Literacy itself was once considered a form of magic. To look an an incomprehensible text that appeared no more than random markings and then, from these, to be able to know and speak the words and thoughts of kings and priests was surely the art of a sorcerer. Something of that magic and mystery remains, embedded in human consciousness.
Certainly there are confusions of word and object and idea, problems of emotional connotation and comprehension of figurative expression in forms concrete and abstract, and mysteries of linguistic apprehension that provoke thought and debate. Language nevertheless moves, challenges and stimulates reader and listener.
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