verb: to talk; adjective/noun: opposite
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Let us now converse on the ancient art of civilised conversation – unless you prefer the sound of silence? Hello darkness my old friend… I’ve come to talk with you again…
People love to talk, don’t they? Everyone knows at least one person who’s completely in love with the sound of their own voice. Conversely, there are those who adore listening, who hang on each and every word, seeking to learn, to understand, to glean just a tiny fragment of who that person really is. Then, of course, there are a great many who hate small talk, to whom the idea of exchanging banal, predictable, superficial comments about nothing in particular is nothing short of purgatory! And let’s not forget those delicate flowers whose aversion to conversation is more due to a lack of confidence than the absence of a desire for contact.
They say humans are social creatures, and there is certainly some truth to this. Even the staunchest of introverts will speak to a friend or relative; enjoy a film or series and the characters therein; research a topic that interests them, thus benefitting from another person’s knowledge and experience; or even just read a blog. However indirect, everyone experiences and enjoys some form of communication. Conversation, while sadly becoming less common, is both a direct form of communication and as much an art form as any style of painting.
When we converse, our tone, facial expression and body language come together, breathing life, passion and credibility into our words. There is also a certain structure involved, though the specifics will vary depending on the individuals, subject matter and location. Manners are of paramount importance, and appropriate language for the situation is essential. For example: using uncommon words of more than four syllables when speaking to a small child is likely an exercise in futility, and one mustn’t use foul language in polite company – perish the thought! Conversation is the art of exchanging thoughts, feelings and ideas, which makes it as varied as we are. We may speak plainly, bluntly, politely, formally, crudely, heatedly, coldly, warmly, kindly, the list is truly endless and it’s all conversation, bringing us ever closer to understanding one another: a true work of art. Conversely, the word converse can also be used to mean the opposite…
No, I’m not back on the sound of silence (because a vision softly creeping…), I mean the word “converse” means “opposite” as well as “talk”. Talking, arguably the best method for understanding each other, and to oppose, all in the same word. At a glance this may seem counter-intuitive, but…
Conversation takes two at a minimum, doesn’t it? And generally there will be some adversarial points being raised, otherwise it’s less a conversation and more someone preaching to a nodding dog. And, if talking is about understanding let me ask you this: how do you define things without an antonym? Obviously, some things eg. “table” could be described without antonyms, but how do you explain what “light” is without saying “dark” (or “heavy” as we’ve picked on yet another word with two meanings)? How do you know what strength is if you’ve never encountered weakness? Success is simply normal if you never fail.
So, on reflection, perhaps the multiple meanings of “converse” make a little more sense than is first apparent. And perhaps this newfound understanding will lead you to deeper truths and greater appreciation for…. something. Conversation’s role in fostering human connections? Understanding in and of itself? The nature of language? Simon and Garfunkel, and their dangling conversation?
Now, dear reader, I feel it is time to end this conversation. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did, and don’t think too much!
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