That the English language is so often non-phonetic has been a source of endless frustration for school children and adults alike. When trying to spell a word, we are usually well-advised to “sound it out.” This advice is invariably accompanied by the warning that there are exceptions. Exceptions such as the “ph” in the word “phonetic,” which sounds like the “f” in “fill,” which sounds like the “gh” in “enough” but not like the “gh” in “ghost.” The hole mess mite drive one krazy.

Beyond spelling, our language challenges us with words that have dual or multiple meanings. Take “cleave,” which can mean “stick to.” Ivy can cleave to a fallen log. “Cleave” can also mean “to split.” Thus a logger might cleave the log that the ivy is cleaving to. However, while the logger might use an axe for his cleaving, a butcher is more likely to use a cleaver. “Cleavage” is a biological term related to cell division. Among non-biologists, the word is more commonly used to refer to another sort of division. Then there is the Cleaver family of 1950s-60s TV fame.

I have a vague memory of learning about “existentialism” in a college literature class. We read Albert Camus’ “The Stranger” as a representative existentialist novel. I may have at one time had a clearer understanding of the concept than I do currently.........

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