An Argument vs. Morrisons Noble Lecture

     A language that no longer gives meaning, forgotten, left to decay and crumble at the feet of those whose ancestors once used it. Toni Morrison is troubled by the thought of a dying language. She speaks of the importance of keeping language alive, strong, and constant. For a dead language, as she states, “is not only one no longer spoken or written, it is unyielding language content to admire its own paralysis.”This implies that language dies never to be used again, never to be touched, staring helplessly as life goes on without it. However, I feel that Morrison’s view is inaccurate, Language does not simply die, it changes and evolves. Earth and its inhabitants are constantly evolving, changing, and becoming more intelligent. Language, over the years, does the same. It evolves as humans evolve becoming more acceptable and fitting to society and life. Moreover, People usually find new and exciting ways to give meaning to life. Language does not just simply die but old language gives birth to new language, which in turn will evolve and give birth to newer language. Words are made up, mixed together, and shortened from older language. If language was kept the same and did not evolve and progress the world would be dull and unchanging. As such, we would not have new inventions, new ways of communication, and words would not be as important. Old language is vital to the development of new language. It does not devolve, it evolves, and it does not die, it lives on.