Losing the Speech?

[Peter Murray]

The Rirhaiti also build permanent dwellings, even if they don't wear clothes (think of the massive building at the Crossings). They can also presumably read and write, although in the Speech from the sound of it. They must have something like opposable thumbs, to have built all that (assuming they didn't sub-contract it all to stranded aliens who were waiting to get home).

And the Apple logo on Spot doesn't have the bite out of it, because ... oh, I can't remember quite how DD phrased it, but basically the wizards didn't Fall.

[Ankaa]

I was referring to species on Earth. Maybe we're a *special case

[Magic Butter]

*I may comment specifics from the books, ye be warned*

How about intent? Nita's mother I believe says something about hearing the Speech like someone in another room...the meaning of it eluding her. But when Nita talks to her in the hospital she means for her mother to understans her, needs it, thus the Speech impresses on her, makes her understand for all living beens comprenhend it, even if they're not aware of it.

About being unique, I doubt it, too many worlds...if the Earth (remember the comment about most worlds being called The Earth to their natives?) were so different it would've been commented. We're just part of the group that really messed up in the Choice.

...*breaths*

[Ankaa]

hm, I thought it was Kit's mother who said the first part...and maybe non-speakers/non-wizards can understand, "everything that thinks unerstands the Speech" (various books, I think this is a direct quote from HW), so I think that if it's directed towards you, you can understand it, if not a direct word-for-word translation, a series of concepts or mental images. sort of like a language. I heard that a sign of being able to speak a language well or really understanding it is when the words in the language stop being as directly translatable into your mother tongue, and take on a meaning of their own. You can still translate them, they justg mean that...and...more. that made no sense, but it makes sense to me...sort of...

[Gryphon]

MAGIC BUTTER!!!!!!!!!

*spazzes*

Hey, aren't you a really really old member? I vaguely recall reading a post of yours when I was a newbie. Huh.

Anyway, ...

I hate running out of time... I'll see ya all

[Magic Butter]

You're right Ankaa...I should really read them all again.

Hehehe...yeah, I just pop in from time to time, Gryphon, lets see if this time I stick a bit more, now that I've read the whole thing (3 books in 3 and half days, w00t) I don't feel so completely lost at times.

Back on topic...no wait...I got nothing to say. :P

PS: BTW, is VGDawn Young Wizards based?

[Lisa]

I'm new here, but I have an idea. In a book I read once, there was an idea that science and magic are almost incompatible. So maybe because we are so determind that science can do everything, most people think magic can't be real because it can do things science can't do.
(Does that make any sense?)

[alla]

That makes sense Lisa. Its probably because magic is like religion - it requires faith that something 'impossible' can happen.

On a second note:

Dai'stiho and Welcome to the Boards

I am Alla, the resident Australian! Check out the Newbie Zone for info about the boards and that. Hope you enjoy yourself here, and check out the Topic of Great Randomness to get to know the other members on the board. Its a good idea to introduce yourself here and then everyone can get to know you. The Chatroom is also a good place to talk - if you can get it to work.

Finally, in response to your signature: 'So helpful.' And I don't even have the books around .

[RhyanonSorenson]

Maybe since the Speech is a powerful language the Powers That Be took the ability to speak it away from the non-wizards, so that damage could not be done.

[Lisa]

To take my earlier theory one step further, maybe those of us who want something like magic to exist, like Dairine, will find their way to wizardry. People who believe it could be real, who want it to be real, will find it eventually. I hope that's true, because it means there's hope for people like me who spend all their time with their heads in the clouds.