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93. October 2020 - The Languages of Pao
The Laguages of Pao is a novel by Grandmaster Jack Vance, originally published in 1956. It is an exploration of the Safir-Whorf hypothesis that language structure affects the speaker's world view. At the time it was written, this hypothesis was held strongly by many linguists and philologists though it is no longer fashionable. I found the story compelling and the characters fascinating. It is a product of the mid-fifties, and shows, though not (I think) offensively. So - it is old, somewhat sexist, with no sexy bits, and all about linguistics. I expect most of you to opt out, and I can't blame you. Oh! Also the writing style is idiosyncratic as hell, though I - and many others - consider Vance the greatest master of English in Science Fiction. That should scare off any stubborn remnant.
Books:
https://www.amazon.com/Languages-Pao-Jack-Vance/dp/1619471086
Comments
You can't say I didn't warn you!
I’m in.
I might have brought up Languages of Pao in the Babel-17 discussions...
Man, you sure know how to sell a book...
Evidently not enough. Wild Card opted in, after all.
I'm not put off by the description, but more by the ease of getting a print copy in the UK - Amazon has paperbacks at £49.75 and hardbacks at £348 - any leads on any cheaper options?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Languages-Pao-Jack-Vance/dp/0583123074 shows a paperback at £9.65
Maybe a different edition?
Hey, I’ve been in one a majority of books so far this year. :P
I think.
@BurnAfterRunning Are you a print only reader? (it helps to know when picking books - I myself do print and audio, but everyone has different preferences and we do try to keep them all in mind).
There seem to be quite a few on Abe Books for less than 4 pounds + shipping, but you need to look for yourself because they only give me prices for shipping to Canada. But there's at least one UK shipper.
https://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=30548002684&searchurl=an=vance+jack&bi=s&sortby=17&tn=languages+pao&cm_sp=snippet--srp1--title8
When we were reading Player of Games we talked a bit about the possible effect of language on mental state, with particular reference to whether Gurgeh was speaking Marain or not, and what impact that might have had on his ability to comprehend the empire (it wasn't just us talking - some of the Mind and drone characters in the book also speculated about it).
That sounds about right, @RichardAbbott!
Category link for those who like to set up notifications: https://www.ttrpbc.com/categories/93-(october-2020)-the-languages-of-pao-by-jack-vance
In terms of language and effect on mental states, I've just read the (non-fiction) book Through the Language Glass by Guy Deutscher. Very highly recommended. And I shall now be a smug know it all when this sort of thing comes up in book discussions.
Heck yeah! Pass on the knowledge!
"Bustamonte sat in one of Aiello's black foam chairs. He had flung a black cloak over his shoulders, the Utter Black of a Panarch."
This has to be one of Wolfe's inspirations for The Book of the New Sun.
Undoubtedly! I had thought I had heard the phrase before!
Hey, I finished in time to join the discussion rather than toss in a few comments weeks after the discussion ends.
Yay! That will be fun, Wild Card!
Are ya waiting to get elected?
NO, I'm setting up my questions.
I JUST got my copy in the mail. Hoping to jump in at some point early on.
Could you use an extra few days, Ray?
Up to you @clash_bowley. I will be trying to bust through it in the next few days, but don't feel like you need to wait on me. I will jump in as soon as I'm done. And I don't mind if others have already had a say. If anything I can swoop in and give the conversation second wind.
Also - is that a furry hood, a beefeater hat, or a fro?
I am not in the least sure! I would say fro, but the Paonese don't have fros. Then again, the Paonese are not Chinese like that fellow with his hands in his sleeves, and their world is a lush tropical paradise, not a desert or arctic wasteland as the painting seems to indicate. I wouldn't trust the painting is all I'm saying...