Learning About the Alphabet and Language

So I am reading Language Visible, Unraveling the Mystery of the Alphabet from A to Z by David Sacks http://www.alphabet-history.com/language_visible__unraveling_the_mystery_of_the_alphabet_from_a_to_z_30329.htm

It was recommended by my niece, but she suggested Letter Perfect, The Marvelous History of the Alphabet from A to Z. Well, evidently, that is the name of the paperback version, and I am reading the hardback version that is in the Lubbock City Library.

Anyway, this book catalogues not just information about the alphabet but also provides information about how different sounds are found in some languages, but not others.  And how spelling in one language connotes one sound, but a different sound, in a different language.

I went to Elizabeth Reyna's Junior Recital.  She sang songs in German, French, Latin and English.  They provided a program, and also a handout that had the vernacular and English translations of the songs she sang.

One of our audience members asked Ms. Reyna's mother about the mix of languages, and it is a requirement, and evidently, the music majors are required to go to language classes for this specific purpose.  As Elizabeth sang, I found myself marveling at the different languages and sounds in those languages, that are depicted by the letters of our alphabet (and the native language alphabets that have a few variations from our alphabet.)  For me, that enriched my experience of appreciation for the recital, in a way I cannot explain, except to say languages vary, and mastering them in speech or song is such an accomplishment.

Elizabeth Reyna's Junior Recital

Elizabeth Reyna is a junior music education major at Texas Tech University, and the daughter of my supervisor.  Today was her junior recital.  Her mother invited us to attend, and I was honored to be able to do so. 

Ms. Reyna has a beautiful singing voice and performed very well.  I do not know how her professor will grade her, but in my book, she did great!

Congratulations, Elizabeth Reyna.