to leave a lasting impact and make a difference in the world.

Therefore, it is essential that we recognize the power of language and use it responsibly. We must strive to avoid using language in a way that is oppressive or harmful. Instead, we should use it to promote understanding, respect, and equality. Only then can we truly harness the full potential of language and use it to enhance our lives and the lives of those around us.

The Nobel Prize in Literature is a highly prestigious award that recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of literature. In 1993, Toni Morrison was awarded this honor. To learn more about her and her work, you can read her lecture at https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/lit....

Morrison's works are known for their powerful exploration of race, gender, and identity. Her writing is both beautiful and thought-provoking, and has had a significant impact on the literary world.

In addition to reading her lecture, you can also listen to it at https://www.nobelprize.org/mediaplaye.... This allows you to experience her words in a different way and gain a deeper understanding of her ideas.

Whether you are a literature lover or simply interested in learning more about Toni Morrison, these resources are sure to provide you with valuable insights and inspiration.

Deep and stinged with deference,

this emotion holds a special place within us. It is a profound respect that is not only felt but also expressed in various ways.

When we are deep and stinged with deference, we show a genuine regard for others, their opinions, and their achievements.

It is a quality that allows us to build strong relationships, as it demonstrates our ability to listen, understand, and value those around us.

This deference can be seen in our behavior, our words, and even our body language.

It is a sign of maturity and wisdom, as we recognize the importance of treating others with kindness and respect.

Whether it is in a professional setting or in our personal lives, being deep and stinged with deference can lead to greater harmony and mutual understanding.

It is a trait that we should all strive to cultivate within ourselves, as it has the power to transform our interactions and make the world a better place.

I am an extremely enthusiastic fan of the periphery work created by my most beloved people.

Among all of them, this particular one is the one that I always revisit whenever I come across it at the library.

Her insights and visions into the essence of humanity are truly that affecting and profound to me.

It's as if through her work, I am able to catch a glimpse of the deeper aspects of human nature, the emotions, the struggles, and the beauty that lies within.

Each time I engage with this piece, it触动 me on a deep level and makes me reflect on my own understanding of what it means to be human.

It's like a hidden gem that I keep uncovering, revealing new layers of meaning and significance with each encounter.

I am truly grateful to have discovered this work and to have the opportunity to experience the powerful impact of her vision.

This book serves as a concise and yet comprehensive summary of Morrison's profound views on language and literature. It is truly a joy to read, captivating the reader from the very first page.

Morrison's insights are presented in a clear and accessible manner, making this book suitable for both scholars and general readers alike.

If someone were to ever pose the question to me about the essence and significance of literature or literary criticism, without a moment's hesitation, I would most likely recommend this remarkable book to them.

It offers a unique perspective that enriches our understanding of the power and beauty of language and its role in shaping our literary experiences.

Whether you are a lover of literature seeking new inspiration or a student looking to deepen your knowledge of the subject, this book is an invaluable resource that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Oh my god.

She is deeply worried about the way the language she has dreamed in since birth is being dealt with. It is given to her at the very beginning of her life, but now she wonders how it is being put into service and whether it is being withheld from her for certain nefarious purposes.

As a writer, she views language from multiple perspectives. Partly, she sees it as a system, with its own set of rules and structures. Partly, she perceives it as a living thing, something that can grow and change over time and which one can have some degree of control over. But mostly, she considers language as agency, as an act that has significant consequences.

Every word she writes, every sentence she constructs, has the potential to impact the reader, to convey a message, to evoke emotions. She is acutely aware of the power of language and the responsibility that comes with using it.

"We die. That may be the meaning of life. But we do language. That may be the measure of our lives."

Death is an inevitable part of our existence. It marks the end of our physical journey in this world. However, while we are alive, we have the remarkable ability to communicate through language. Language is not just a means of expressing our thoughts and feelings; it is a powerful tool that shapes our experiences and defines who we are.

Through language, we can share our stories, connect with others, and build relationships. We can learn from the past, imagine the future, and explore new ideas. Language allows us to create art, literature, and music, and to express our deepest emotions and desires. It is a measure of our intelligence, creativity, and humanity.

In conclusion, while death may be the ultimate end, language gives meaning and purpose to our lives. It is a gift that we should cherish and use to the fullest.

Language is a powerful tool, yet it has its limitations. It can never fully "pin down" the horrors of slavery, genocide, and war. Nor should it strive for the arrogance to believe it can. Its true force and beauty lie in its ability to reach towards the ineffable. Whether grand or slender, burrowing, blasting, or refusing to sanctify, language surges towards knowledge, not its destruction. However, we all know of literature that has been banned, discredited, or erased simply because it asks questions, is critical, or offers an alternate perspective. And how many of us are outraged by the thought of a self-ravaged tongue?

Word-work is sublime, as it is generative. It creates meaning that defines our difference, our human difference. We die, and that may be the meaning of life. But we do language, and that may be the measure of our lives. Language alone protects us from the scariness of unnamed things. It is a form of meditation. The world is indeed poorer without Toni. Hearing her recite this speech can change us. These are words to live by, to sob at, to stir us out of the depths of despair and despondency. They are words of sustenance. With humility and reverence, I try to honor their tenets and give them justice. I truly do try.

In her Nobel Lecture, Morrison courageously confronts the perils of contaminating the use of language for malicious intents.

To counter these dangers, she presents an ingenious meditation on the vitality of language and its crucial responsibility in narrative art. It is tasked with exposing the heinous crimes of the past and charting a hopeful path forward for the future.

Morrison testifies that language is a living entity, and we must always remember that we have the power to control it. Moreover, language is an agent capable of taking action, and with actions come consequences. It can be vulnerable to death, erasure, and peril. She views dead language not merely as a language that is no longer spoken or written but as a type of language that is unwavering in its quest to destroy others.

Dead language is a paralyzing system that is statist and desires to censor. It is a dumb and predatory language, ruthless and policing, with no other objective than to spread its own narcissism and course of domination. It halts intellectual growth, dismisses conscience, and suppresses humanity. It cannot endure the thoughts and ideas of others. It shelters despots and proclaims false stability. Dead language is oppressive and incites violence. It is sexist, racist, and theistic language that restricts knowledge as it refuses to permit new knowledge and the exchange of ideas.

To oppose a dead language, Morrison reminds us that the vitality of language lies in its capacity to capture and "limn the actual, imagined, and possible lives of its speakers, readers, and writers." She perceives the sublime work of words as generative and as creating life-sustaining meaning that exalts our human differences. Morrison tells us that the meaning of life might be that we die, but she firmly believes that we must "do language" by acting in the pursuit of doing good in this world, which will serve as the measure of our lives. Therefore, our future hinges on the language we choose.