Lost languages of the age of sail.

December 27, 2012 10:48 AM

Of Fanás and Forecastles: The Indian Ocean and Some Lost Languages of the Age of Sail. Amitav Ghosh is tracing the culture and language of the lascars, the diverse Indian Ocean "natives" who made up the rosters on so many sailing ships. In 11 parts, the first nine are up now: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. RIDLH, of course
posted by OmieWise (4 comments total)

Lascar - an important word in Arthur Conan Doyle's short story 'The Man With the Twisted Lip.' This posting helps me understand the meaning of that word in the context of that superb Sherlock Holmes story! Thanks!
posted by Galadhwen at 5:41 PM on December 27, 2012 [2 favorites]

oh, hell yes. I have been reading Ghosh's series that began with "Sea of Poppies", and it is good to see that the frustrating gap between books is the fruit of fascinating research, and not a "Game of Thrones"-style thing where the author and readers are frustrated.
posted by ivan ivanych samovar at 8:12 PM on December 27, 2012 [1 favorite]

This is a FAntastic post! Very informative on all sorts of matters. Thanks!
posted by Katjusa Roquette at 9:02 PM on December 27, 2012

Yes, I really enjoyed the first two books in the series. Sadly it wasn't until I was finished with Sea of Poppies that I realized there was a glossary at the end! It would have helped a lot with reading the book, but still very enriching.
posted by viborg at 10:13 AM on December 28, 2012