I just wanted to note that, regardless of where we stand on certain terms, the assumption (or is it arrogance?) of this discussion is that we all speak English. A few other terms from other languages have crept in, out of respect for the origin of certain techniques,
but for the most part, this is all about weaving terminology in English.
Thinking broadly, we ought to consider the hundreds of other cultures that weave with equal expertise and use none of our terms. Consider, too, that weaving has been central to human culture for tens of thousands of years, long before modern English developed.
We know that, throughout the history of our craft, highly sophisticated techniques made their way from tribe to tribe, civilization to civilization, with both the words and the techniques morphing as they traveled.
Nowadays, of course, global communications require a common language so that everybody understands each another. For instance, English is the dominant language for scientists today but, prior to that, it was German. Should English be the lingua franca for weavers
of all cultures? Or are we working to define our terms for just those who speak English?
Only some thoughts and questions, not really arriving at any conclusion.... My one conviction is that language in general is fluid and organic and ever-growing, never frozen in amber, and that's the beauty of it! Samuel Johnson, brilliant as he was, was nevertheless
shooting at a moving target ;o)
Denise Kovnat
www.denisekovnat.com