Talking words at the library 23 June 2009
Yesterday, a small moment in my local library reminded me about the interesting things that language can do. I went to the front desk to ask about a particular book. I reserved it, handing over my library card details: the usual stuff. (I’m a regular)
The librarian leaned over and wrote a word on my piece of paper. I looked down, expecting to see an ISBN number or something like that. Instead I saw a word that looked like my first name – but also not like it. The man explained, smiling like he was sharing a secret, “If you put an ‘o’ in the place of the first ‘a’ in your name, you get the name of my birthplace in Bangladesh. Comilla.”
One letter had bridged the gap between my first name and the start of a complete stranger’s life. Sometimes it seems we’re only words, not worlds, apart.
(And in case you didn’t know, Comilla is noted for its educational establishments and for producing delicious sweets, amongst other things.)
Written by Camilla Zajac
Camilla Zajac is an award-winning copywriter dedicated to uncovering what’s exciting and unique about organisations and empowering them to communicate that with impact. Learn more about copywriting services from Green Light Copywriting.
