A Writer's notebook, Day One-Hundred-Fifty-Six

I have so much that is in my mind that I would like to share right now, but it is also near 2 in the morning and I have to be in class early, so I am going to make this short and hopefully catch up soon.  The class is not a workshop, it is something far more than that, and I am incredibly fortunate to have this opportunity.  It really is mind expanding in ways that I would not have believed possible previously.

Gregory Pardlo's approach is completely altering how I think, and making me reconsider so many ideas I had.  In some ways, his conception of voice is almost to view the goal as expanding it through an almost antagonistic view.  That is a gross simplification, really.  Consider the notion that language is a necessary component in order for a mind to function self-reflectively.  This idea is not particularly extreme, but comes from studies of the deaf, particularly those that never learned sign language.  The lack of a firm linguistic understanding limited the ability of such individuals to fully develop an inner voice and self awareness. 

Now, if we take that notion, consider that our identity, in some sense, must rest upon language.  Language is the mechanism that enables us to have advanced thought, and thus cultural and individual identity require language first.  From that perspective, our understanding of the world begins through a linguistic frame. 

Now, in terms of voice, what this means is that our use of language, the individual qualities of our voice, are in some way a part of our identity and way of perceiving.  The way we utilize language is intertwined with identity in a way that makes it impossible not to consider the idea of voice as a limitation that exists in our world.  Voice is the quality of language that is an individual reflection, and is not separate from the individuality, as that is already a function of language in a general sense.  From that perspective, the goal is largely about expanding our voice, by learning what it is and seeing the limitations of it.  This is, of course, my own interpretation and understanding, though I hope it does reflect ideas that Mr. Pardlo would appreciate.  I hope to get more in detail later, at least in terms of my own thinking and work.

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