Chris Saul's Blog

Tuesday August 26, 2008

Competition - new word needed for English language

English needs a new word. A new word that I never really needed when living in the UK, but which is simply missing from daily language needed when living in this part of the world, with its mixtures of cultures, standards, rituals and practices.

This word, an adjective, should describe something that's both completely unbelievable, but which is also completely believable, both at the same time.

For example, you read an article in the paper about Dubai's development. Something astonishing, such as the fact that a new development will be larger than Hong Kong, yet completed in just five years. 'Unbelievable!', you cry. But it's not really, but it is, but it isn't - for Dubai it's normal, yet crazy, yet normal, yet.... You shake your head both in disbelief, whilst shrugging your shoulders nonchalantly, as this sort of thing happens every day.

A project is going wrong and your partner company is jumping up and down, demanding immediate assistance. You ask a set of questions to help diagnose the issue, then wait ten days for an answer, then get a reply saying that the problem is extremely urgent. The response lacks the answers to the questions you asked ten days ago, in response to the urgent problem that you were trying to help solve. Unbelievable - yet also quite normal.

The word can come from any background. Given my lack of a Classical education, I don't know if such a concept exists in Latin or Greek - that said, if it did, it would probably already be part of English vocabulary.

I'm sure a language somewhere has managed to encapsulate this ying and yang of unbelievable astonishing craziness vs the daily, thoroughly to be expected, norm.

Suggestions please!

Wii Fit fun continues

I'm still enjoying using the Wii Fit. I'm particularly enjoying the yoga exercises. There's something I never thought I'd say.

The only thing that niggles is the speed it takes to go through a series of exercises - I don't need to be greeted every time, wished good morning, etc. A speedy workout option would be better if I don't feel like wasting time talking to the nice Wii trainer lady.

Can't wait to see everyone trying the skiing after a dinner party.