A Language We All Must Learn
The theme for this year’s Buwan ng Wika is a celebration of the Philippine’s rich culture, indicated by the many different languages the country has. It also associates these languages with nation building. As to what role they play, it is up to whoever ponders it. The connection is for writers, bloggers for that matter, to establish and for readers to appreciate and do something about.
No, I will not bore you with nose-bleeding in-depth analysis of the role of language in building a strong nation because I know for sure that most online readers, me included, have short attention span. Er, we do not have the luxury of time to intently read long articles.
Let me begin, however, by saying that language, particularly verbal language, is only a medium for getting a particular message across. The manner by which the message is sent and the channel through which it is delivered, and some other factors, are just but a structure of support. The large chunk of significance in communication rests on the message itself.
nymphomation-a review
Do you play Domino? Love Math? Into computer programming? This one might just be for you. This novel by Jeff Noon is all about these things and more.
Domino is played here in a different way. It is played like lottery and the people of Manchester, where the story is set, are all hooked to their TVs, wishing their domino bone is the lucky one.
Instead of a ticket, the people buy domino bone with a special programmed mechanism; it’s dots keep changing until the draw every Friday night. In order to win, your domino bone must match the dots in the costume of Cookie Luck. There will only be one grand prize winner and several minor winners.
The winner doesn’t need to claim his prize. It will be delivered right where he/she is. There are also special prizes. Everyone dreads a double blank because it might mean death. And he/she who wins a double-six get to be the Mr. Million, the man behind the game (Hmm…BigBrother? Banker?). Everyone in Manchester really got crazy over the game. The company actaually had a deal with the government: if the game will be a success in Manchester, it can go national.
