Lois P. Liggett’s Bone (& Body) Lessons is a linguistic delight. Language is a very intricate and interesting thing and there are all sorts of rabbit holes to dive down when it comes to the human language. This book takes readers on a fascinating journey through the interconnectedness of language, culture, and the human body. Liggett’s exploration of bone vocabulary and its linguistic origins is utterly captivating. I love the way she unravels the etymology of words related to bones and bodies. It highlights the richness of human communication. Each chapter is like a puzzle waiting to be solved, and Liggett is our expert guide, leading readers through the maze of language and culture! I particularly appreciated the author’s attention to detail. You can feel that it is something the author is passionate about as well and that is the best feeling. To read something someone knows much about and is clearly excited about. She brings together ancient and modern languages to paint a holistic picture of human existence. Those who are into linguistics or simply curious about the power of words, Bone (& Body) Lessons: Culture, Measurement, and Language offers a fascinating glimpse into the intricate world of words.
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One way to understand self is through the skeletal frame. Skeletal bones hold many secrets which can be unlocked to tell stories of humankind; they become lessons for life. This book provides four perspectives on bone: culture, measurement of bones and body postures, grammar, and bone names. Word roots and definitions related to bone vocabulary allow the reader to gain insight. A major theme is to know oneself-to develop self-awareness. What can a person learn about self from bones? This book accompanies each person on their quest to know themselves, whether or not on a conscious or subconscious level. The current popularity of DNA kits that are being sold today-as well as the many websites offering assistance to people delving into their ancestry-validate this. Whether it is to delve into possible hereditary health conditions or to locate relatives and forge a connectedness to others in the world around them, people want to learn more about themselves. Bones provide such framework, for body and self.
