Summary
*Vers une architecture (Towards an Architecture)* by Le Corbusier is not represented in the provided passages. The text instead consists of a preface or introduction to a glossary of Anglo-Indian words, written by a different author. This author describes the collaborative effort behind the glossary, noting that "Burnell contributed so much of value, so much of the essential" to the work, while the author himself wrote "nearly seven-eighths" of the bulk. The project began when the author proposed combining his research with Burnell's, and continued after Burnell's death in 1882 through "almost daily additions" to the material and structure.
The passages discuss the challenges of linguistic translation and orthography, citing Iamblichus's observation that "every nation has some idiomatic expressions which it is impossible to render perfectly in the language of another." The author acknowledges inconsistency in spelling, using both "popular" and "scientific" forms, and notes a German critic's remark about his "etwas schwankende yulische Orthographie" (somewhat fluctuating orthography). The work was ultimately concluded due to the recognition that "Ars longa, vita brevis" (art is long, life is short).
Key concepts
- Ars longa, vita brevis — A Latin aphorism meaning "art is long, life is short," used by the author to justify finally concluding the glossary project.
- etwas schwankende yulische Orthographie — A German critic's phrase meaning "somewhat fluctuating orthography," describing the author's inconsistent spelling between popular and scientific forms.
- Anglo-Indian glossary — The collaborative reference work described, documenting words with "dual or doubtful ancestry" from Oriental languages into English.
- Iamblichus's idiomatic principle — The idea that "every nation has some idiomatic expressions which it is impossible to render perfectly in the language of another," cited from *De Mysteriis*.
From the book
Title: Vers une architecture (Towards an Architecture) by Le Corbusier← Hobson-Jobson ( 1903 ) by Henry Yule and Arthur Burnell A → 2629965 Hobson-Jobson 1903 Henry Yule and Arthur Burnell [ A ] - [ B ] - [ C ] - [ D ] - [ E ] - [ F ] - [ G ] - [ H ] - [ I ] - [ J ] - [ K ] - [ L ] - [ M ] - [ N ] - [ O ] - [ P ] - [ Q ] - [ R ] - [ S ] - [ T ] - [ U ] - [ V ] - [ W ] - [ X ] - [ Y ] - [ Z ] A GLOSSARY OF ANGLO-INDIAN COLLOQUIAL WORDS AND PHRASES AND OF KINDRED TERMS ["Wee have forbidden the severall Factoryes from wrighting words in this languadge and refrayned itt our selves, though in bookes of coppies we feare there are many which by wante of tyme for perusall we cannot rectefie or expresse."—Surat Factors to Court, Feb. 26, 1617: I. O. Records: O. C. No. 450. (Evidently the Court had…
Popular questions readers ask
- The opening quotes discuss challenges in translation, the acceptance of foreign words, and linguistic purity. What central dilemma or linguistic phenomenon do these diverse perspectives collectively highlight, and how does the existence of "Hobson-Jobson" itself offer a response to this?
- The 1617 quote from the Surat Factors expresses concern about the "growing use of 'Hobson-Jobsons'." How does this historical stance contrast with the later creation of a comprehensive glossary for these same terms, and what does this shift suggest about the evolving nature of language and cultural interaction?
- Iamblichus and Verstegan both touch upon the idea that perfect translation is impossible and that borrowing can lead to misunderstanding. How might the authors of "Hobson-Jobson" have used their glossary to mitigate these inherent linguistic challenges for their readers?
- Considering the "Etymological, Historical, Geographical and Discursive" scope of the glossary, what kind of understanding of language and culture do you think the authors were trying to foster, beyond merely defining words, and why is this deeper context crucial for Anglo-Indian colloquialisms?
- If you were to explain the core purpose and significance of "Hobson-Jobson" to someone unfamiliar with its historical context, using only the insights gleaned from the introductory material, how would you articulate why such a glossary was not just useful, but perhaps essential, at the turn of the 20th century?