http://spit-spot.livejournal.com/ ([identity profile] spit-spot.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] fandomhigh2006-10-01 11:02 pm

Cross Species Communications - Monday 10/02 - Birds

Mary stands before the class as the students file in.

"Good afternoon children, I trust you have all had a chance to review the vocabulary lists you handwavy received and that you didn't give my TA much in the way of difficulty while I was gone."

She looked around the classroom with an expression that implied this better be the case.

"Today, as you know, we are discussing the language of birds." Mary said as she passed out a packet with information about language of birds.

"In Kabbalah, Renaissance magic, and alchemy, the language of the birds was considered a secret and perfect language, the key to perfect knowledge, sometimes also called the langue verte, or green language. The concept is also known from many folk tales (including Welsh, Russian, German, Estonian, Greek), where usually the protagonist is granted the gift of understanding the language of the birds either by some magical transformation, or as a reward for some good deed by the king of birds. The birds then inform or warn the hero about some danger or hidden treasure... That would be where we get the phrase, 'A little birdy told me.'"

"Today a little birdy will be answering your questions in the language of the Starling."

Mary moved aside and reveled a small bird to be perched on the podium. The starling cocks his head, taking in the class, and then opens his beak. The sound that results is strangely like a doorbell.

"Starlings have diverse and complex vocalizations, and have been known to imbed sounds from their surroundings into their own calls, including car alarms, and human speech patterns. The birds can recognize particular individuals by their calls." Mary explaned. "parrots are the best known for being able to mimic human speech, and studies with the African Grey Parrot have shown that some birds are able to associate human words with their meanings and form simple sentences."

The Starling made a noise that sounded something like a cel phone ringing.

Mary glanced at the bird.

"Good luck."

[[ooc: Please wait for OCD OPEN! Sorry about there not being a "you mysteriously get a packet" post. But I'm done moving! ... Now I just need to unpack. *facewall*]]

Re: THE LECTURE

[identity profile] bruiser-in-pink.livejournal.com 2006-10-02 03:42 pm (UTC)(link)
Molly smiled and waved back. I am! she mouthed in reply.

Re: THE LECTURE

[identity profile] lilpunkinbelly.livejournal.com 2006-10-02 03:48 pm (UTC)(link)
Dawn slid a piece of paper over to Molly. You better?

Re: THE LECTURE

[identity profile] bruiser-in-pink.livejournal.com 2006-10-02 03:56 pm (UTC)(link)
Molly grinned at Dawn again and wrote back.

I am. I spent a month at home with my friends. I also checked out another school, but I decided I liked it here better.

Re: THE LECTURE

[identity profile] lilpunkinbelly.livejournal.com 2006-10-02 04:01 pm (UTC)(link)
Yay!

Wait. You almost left?????

Re: THE LECTURE

[identity profile] bruiser-in-pink.livejournal.com 2006-10-02 04:29 pm (UTC)(link)
Molly bit her lip as she wrote.

When I left, I had a lot of stuff to think about. The first time I tried to come back, the causeway wasn't there. I think because I wasn't sure if I should be here anymore. I know I should be now. I'll explain more later. I promise.

Re: THE LECTURE

[identity profile] lilpunkinbelly.livejournal.com 2006-10-02 04:32 pm (UTC)(link)
You better. Also? *clings to you like a limpet*

Re: THE LECTURE

[identity profile] bruiser-in-pink.livejournal.com 2006-10-02 04:35 pm (UTC)(link)
Molly smiled at Dawn again.

*HUGS*