1. BillyxRansom

    BillyxRansom Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2008
    Messages:
    413
    Likes Received:
    16

    Does narration have its own strange language?

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by BillyxRansom, Jul 6, 2009.

    There are some words that I see used a certain way only in novels. Sometimes it is in dialogue, but usually it's in narration, to describe an action. It seems to take very different meaning in writing, than the same word used in conversation. They are words that we have heard, and perhaps even understand the definition of, but in narration they seem to have a completely different (and dumbfounding, to me) meaning.

    Example: "tentative(ly)". What I see with in conjunction with this word is an action being done by someone, but it is done "tentatively". I've never seen this stated anywhere except in novels. There are others, but I can't think of any at the moment.

    Can someone tell me what is meant by "tentatively" in that sense, and moreover, does anyone notice the same thing? Does anyone not understand what I mean?
     
  2. Wreybies

    Wreybies Thrice Retired Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    May 1, 2008
    Messages:
    23,826
    Likes Received:
    20,815
    Location:
    El Tembloroso Caribe
    The only place I have ever seen (or heard) the word ersatz is within the framework for narration. And I have seen it written with some frequency.
     
  3. Necromortis

    Necromortis New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2008
    Messages:
    77
    Likes Received:
    1
    Location:
    California
    Tentatively, in that context, means that whoever is preforming that action is doing so with hesitation.

    That's not particularly odd though - I know I've said tentatively before. But then again, maybe I'm just pretentious :p

    ~Christian
     
  4. nativesodlier

    nativesodlier Member

    Joined:
    May 27, 2009
    Messages:
    71
    Likes Received:
    1
    Location:
    Fresno, CA
    hmmm. I guess I was exposed to this a lot because that is normal context for me to see it in.
     
  5. BillyxRansom

    BillyxRansom Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2008
    Messages:
    413
    Likes Received:
    16
    HUH! Interesting, I will definitely be sure to keep this in mind. :D
     
  6. marina

    marina Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Sep 7, 2008
    Messages:
    1,275
    Likes Received:
    55
    Location:
    Seattle
    Here's an example of how I hear/use it: Let's tentatively plan on going out on Saturday at 8 p.m.
     
  7. Necromortis

    Necromortis New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2008
    Messages:
    77
    Likes Received:
    1
    Location:
    California
    To my knowledge, that is the normal context that the word is used in.

    ~Christian
     
  8. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    i don't... but then i've always possessed and utilized an extensive vocabulary and, for the preponderance of my earthly existence, was surrounded by mortals of the same ilk...

    seriously, above cheeky example aside, i've never noticed any difference other than for the fact that in some places i've lived lately, most around me wouldn't use any but the simplest of words and if they did use a fancy one, would almost always misuse it, not really knowing what it means... and that may be what you were getting at...
     
  9. nativesodlier

    nativesodlier Member

    Joined:
    May 27, 2009
    Messages:
    71
    Likes Received:
    1
    Location:
    Fresno, CA
    well then that explains why I'm confused that others are by this.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice