Based on the ideas discussed in my first English 383 class, I’ve realized that one of the things that brings people the most pleasure, comfort and relief can simply be wrapped up in one word: familiarity.
I consider John Rives, the spoken word artist who so nostalgically recounted “Op talk,” a common language he shared with his sister. I consider how he discussed that, even to this day, the strength of the bond he and his sister share when speaking in their simple, yet profound language. Or, I think of myself, a native Bahamian, whose accent dims when on foreign shores, but, when at home or amongst her own people, can’t help but bask in the simplicity yet comfort of her own native dialect.
Then I apply this concept to the idea of writing. A piece of writing, to me, does not always have to involve complex, thesaurus-inspired diction. Sometimes it’s simply the familiarity of the words, phrases and subject matter that provides a simple comfort to the audience. Sometimes, it’s simply the basics.
Leonardo da Vinci most likely said it best: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”
