Tip
As writers in English, we are in a uniquely privileged position, being able to choose between two languages within our own. These are ‘head’ language and ‘heart’ language – the rational, and the instinctive. These two sets of vocabulary come from our romance language, or Latin-derived words, and our old, Germanic, Anglo-Saxon words, respectively.
Germanic words tend to speak to us directly – to the gut (not the intestine!) – and their simplicity creates rhythm and emotional impact in our writing. Romantic words tend to distance us from emotion, and create a formal tone, which can also be put to good use in narrative voice and characterisation. Look out for this when you read.
Here are some examples of words with similar meanings, but different roots:
| Germanic | Romantic |
| gut | intestine |
| slow | languorous |
| snag/hitch | obstacle |
| love | affection |
| hurt | distress |
| lore | superstition |
| walk | promenade |
| weak | delicate/fragile |
If you want to create ‘oomph’ in your writing, a direct blow to the reader’s gut, try swapping out Romantic words for Germanic ones. If you want to imply emotional distance, formality, or prioritise the rational over the emotional, try replacing Germanic words with Romantic ones. Consider which set of words your characters are most likely to use, and in which kinds of situations. When we really want to get through to someone, the Germanic usually wins out.
Exercise
Take a scenario and write it twice, once using as many formal, romance language words as you can, and once using Germanic language words. You can do this by feel, or using a thesaurus (including in your word processing software, or online) if you get stuck. You might find that the different words require different sentence structures, too.
Here are some scenarios to try out:
- An animal attacks its owner
- A lover ends an affair abruptly
- A person discovers something unexpected in their house
Alternatively, make up your own, or take one from a story you are working on.
Here’s an example of the first scenario, written two ways:
Using Germanic, or anglo-saxon, root words: When Phoebe saw the wound, anger flooded through her. Could she share her home with this fiend? In battle, which of them would win? She backed away, into the kitchen, to think through her next move.
Using Romance language root words: When Phoebe perceived the perforations to her epidermis, a sensation of acute hostility cascaded through her. Would it be possible to inhabit the same space as this demon? In combat, which of them would be victorious? She retreated to the kitchen to consider her strategy.
This tip is from Zoe Gilbert, who teaches our online courses, Folk Tales in New Fiction and Summer Seminars: Fantastic Literature.