Iain Fenton, a member of the Lancaster community, has been extremely active in raising his voice. In response, he wrote such a letter that appeared on the op-ed page on June 16. In his correspondence, Fenton shared insights from his experiences as an educator, highlighting a conversation with one of his students who confidently stated, “I’m good,” and “Yeah, I’m well good.” This dialogue, and Fenton’s subsequent analysis of the implications of language and communication in today’s society, inspired this series.
In another letter to the editor, Henry Malt of Bythorn, Cambridgeshire, asked a fascinating question about eating. Malt inquired about the change in methods of preparing food. He was interested to find out when cooks began to prefer pan-frying as the dominant form of frying. His question has sparked a bout of soul-searching among foodies and culinary pros.
Dr. Mary Oldham left her legacy too, with a powerful letter on the evolution of language and its place in FFA. She shared a genuine interest in how language evolves, what it means for the way we communicate today and in the future. Oldham pointed to the recent departure of professor Marci Shore, a scholar who left the US. This unexpected twist made an already compelling talk even more fascinating.
Shore’s recent departure from the United States has not escaped our notice. In her own words, she remarked, “The lesson of 1933 is you get out sooner rather than later,” reflecting on her decision and its context within broader societal themes.
The steady evolution of language was a major theme in written comments from London-based Sarah Jackson. Jackson seconded Dr. Oldham’s encouragement to recognize the power of language and how it’s often a reflection of cultural shifts on the ground. Her perspectives have struck a chord with our readership who know better than ever that language doesn’t just reflect— it creates social change.
Chris Evans of Earby, Lancashire, and Robert Arrowsmith of Blackburn, Lancashire, have been involved. They each serve up their own distinct culinary vision and a DASH of inspired wordplay.
Those final letters printed over the last few weeks have helped create a firestorm of ideas and hope that’s still crackling through the community. They focus attention on what is happening in specific places. In all, they challenge readers to join them in fascinating debates over what constitutes good culinary practice and the constantly changing landscape of language.