Klemen Pisk
Sodobnost
Sodobnost
Eurozine
Literacy as an idea of Enlightenment
Klemen Pisk
It is worthwhile reflecting on the difference between form and content, and hence on the influence of the spoken language on the written culture. The spoken language is at a low level, yet not on account of the vocabulary, the regional characteristics or dialectical marking, but rather because of the empty content. Slovenian society, especially the provincial environment, constricts the intellectuals and makes fun of them, particularly when they wish to express themselves in a refined, creative, thoughtful language. Immediately, they will be rebuked for "philosophising" or "being heavy". We, Slovenes, perhaps too readily let ourselves drop down to the lower level, instead of raising ourselves or others. The greatest pity is that language is beginning to come under the pressure of commercialisation, or better to say all-pervading stultification. The media space is saturated, and there are a great many local television and radio stations whose incluence has become fateful. The most primitive thoughts are gaining great weight, and that is a cause for concern.