When Words Fade: Authors’ Strategies to Preserve and Revive Lost Language

By Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Author of the HowToDoItFrugally Series of books for writers

Words, the very building blocks of our thoughts and stories, are not as permanent as we might imagine. They ebb and flow with the tides of human communication, some flourishing and expanding their reach, while others, for a myriad of reasons, gradually recede from common usage, eventually disappearing from our dictionaries and collective memory. This phenomenon, while a natural evolution of language, presents a unique and often frustrating challenge for authors, whose craft hinges on the precise and evocative use of every available term. For those who weave narratives across time, cultures, and social strata, the absence of a specific word can feel like a gaping hole in their creative arsenal. However, as veteran writer Carolyn Howard-Johnson explores, resourceful authors have developed ingenious methods to combat this linguistic attrition, ensuring that their characters and narratives remain vivid and authentic, even when grappling with the ghosts of forgotten vocabulary.

The Natural Lifecycle of Words: From Abundance to Obscurity

The English language, a rich tapestry woven from countless linguistic threads, boasts an astonishing vocabulary. This abundance is a testament to humanity’s innate drive to communicate effectively. We readily embrace words from other languages, adapt them to our needs, and invent new ones when existing terms fall short. This dynamic process, however, also leads to the inevitable shedding of linguistic baggage. Words can fall out of fashion, be misused to the point of distaste, or simply be forgotten as younger generations encounter new linguistic landscapes. Diseases can claim the memories of individuals, and with them, their personal lexicons.

Lexicographers, the meticulous guardians of our dictionaries, regularly assess word usage. When a word is deemed no longer in common circulation, or its usage insufficient to warrant its continued inclusion, it is retired. While this process ensures that dictionaries remain relevant and manageable, it leaves a void. For the general populace, this linguistic attrition might pass unnoticed. But for an author, who relies on the nuanced shades of meaning that specific words provide, the disappearance of a term can be a significant impediment. The very words needed to imbue a character with authenticity, to transport a reader to a bygone era, or to capture the specific vernacular of a particular social group, may have vanished from readily accessible records.

The Author’s Dilemma: When the Perfect Word Evades Capture

The challenge for authors is particularly acute. Consider a writer crafting a historical novel set in Victorian England. The dialogue and internal monologues of their characters must resonate with the linguistic conventions of that era. If a specific slang term, a particular idiom, or even a precise descriptor for an everyday object from that period has fallen into disuse, the author faces a creative hurdle. Similarly, a novelist aiming to portray characters from a distinct regional dialect or a different social class may find their research hitting a wall when contemporary dictionaries lack the very words that define that group’s unique linguistic identity.

This is where the author’s needs diverge from those of the average speaker. While most people can communicate effectively with a core vocabulary, authors require the full spectrum of language to paint their worlds with accuracy and depth. The inability to find or verify a specific, potentially archaic, word can lead to frustration, compromise, and ultimately, a diminished quality in the writing. The temptation to simply give up and substitute a more common, albeit less precise, word is strong. However, for authors dedicated to their craft, this is often an unacceptable compromise.

Strategies for Linguistic Archaeology: Unearthing Forgotten Words

Fortunately, linguistic tenacity and creative problem-solving are hallmarks of the writing profession. Carolyn Howard-Johnson, a seasoned author and advocate for writers, outlines a series of practical and often ingenious strategies that authors can employ to combat the problem of disappearing words. These methods not only help in retrieving lost vocabulary but also enrich the author’s understanding of language and its historical context.

1. The Power of Immediate Inquiry

• Tap into Your Immediate Circle: Howard-Johnson suggests the simplest approach first: ask. The person sitting next to you at Starbucks, or more specifically, your spouse, might possess the very word you’re searching for, or at least a starting point for your investigation. This highlights the often-underestimated value of informal knowledge sharing.

2. Leveraging Digital Archives and the Used Book Market

• Amazon’s New and Used Feature: For a more systematic approach, authors can utilize Amazon’s "New and Used" feature. By searching for books published in past decades using relevant keywords, writers can stumble upon texts that preserve the language of their target era. This digital excavation can unearth forgotten phrases and terms that have eluded modern dictionaries.
• The Charm of Out-of-Print Slang Dictionaries: Howard-Johnson herself maintains a personal collection of slang dictionaries, some of which are now out of print. These specialized volumes, often overlooked by mainstream lexicography, can be invaluable repositories of vernacular language from specific periods or communities. Stashing these physical copies provides a secure haven for this specialized linguistic knowledge.

3. Engaging with Generational Knowledge

• Intergenerational Conversations: Older generations often retain memories of words and expressions that have faded from current use. Similarly, younger generations might be more attuned to emerging slang or niche terminology. Engaging with individuals from different age groups can provide unique linguistic insights.

4. Embracing Linguistic Innovation

• The "Jabberwocky" Effect: Lewis Carroll’s whimsical poem "Jabberwocky" famously demonstrated the legitimacy and creative power of invented words. Howard-Johnson advocates for authors to consider creating their own words when a suitable one cannot be found. This act of linguistic invention, when done thoughtfully, can add a unique flavor and originality to a narrative, much like Carroll’s neologisms.

5. The Thrill of the Hunt in Second-Hand Stores

• Charity Shops as Linguistic Treasure Troves: Charity shops and used bookstores are goldmines for authors seeking linguistic artifacts. Howard-Johnson recommends acquiring old paperbacks for a minimal cost. Beyond general thesauri, specific works like "The Describer’s Dictionary," though published decades ago, can offer a wealth of descriptive terms that may no longer be commonplace.

6. The Enduring Value of Personal Annotation

• Marginalia as a Living Archive: Howard-Johnson champions the practice of writing in the margins of books (marginalia). These personal annotations can serve as a dynamic, ever-growing record of thoughts, discoveries, and particularly, linguistic findings. The advice to "not go giving them to charity or anyone else" underscores the personal and evolving nature of this archival method.

7. The Architect of One’s Own Literary Sanctuary

• Building More Bookshelves: In a humorous yet practical vein, Howard-Johnson suggests that the act of accumulating books for linguistic research might necessitate the expansion of one’s personal library. This commitment to physical space for literary resources reflects a deep dedication to the craft.
• Organizing for the Future: The article emphasizes the importance of organizing these collected linguistic resources. Whether by personal meaning or by adopting established library categorization systems, a well-organized collection ensures that these hard-won words remain accessible for future use, creating a legacy of linguistic knowledge that can be passed down through the author’s work.

The Author as a Keeper of Language: A Continuing Mission

Carolyn Howard-Johnson’s contributions as a writer and mentor extend beyond her own literary output. Through her regular column, she aims to equip fellow authors with practical advice that can prevent embarrassment and enhance the creative process. Her "HowToDoItFrugally" series, particularly "The Frugal Editor," offers invaluable insights into the professional aspects of writing, including the crucial element of backmatter – the supplementary content at the end of a book designed to engage readers and promote sales. The inclusion of contact list magic in the latest edition of "The Frugal Editor" exemplifies her commitment to practical, actionable advice.

Her forthcoming book on word lists further solidifies her dedication to this specialized area of linguistic exploration. This focus on vocabulary underscores her belief that a robust and diverse command of language is fundamental to exceptional writing. The availability of her series in multi-book formats on Amazon, a concept she dubs a "#FrugalBookPromoterTip," also reflects her innovative approach to book promotion and her understanding of how authors can leverage digital platforms to their advantage.

In essence, the challenge of disappearing words is not merely an academic concern for authors; it is a practical reality that requires proactive engagement. By embracing the strategies outlined by Howard-Johnson, writers can transform themselves from passive observers of linguistic change into active participants in the preservation and revival of language. They become linguistic archaeologists, excavating the past to enrich the present, ensuring that the vibrant tapestry of human expression continues to thrive, word by precious word. The internet, while a powerful tool, is not infallible, and the personal dedication of authors to building their own repositories of knowledge remains paramount. The quest for the perfect word, even a forgotten one, is a testament to the enduring power and beauty of language, and the authors who champion its cause.