Conversation opus 861
| 13 June 2026 1322 Hours | | Communication, Custom, Evolution, History, Linguistics, Psychology, Relationship |
Much of what I write about may seem out of the blue and unrelated.
However, many subjects result from some recent event
Or something I have heard that relates to my life and interests.
'Conversation' is the result of a conversation
I had about conversations!
I had no idea of its past history, so I learn along the way.
Today, we think of the word 'conversation'
As an informal verbal exchange of thoughts
Between two or more people.
Originally, it meant a person's living, behavior, or interactions
With others in one's community.
The prefix 'con-' etymologically means 'with' or 'together.'
The root verb is 'vetere' (Latin), meaning 'to turn.'
The suffix "-ation" indicates the action of doing something.
So, literally we have 'turning together'
Or 'often turning about in place.'
The Latin evolved into the verb conversari,
Implying physically living with and among other people.
Through a millennium this word past through Old French,
Then, with the introduction of French, it was used in English.
In the 14th century, Middle English used it to refer
To a physical dwelling and behavior.
In the 16th century it widened to social and physical interaction.
Later (1500s) the legal term for adultery was 'criminal conversation.'
In the late 16th to 17th century, the focus was on speech:
The friendly 'give and take' of ideas among companions.
In our modern times, it usually means 'talking.'
Now, in computing, a 'conversation' refers to a 'formal,
Prolocal-based transaction interaction between
Separate electronic systems.'
Today, sociologists and linguists agree that a true conversation
Must have symmetry, with partners sharing equal status.
It must be informal, with no predefined agenda.
Finally, it builds social bonds, maintaining human connection.
Keep all this in mind, during your next chat!