The usual thought process, if slowed down to a microscopic crawl, might go
like this:
I have a vague sense of what this means.
I'm too lazy to be more specific, or general, as the situation
warrants, or even concern myself with it.
The person I'm speaking with uses the same language.
Therefore the other person will understand what I'm saying.
Little, if any, thought is given to whether the other person has the
background, education, experience, or intelligence to understand the
jargon.
I'm writing this for two reasons: (1) to point out in general terms that
clear communication requires discipline; and (2) to complain about the use
of a specific word form that interferes with understanding and learning.
In several recent posts I have seen the past tense verb "tasked" and it
occurred to me that I don't know what this means. Does the term "tasked"
- in the context of the phrase "I have been tasked with ..." - mean "given
a set of responsibilities"? Does it mean "laboring under"? Does it mean
to be the subject of a certain kind of work?
Several times last year Michael McMaster used his 1909 Scottish dictionary
to help clarify certain terms used on this list. I wouldn't suggest that
as the standard of modern usage, but it was a good lesson in the mental
discipline involved in assuring that we have a common basis for
communication.
This actor cognates the hypothetic of us consensing, a priori, that
specificity of wording promotes shared Weltanschauung. (Translated: I
think we can agree that careful use of words enhances learning.)
Dave
-- David E. Birren Phone: (608)267-2442 Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources Fax: (608)267-3579 Bureau of Management & Budget E-mail: birred@dnr.state.wi.us