DICTIONARY

 DICTIONARY

A too-well known term is ‘Dictionary’, though many tend to ignore the etymology of the term. The term seems to have had its origin during early 16^th century from the Latin ‘ Dictionarium’ which means ‘manual’ or ‘book of words’. Incidentally, ‘dictionary’ relates to ‘DICTION’- the manner of use of words that emphasize the sense of a statement and make it eminently effective for the occasion. As students, we used to look with awe some of our Professors and exclaim ‘Look at ‘his diction’. ‘Diction’ is a noun and it also relates to the ‘pronunciation’ of words, besides the cohesive assembly thereof. Generally it is suggested that ‘it is useful for a language teacher to have a good diction’. Personally, I am of the firm conviction that a ‘good diction’ is an asset for anyone who wishes to be an impressive teacher. Any good dictionary is an asset in that it presents the right meaning, the different usage forms like verbs, adverbs, adjectives and the appropriate [recognized] styles of usage of terms as practiced by monolingual natives of that language.

A dictionary is authentic as a source of reference for spelling, meaning and grammar of words in that language. It helps to appropriately use a term for a specific context. Several meanings of significance can be gathered from an authentic dictionary. Some elaboration may help us to recognize the utility of such  dictionaries.

Syllable

Unlike in Indian languages, English language has the custom of emphatic pronunciation of words. Pronunciation of many English words requires that the word be clearly spoken by spacing the different  segments of the word. These ‘segments’ are [syllables] slightly separated from one another by a fraction of time, besides heavy emphasis on different segments of the word. For instance ‘magnificent’ has 4 syllables and is expressed as mag’-nif –i- cent [adjective] and mag - nif-i-cence [noun]; immaculate  as im’-mac-u-late [4 syllables]. When used as per the directives prescribed for pronunciation, words appear grand and ‘Diction’ receives attention of listeners. Those desirous of achieving cognizance among listeners must acquire the skill of using prescribed syllables. Needless to say “Dictionaries are the best educators” –especially of the nuances typical for that language.

Pronunciation

Dictionaries provide information on how to pronounce each word based on the parameters- syllable and stress. Stress of a spot in a word is marked by ‘ and space to signify the separation and emphasis. Certain words are presented for pronunciation by use of spellings which simulate the sound in native utterance. Further the ‘grammar’ of the word for its status-- noun or verb or any other are also specified. By sticking to those norms it is easy for speech or writing, as dictionaries specify typical pronouns, conjunctions, their usage, rules and the due changes needed for apt indication of tenses. Most inconveniences in handling English-the authentic way can be addressed and rectified by a systematic adherence to abiding by the dictionary. Persons who experience problems of usage invariably present ideas in a somewhat clumsy usage, complicated by grammar errors and need to repeat statements , as they themselves feel “my statement is not convincing nor convenient“;  so, they are through discomfort zone whenever they have to deliver speeches through formal presentations.

Despite being aware of the advantages of using a dictionary, many stay contended with what they presume to be correct. When they face ticklish situations of addressing high profile audience, they find the going rather tough and ‘avoid’ undertaking the very assignment. Sheer negligence of healthy approaches of availing of the most elegant words, renders a very perfunctory image for such persons. Once we cultivate the right strategies of acquisition, adoption and application of vocabulary, speech / writing turns a rewarding exercise by the sheer authenticity.

Thesaurus

Thesaurus is a kind of dictionary in which several words with similar meaning are provided in a cluster and helps our effort in looking for words of like meanings[Synonym].  It boils down to the idea that several synonyms can be had from thesaurus.

Technical dictionaries

Practically every field of knowledge has its own Dictionaries and they are Technical dictionaries addressing a variety of requirements for VARIED SUBJECTS and fields like engineering, Medicine, Biology, Chemistry and an array of other subjects. It is more dignified to use all Dictionaries than seek opinion from others and receive un-authentic [in authentic] suggestions.

Prof. K. Raman

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONTRAST

 CONTRAST

The term ‘contrast’ does not require any explanation and it always sets the tone for comparison. Comparison can be of any 2 things with little or no justification from any related parameter. The present effort of mine relates to two places which share common / contrasting features. They are-- Srirangam and Srirangapatna the two well known places by virtue of their association to the river Cauvery; new ones may prefer to name the river ‘KAVERI’. But the old spelling imposes the right phonetic compulsion on sounding the name more appropriately than the lax freedom which embraces the revised spelling. Leaving aside such trivia, anyone familiar with the two places would instantly recognize that both are islands formed by the same river though at different geographic locales in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.  Both have the same value as pilgrim centres for members of Vaishnavite tradition –presided by the same deity Lord Ranganatha. Besides, Srirangam and Srirangapatna are respectively proximal to major towns [cities?] Tiruchi and Mysuru. Both Tiruchi and Mysuru host a lot of institutions of higher learning and are proudly places of Value to HINDUS, CHRISTIANS and MUSLIMS with places of worship for all faiths. Both TIRUCHI and MYSURU have supported weaving of fabrics of tradition and both places are like spots of grandeur being liberally surrounded by vast acres of land thriving on agriculture[villages] . But by the elegance in ‘lay out’ or town planning Mysuru looks ‘one-up’ with  its ‘auto-regulating’ circles,  fountains and well-lit city junctions and quite imposing buildings in all such circles named after important personalities of Wodayar kingdom of Mysuru; the place is known for the picturesque celebration of Dasara festival that marks the  ‘NAVARATHRI’ season of South India. Such captivating elements are conspicuous by absence in Tiruchy. The palace in Mysuru is indeed a piece of marvel of grandeur by design and expanse. That way Mysuru readily passes for a city in sharp contrast to what obtains of Tiruchy by way of layout or architectural pieces of work.

Coming to the topic of Srirangam and srirangapatna, the former scores over the latter by virtue of its square formation with the massive temple at the centre [much like the planning in Madurai]. Srirangapatna is a humble 3-road town and all the three roads nearly run parallel through the length of the town in East-West orientation ; the railway station and the temple are at the West end of the town while the east end is marked by Tipu’s summer palace [Daria Daulat].  Srirangam temple faces South and has three entry points along East, North and South with none on the West. In Srirangapatna, the river arms are parallel to the length of the town; in Srirangam the river arms are Coleroon[Kollidam] on the North and Kaveri on the South while such a naming of river arms is unknown in Srirangapatna.

Though in both places, the river is ‘Kaveri’, the texture of the river bed is highly rocky in Srirangapatna, while that in Srirangam is rich alluvial sand [gold minefor Sand thieves]; in fact, segments of the river in South face of Srirangam haS ‘QUICK SAND ‘ and has trapped quite a few unwary visitors who had unwittingly entered the river . In contrast, the river along the northern face in Srirangapatna is home for Crocodiles and warning signs are on display in areas around the east end of the town. The places have death traps of Geological / Biological nature respectively in Srirangam and Srirangapatna.

Though the presiding Deity is Lord Ranganatha in either place, the ease of ‘Dharshan’ is far greater in Srirangapatna by a well-lit Sanctum Sanctorum, unlike in Srirangam where just an oil wick is the lone  mode of ‘lighting’ in Sanctum sanctorum. In view of the persistent stream of visitors in Srirangam, the personnel ‘on duty’ at Srirangam temple do not permit visitors' stay for over 40 seconds or so. Such rigid postures by employees, make viewing the Lord an exercise of a very brief opportunity [for ‘Dharshan’].

Amity among persons of different faiths / practices is quite prominent in Srirangapatna unlike, a veiled suspicion among different faiths in Srirangam. A sharp contrast between the two places is that in Srirangapatna members of the sects- Vada kalai’ and ‘Then kalai’ are quite cohesive in observing the celebrations devoted to Shri. Vedanta Desikan [vadakalai] and Shri. Manavala Maamunigal [Thenkalai] who respectively championed the foundation of the two sects. Such cordiality is not vivid in Srirangam. Further, the two temples widely differ in the flow of funds from public donations. In Srirangapatna, the two sects get on amicably well with no semblance of friction in any observance. The East end of Srirangapatna has concentrations of members of Islamic faith and at the western segment, Hindus are concentrated ; the two groups live in harmony though parts of Karnataka are known for brittle / volatile prospects of communal violence. These are the prominent items of contrast between the two places.

Prof. K. Raman  

 

PITY

 PITY

Is pity a feeling or an emotion? I think I have sufficiently confused the reader. It is a feeling borne out of emotion if my perception is right. Obviously emotions are products of perception. Perceptions have their origin in observation. A mere observation may not trigger the perception to evolve or derive an emotion. So, the observation should help our ‘figuring out’ the state of the sufferer. So, the observed fact or facet should be ‘connected’ to an event of misery to develop a sense of pity. The Shakespearean quote “TRUE IT IS PITY, PITY IT IS TRUE” is a power-studded interpretation by ‘true it is pity’- the winding part. It may be inferred that “when pity becomes true in one’s life, the person lives through misery”.  When pity is an integral component of a living state, the life of such members is ‘pitiable’. Now, the term ‘pitiable‘[an adjective]  is the feeling of observers’ more than that of the victims of those circumstances. Such is the elegant play of terms in English.

Pity means ‘the sense of sorrow’ for someone’s difficulties. ‘Pity’ is a noun; Eg. I took pity on your suffering.

‘Pity’ can be used as a verb too. I do not understand if I should ‘pity’ him or hate him.

‘Pitiable’ is an adjective; it means ‘deserving pity’.

PITHY

‘PITHY’ is a derivation from the noun ‘pith’.

If ‘pity’ is a reference to some ‘sorry state’, a slightly ‘modified’ expression ‘PITHY’ connotes a different idea that need not be associated with a sense of sorrow. ‘Pithy’ implies that the statement or observation, rich in idea or facts in support of a contention. For any view point, It is impossible to convince an opponent except through’ pithy argument. Audience gets easily convinced if argument presented is pithy [backed by facts / data]. Incidentally ‘pithy’ is an adjective; it suggests brevity in words and forthright emphasis of a contention.

From Hansard archive

‘The number of pithy phrases contained in this introduction, phrases which set out principles of the highest value, is really remarkable’

The above clearly portrays what precisely pertains to being ‘Pithy’.

Let us try to use ‘pity, pithy’ and ‘pitiable’ in sequence just to recognize the role of these words in the context.  It is a pity that the pithy argument of his presentation failed to convince the jury. It is pitiable that even pithy pronouncements fail to evoke due response from the authority. Pitiable is an adjective of ‘pity’.

At times emotions ruin clear reading of truth.

Prof. K. Raman

SERENDIPITY

 SERENDIPITY   [noun]

Serendipity is a kind of ‘Eureka’ in its own right!

To put it in plain terms, ‘serendipity’ is just tumbling on something that proves useful for all subsequent times. Quite a few definitions are available; some of them are as under:

‘Some pleasant happening by chance’ 

‘The fact of finding something valuable/ interesting by accident’

Perhaps the best definition of ‘serendipity’ reads thus: “An unsought, unintended, and or unexpected but, fortunate discovery and or learning experience that happens by accident.

Thus, it is an unplanned, fortunate activity.

The name ‘serendipity’ seems to be a derivative of a Persian fairy tale, where Three princess of Serendip, keep making discovery accidentally or by sagacity ,though they never meant to look for such findings. [Though a deviation, it is opportune to recall the Tamil writer DEVAN’s   novel -‘Thuppariyum Sambu’ in which Mr. Sambu deciphers several crime plots by sheer accident or a ‘leading utterance’ which provides a clue to unravel the complexity].

Instances of serendipity are quite a few indeed.

The first noted Antibiotic Penicillin came to be recognized for its antibiotic property by an accidental finding by Alexander Fleming [1928]. On a culture of Staphylococcus plate, Fleming noticed Penicillium growing and no other organism could grow in the presence of Penicillium. Penicillin thus came to be recognized for its ‘Antibiotiic’ potential to inhibit several bacteria.

The Micro wave oven [credited to  Percy Spencer] was conceived from an observation that emissions from Radar equipment had melted the candy in  his pocket.

The ‘HOOK’ and ‘LOOP’  FASTENER was developed [George D  Mestrel from his observation that Cockleburs[ a plant with fruits of spiny surface] that had stuck to his person , had several hooks on each bur; it prompted the idea of design   of VELCRO- now a popular device to bind / relax two edges in dress or in foot wear.

Several other phenomena or utilities have been understood by acts of Serendipity. These are existence of Radio activity, Atomic nucleus, X-ray imaging of bones, Vulcanized rubber and Microwave Oven to name some.

If systematic research was the lone mechanism to discover /invent, Humanity would have to wait for too long; it is Serendipity that delivers solution in quick time, however unplanned the efforts have been. The ability to observe the unexpected in the course of an effort is the key to success – may be a providential guidance on time.

Prof. K. Raman 

 

 

BELUGA WHALE [White whale] [On suggestion by Mrs. Padmapriya Devanathan]

 BELUGA WHALE [White whale]

[On suggestion by Mrs. Padmapriya Devanathan]

ZOOLOGICAL NAME:  Delphinapterus leucas

The name reveals that it is a marine animal [a cetacean] found in Arctic / Sub Arctic oceans. In view of their snow-rich surroundings, these whales appear fully white, though at birth they are grayish and progressively changing shade, to ultimately turn ‘snow white’. The oneness with the surrounding by skin colour is a natural protection from hunters, polar bears and predator whales.  Even in such uninhabited zone, animals camouflage themselves for fear of being hunted. Time taken for maturity is about 7 years for females and 9 years for males before they   attain white / whitish gray. Reports on life expectancy of of  Belugas vary; some suggest 30 years and some 70- 80 years or more.  Belugas do not have a dorsal fin [a wing like extension from upper surface]  as it can obstruct moving through columns of frozen water during winter.  These whales are kept in Dolphinarium / similar arrangements and are held in captivity. Like Dolphins, these animals are human- friendly. There are also claims that these whales are friendly with humans than even Dolphins.

Belugas have an excellent ‘hearing’ capacity and have well-developed  special structure [the auditory cortex] to perceive sound in the frequency of 1.2 to 120 KHZ as against that of humans [0.02 to 20 KHZ] Such a capacity of hearing through water / ice layers in winter is a notable facility. The sound waves generated by these whales travel through water/ ice [at 1.6 km per second [4 times that of speed in air] and reflect as Echo. Using the echo, these whales detect distance, nature of the object for its size, shape / internal structure. This unique capacity for reading/ interpreting different features from Echo is named Echolocation. Echolocation offers the instant advantage of locating unfrozen water / air pockets or air holes for breathing through water in arctic winter. Such wild life parks nurture these animals in North America/ Europe.

Their ability to make sound waves has further been observed to ‘whistle’ squeak and squeal making noise. So, the whale is called ‘Sea Canary’. A report of a research from a Japanese observer suggests that the Belugas can communicate by sound; a whale in captivity could ‘speak’ imitating human voice.  It shows that these animals observe, remember and repeat sounds heard from humans.  These whales are highly sociable [among themselves] and playful withsome whales blowing off bubbles and others playing with those bubbles. These whales move in groups called ‘Pods’. Each pod can be of 3- 30 members or more.

Studies have shown that the pod groups can be classified into 3 categories.  1. Nurseries [mothers and young ones], 2. Bachelor pods only male members and 3 Mixed pods   male/ female members.  Several pods congregate near river estuaries during summer; these are vulnerable to hunting.  Even in captivity, Belugas keep interacting among themselves; they show interest in interacting with humans. They swim alongside boats which explore the area. All underwater explorers in cabins find the Belugas peeping in through windows. Belugas can dive down to 600 m below sea level and can swim backwards

As early as 1861, Beluga whales have been held in captivity in USA. Just to keep them healthy and responsive, Belugas are trained to perform ‘entertaining’ play for visitors. That they are amenable to training implies intelligence and grasp as innate abilities of the animal.

Interesting [though unconfirmed] reports suggest that ‘Trained Beluga whales’ helping Russian Navy guard the fleet of Russian submarines; no intrusion /interception of the Russian naval submarines is possible because of these whales. They are too well trained to spot, stop and send off signals to HQ of the impending intrusion. Observers believe that the Russian Navy is a feared outfit in view of such infallible defenders under water.

Another interesting case was that of HVLADAMIR, a male Beluga whale.

On 26-04-2019, the whale appeared north of Hammerfest, with a tight-fitting camera harness labeled 'equipment St. Petersburg'; the animal was keen to get rid of the attached strings. Even after the whale was freed off the shackles of the camera harness, it kept seeking human help for food; the implication is it is a trained animal and has lost the habit of hunting preys. Careful upkeep of the whale restored health and activity for the animal. On 4^th May 2019, one of the visitors accidentally dropped her I-Phone in to water; the whale simply dived in and brought the phone to surface.

The belief that the Beluga whale was a trained one with a camera strapped on, prompted the natives of Hammerfest to name it  HVLADIMIR; H= Norwegian Hyal [whale] and Vladimir a veiled reference to Vladimir Putin.[ The presumption being that it was trained by Russian Navy

In another instance of human–friendly  attitudes of Beluga whale, during  a Chinese game show a woman diver plunged into water afflicted by stroke; the Game show Beluga  sensing the plight dived  into deep water and picked the diver up by clasping her feet in mouth and quickly put her ashore saving the diver from the clutches of death.

Man –animal interactions are items that need critical observation, emotional binding   for persistent relationship/ interaction. It would be nice if some animal scientist makes a detailed presentation for us to learn.

Prof. K. Raman  

MNEMONICS

 MNEMONICS

Mnemonics are some specific assemblages that help us to remember the sequence in which a concept or an idea has to be presented. Indeed it is a useful tool to quickly recall the item of interest / importance in any subject. So, a mnemonic can be a word/ poem or a ‘planned’ statement that is easy to remember. Using a mnemonic, the student can present the correct idea devoid of typical misgivings among learners.  Obviously, one can ‘formulate’ a mnemonic to remember /recall  the idea at times of need.

There is a variety of situations in ‘learners’ life’ when [s]he has to muster and master the skills of presentation. On all such occasions mnemonics rescue them  from ‘taxing’ the memory by an artificial effort of memorizing. Practical advantages of mnemonics pertain to their utility in generating answers that are rich in ‘mesmerizing’ fidelity to the original, in place of labored writing from memorized content. Memorized information can turn sublime and leave us in lurch for convincing presentation.

Let us try some cases where mnemonics lend excellent support [not just for] remembering/ gathering the spirit of the information.

LEARNING is a common word whose meaning is understood; but to make it meaningful, the word itself can be used as a mnemonic.

Lend    EAR     Never    Imagine ‘No   Gain’ It tells the learner of the value of ‘listening’ and the effect from listening

PHYSICS

WORK MAKES ME MAD      WORK= MAD

WORK = Mass x Acceleration  x Distance

THERMODYNAMICS

Ideal gas law

Pure Virgins never Really Tire   or PV = nRT

Gibbs free energy formula         

Daddy Good Honey Tastes definitely Sweet    WHERE, D, d = Δ  and so, Δ G =H T ΔS

Electrodynamics

Ohm’s Law

OLD Virgins Are Rare:   WHERE, OLD = Ohm’s Law Determinants = Volt= Amp x Resistance

ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM

Roman Men Invented Very Unusual X-Ray Guns

Radio waves, Micro waves, Infra red, Visible light , Ultra violet , X rays,  Gamma rays

CHEMISTRY 

The sequence of Hexoses [ sugars].

All Altruists Gladly Make Gum in Gallon Tanks

All = Allose, Altruists= Altrose, Gladly= Glucose, Make = Mannose ,

 Gum = Gulose, In= Idose, Gallon= Galactose, Tanks= Tallose

PLANT PHYSIOLOGY

Important elements needed by plants are presented in a mnemonic that reads:

C H  O P K N S   CA fe  MGnetic But, MneMo  Ni Cu znt? 

All elements in capital letters suggest major elements or macro elements; all other names in mixed form (capital + small) indicate minor or micro elements; underscores help to locate the elements. Recently Nickel [Ni] has been identified to be an important trace element for plant growth and its deficiency can cause necrosis [local death] through urea toxicity. Trace elements are those required in very low quantities; but their deficiency can disturb normal metabolism in plants.

Zoology

System of Animal Classification

KING PHILIP CAME OVER FOR GREAT SPHAGETI

King= Kingdom, Philip = Phylum, Came= Class, Over = Order,

 For= Family, Great= Genus, Sphageti = Species

Some ask for ‘mnemonics’ to remember MNEMONICS.                God, please help them.  

                Prof. K. Raman

IMPRESS

 IMPRESS

‘IMPRESS’ is another term that stands parallel to ‘EXPRESS’ though the former has no genuine parallel. Why do I contend so?  If ‘express ‘ can right away be used to convey varied opinion on different contexts,  ‘impress ‘ can be employed to similar effect only by slight modification in spelling.

 Quite interestingly, ‘IMPRESS’ serves the ‘functional opposite’ of ‘EXPRESS’. When you ‘express’ something, you bring it out in the open. When you, use ‘impress’ the implication is –‘the opinion is an inward feeling [that is the idea gets into your mind and it goes out when you ‘express’ it.] So, I feel that  the  two words connote opposite effects and thus are ‘functional opposites’.      

When my friend Mr. Rangarajan expressed his ‘opinion’ on my previous blog posting on ‘EXPRESS’, I got the ‘impression’, why not try a write-up on ‘IMPRESS’. It may be argued that ‘impression’ triggers ‘expression’.

Though every impression need not trigger an expression, no expression emerges without an impression. Thus, the two terms have a functional relationship of ‘TOM and JERRY’ kind of functional association of one leading/ driving the other.

IMPRESS [As a verb]

Means to cause an effect on someone to respect or admire the performer

Those who desire recognition in their workplace have to impress the authority.

Mother was not impressed by our uncultured utterance in the Wedding hall.

Subtle questions raised in the interview impressed me to become inquisitive.

IMPRESS [As Transitive verb]

Transitive verbs are used with Noun/ Pronoun/ Phrase that refers to the person /a thing that is influenced or affected by the action of verb.  Example: Her words impressed me of her sincerity

His arguments impressed the jury

IMPRESS [Noun] Impress is to make an image by application of pressure [Rubber stamp]

Impressionist = a person who makes conscious effort to impress others [as in planned acting on stage].

IMPRESSIONISTIC [Adjective]

Apiece of work or writing which gives the impression of the person making it rather than giving details.

IMPRESSIONABLE [Adjective]

Young minds are impressionable [they can be easily impressed].

IMPRESSIVE [Adjective]

The building is impressive by its architecture [Creates a sense of importance /admiration].

IMPRESSIONISTICALLY  [Adverb].

The work has been presented impressionistically [WITH an idea to create certain impression].

Thus the word ‘IMPRESS’ can be variously utilized by spelling alterations to provide different impressions.

Prof. K. Raman