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Chris OConnor 
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 Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2007 1:58 am Post subject: Of thought and metaphor - Peter Calamai
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Of thought and metaphor
Deciphering the layered ways in which we communicate is his mission
Jan 21, 2007 04:30 AM
Peter Calamai
Science writer
An excerpt from this review:
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Even something as seemingly straightforward as asking for the salt involves thinking and communicating at two levels, which is why we utter such convoluted requests as, "If you think you could pass the salt, that would be great."
Says Pinker: "It's become so common that we don't even notice that it is a philosophical rumination rather than a direct imperative. It's a bit of a social dilemma. On the one hand, you do want the salt. On the other hand, you don't want to boss people around lightly. |
Read the full review at TheStar.com |
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| Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2007 1:58 am Post subject: Please help to support this site
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WildCityWoman
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| Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 7:22 pm Post subject:
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At the risk of looking like some kinda' uneducated peasant here, I feel compelled to ask:
What's wrong with saying 'Pass the salt, please'.
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Ophelia
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| Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 4:51 am Post subject:
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Carly, in theory "pass the salt, please" should be enough, but I expect it varies according to countries and social groups.
Here at would find it enough for within family use, though eve nn here I'd also use "Can you...".
Having a meal with colleagues, even on an every day setting like the cantine where talks are extremely informal, "Can you pass the salt, please" would ne a must, and if it meant interrupting a conversation, would be preceded by "Excuse me...", so quite a long sentence for such a simple act, but I think Pinker's explanations are quite right. |
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Ophelia
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| Posted: Fri Mar 07, 2008 4:52 am Post subject:
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Carly, in theory "pass the salt, please" should be enough, but I expect it varies according to countries and social groups.
Here at would find it enough for within family use, though eve nn here I'd also use "Can you...".
Having a meal with colleagues, even on an every day setting like the cantine where talks are extremely informal, "Can you pass the salt, please" would ne a must, and if it meant interrupting a conversation, would be preceded by "Excuse me...", so quite a long sentence for such a simple act, but I think Pinker's explanations are quite right. |
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