Tharoorosaurus Rex: Should authors write in plain language?

cynic

For those not aware how the term came about, here is the complete story. Amul took a shot at Shashi Tharoor with a topical "Tharoorosaurus Anyone? Amul, small word for delicious". The politician retorted with the tweet "Butterly honoured. But I feel like a Tharoorosaurus Rex, an ancient creature soon to be extinct, snuffed out in a cloud of incomprehension...."

We have all read books that have us accessing the dictionary more often than we like. On the other hand, what better way to increase your vocabulary. Should authors stick to writing in plain language that is easy to comprehend? Are authors with excellent command over the language a dying breed? What are your thoughts on this?

We are using the debate feature for this topic. I have listed the square and negative point of views. Choose the position you support and proceed to share your opinion.

jhsurti

I opt for neither. I think it's a balance between the two that matters. Too plain a language doesn't quite bring the richness to the account. Too much of T-Rex and the reader will loose interest. A good vocabulary (I mean rich language) peppered in plain narrative can spice up the piece. It has the punch!

soothsayer

I am being asked to choose between Samuel Johnson and M K Gandhi! Both have their merits. But to have better vocabulary , it is best to read authors with a command over the language. I ask- whats wrong in keeping a hardbound dictionary next to you if you really like what you are reading?

Mousetrap

soothsayer 31-8-2018 06:35 PM
I am being asked to choose between Samuel Johnson and M K Gandhi! Both have their merits. But to hav ...

I personally think it's a bother to have to refer to a dictionary while reading a book because it hinders the reading experience. There is really nothing wrong in finding new words because that's really the best way to improve your vocabulary. However, you should be able to guess the meaning of the word based on the context. I found Tharoor's books annoying because there's something deliberate about his choice of words.... I don't like that guy, so maybe I'm biased, I don't know.

Mousetrap

Agree with @jhsurti
There should be a balance for the best experience. It's easy to spot when some book naturally enhances your vocabulary and when it tries to infuse words just for the sake of it.

Sudheendra

Interesting

cynic

I too agree that there has to be a balance between the two. I would not like to lug along the dictionary for the print book, but at the same time, would not want an oversimplified version either.

anisojaru7981

The book should be in simple language to enable easy flow of reading....occasionally we may be willing to refer to dictionary but not always....so ideally there should be a balance.

viksorion

See the whole idea of reading list not only enjoying the time but it should be an enriching experience. Enriching in the form of social and emotional improvement. Better expressebility is also part of learning and social growth and interaction. So if we insist on sticking to our present vocabulary then how to learn
Yes unnecessary unlikely to be used words for conversation doesn't make sense but then why should we stop learning.

The whole debate started with 3 the Aug month read. The language though had lots of new words they were not out of the blue kind atrocious words. No T-Rex in it. So I'm all for it.

cynic

viksorion 3-9-2018 06:59 PM
See the whole idea of reading list not only enjoying the time but it should be an enriching experien ...

I was looking forward to your response on this . Yup, the 3 book discussion started it all. What are your thoughts on the T-Rex authors?