Think about the simple vocalizations of the common crow. It is said to communicate multiple different verbal signals, such as anger (at raptors in its domain), hunger, invitation to join, etc. Most animals communicate. Scientists know that Neanderthal man had the anatomical prerequisites for speech communication similar to that of modern man.

In three caves in Spain, scientists found paintings of animals, dots, and geometric signs that are over 64,000 years old. These paintings were made before modern humans arrived in Europe. They constitute communication. We don’t know exactly what Adam and Eve said to each other, but, according to the Bible, it was convincing.

In addition to cave art and sound, there is writing. Think of Mesopotamian cuneiform writing or Egyptian hieroglyphs chiseled into the walls of stone caves going back over 5000 years. Writing is always preceded by speaking.

Since that time, speech has proliferated. We see speech in its multiple emanations going back over 5000 years. English gradually came to the table less than 2000 years ago.

My ENCORE presentation of the History of the English Language gives an overview of how our language developed from its halting starts to what we hear and see now. For details on its history, please join me for three two-hour classes Mondays at 10:00 am, starting April 7, ending April 21 in the Astoria Senior Center.

Erhard Gross

Lynne Ryan on Mondays 2-4 in the ASC Classroom.

We will discuss the biographies and lyrics of some of the most influential poet/singers of the 20th Century.

Instructor: Karen Elder. 10 am to noon. Fridays April 4 through May 23. Astoria Senior Center

Learn what to do before, during and after an earthquake or tsunami. Gain tips to stay sage in your home, what supplies to keep on hand, and how to prepare to ride out and survive extreme weather conditions.

Awaken the Writer Within You!

Share your memoir, short story, poem, or novel chapter
and receive kind, constructive feedback.

If you prefer, sharing of your writing and its constructive feedback can be recorded into audio and/or video
format for later review by you.

This Zoom short course meets on Tuesdays from 9:45 to
11:45 am year-round, including the summer months.

For more information: email the instructor, Eric Anderson,
at EricCAnder@aol.com or call (503) 325-3131.

Humanist Discussions is a group effort on Zoom in which we explore various aspects of the human condition. Each week we nominate and select a topic to discuss the following week. Over the intervening week, we exchange websites and articles pertaining to the topic selected. There is no requirement to review them, but the discussion is much improved when members of the group have made an effort to inform themselves about the upcoming topic. All are welcome to join.

Discussions are held Monday mornings from 10:00 to noon year-round, including the summer months. To join, send an email to todlundy@gmail.com with “Humanist Discussions” in the title of your email please.

Tod