In today's fast-paced digital world, our children are becoming increasingly detached from the natural world. With the advent of technology, many of the words that once described the beauty of our environment are slowly fading into obscurity. The "Lost Words" challenge us to reflect on the importance of preserving and passing down the rich lexicon of nature to the next generation.
The Disappearance of Nature Words
In 2007, the Oxford Junior Dictionary (OJD), a widely-used resource in schools, underwent a significant transformation. A multitude of words representing elements of the natural world vanished from its pages. It's alarming to think that children's dictionaries were losing words like acorn, bluebell, and otter, while adding terms such as "blog" and "MP3 player." The decision was explained as a reflection of the language children use in the classroom and in everyday life.
A Plea for Restoration
The removal of these nature words didn't necessarily ruin lives, but it symbolized a broader issue. A group of passionate naturalists, led by the naturalist Laurence Rose, sent an open letter to Oxford University Press (OUP) in 2015, urging them to reinstate these lost words in the next edition of the OJD. They believed that the dictionary held a position of cultural authority and could play a pivotal role in shaping children's understanding of the world.
Notable signatories, including the illustrator Jackie Morris and the environmental writer Robert Macfarlane, initiated a project to "summon up" these discarded words. The result was "The Lost Words," a book that symbolically restored both words and the creatures they described to the imagination of its readers.
A Spell Book of Reconnection
"The Lost Words" isn't just another dictionary; it's a spell book. It aims to reconnect children with nature by invoking words and images that celebrate the common elements of our natural world, from acorns to otters. Each word is presented in a three-fold manner. The first spread marks its loss, the second acts as a summoning spell, and the third brings the word back into language, hearts, minds, and landscapes.
Jackie Morris's illustrations in the book are nothing short of magnificent. They capture the essence of each natural being with a blend of solemnity and vibrancy. The images are reminiscent of illuminated medieval manuscripts, evoking a sense of the sacred, while remaining firmly rooted in the wild and immediate world we seek to preserve.
A Global Movement
Published in 2017 in Britain and 2018 in North America, "The Lost Words" has become a symbol of a global movement. This movement seeks to restore not only the words but also the connection between children and the natural world. It's a call to action, especially for those children who lack the opportunity to explore the great outdoors.
The Power of Language
Preserving these nature words isn't just about nostalgia; it's about protecting the environment. As Wendell Berry aptly put it, people defend what they love. To defend nature, we need a particularizing language, one that allows us to love what we particularly know.
In a world where technology dominates our lives, "The Lost Words" serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving our connection to the natural world. Through this beautifully illustrated spell book, we are reminded of the beauty, wonder, and eeriness of the environment around us.
As we continue to grapple with the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, instilling a love for the natural world in our children becomes more crucial than ever. "The Lost Words" isn't just a book; it's a powerful tool in rekindling our relationship with nature and passing it on to future generations.
The free downloadable resources associated with "The Lost Words" provide educators and parents with valuable tools to connect children with the wonders of the natural world. The John Muir Trust offers an Explorer's Guide, free posters, and more, while the Reading Agency provides an Activity Pack. The Lost Words Challenge Cards offer additional educational resources to engage children in the magic of language and nature.
In conclusion, "The Lost Words" is a literary and artistic masterpiece that serves as a rallying point for those who wish to bridge the gap between words and the natural world. It's a call to action to ensure that the vocabulary of nature remains alive in the hearts and minds of children and, by extension, in the landscapes they inhabit.
[Keywords: Lost Words, Nature Vocabulary, Oxford Junior Dictionary, Nature Words, The Lost Words Challenge, Jackie Morris, Robert Macfarlane, Environmental Preservation, Reconnecting with Nature, Children's Education]
