Constructing language

In the realm of constructed languages, Toki Pona is special. It has only 120 words and was designed to help people simplify their thoughts. Can you be depressed if you only use 120 words and the word for pain is “ike pilin?”

The language we use changes how we think. That is why it is important to develop a language for the things we do. For me, that’s writing.

One person says, “Don’t use exposition.” Another says, “Exposition is fine.” I usually find myself thinking, “What do you mean by ‘exposition?’”

For me, “exposition” refers to semantic information needed to understand the story, and this is demonstrably fine. A vorpal sword will steal someone’s soul? Ah, that explains why everyone is terrified of this thing. Just tell me and write the scene.

The term “backstory” refers to episodic information about a character’s experience before the story begins, and is best used when seeded throughout the story. But to leave out backstory entirely would mean leaving out the character’s main motivating factors.

A “brain dump” however, is something a writer does during the drafting stage while they themselves are still discovering the characters and world. A good edit will discretely cut these passages, but I would never advise a writer to avoid a brain dump entirely. Sometimes it is needed to move the draft forward.

On the other hand, a “dramatic reveal” that is hinted at throughout the story is evil incarnate and must be hunted down and killed. It is backstory that is being withheld, and therefore will undercut or overshadow the present action of the story.

Language gives us a handle with which to grasp slippery things.