RE: [Paddlewise] Terminology and Communication

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Daly
In many cases, the specialist's use of the term precedes the use of the
term among the general public.  The general public didn't know much about
boats or aircraft until after the specialists have done a lot of the
groundwork. In the case of planing/surfing concepts, the theory predates
the general public's ownership and usage of such craft. Prior to the
second half of the twentieth century, only the rich could afford high
performance vessels. Once in the general public, the terms get
undifferentiated.
--------------------------
	Are you saying that the specialists coined these phrases, invented these
words? I would be very interested in one or more examples of this, or better
yet many examples. Lift, plane, surf, length, flight, these are not words
that come from the mind of a specialist.

Derivations as listed in Websters College Dictionary:
	Lift [1250-1300; ME < ON lypta der. of lopt air, c.MHG luften; cf. loft]
	Plane [1400-50; n, adj) < L planus flat; ME planen (of a bird) to soar
	Surf [1675-85; earlier suff; of uncertain origin]
	Length [before 900; ME length(e), OE lengthu . . . ]
	Flight [before 900; ME; OE flyht; c OS fluht; akin to fly]

	Hopefully you see that is not uncommon for the specialists to take a word
in common usage and adapt it's use to specify a meaning unique to their
field of interest. Certainly you don't think you can admonish us by
committing the very crime of which we stand accused. We don't seek to limit
your use of our words, but we to take umbrage when you attempt to say that
it is we who cheapen their value. Use our words, freely and with our
blessing, but when you decide that these words no longer mean that which
they have meant for centuries please be kind enough to preface your use with
a reference to a specific field of interest.

Jed, certified non-specialist

PS	Any attempt to be offended by the above shall be prosecuted to the
fullest extent of the law.



***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************