Pirates came from many locations all around the world and spoke various native languages. However, they had a lot in common. One of these was the "Language of RRRrrrr." With this single syllable they were able to communicate everything they needed in order to effectively accomplish their goals. It can mean many things, depending on how it is said, and is innately understood. Today, this expression still exists (in English) in the form of the word "are." Becoming aware of who you are and learning to express yourself are important steps in the quest to obtain the Treasure.  Pirate psychology is one way.

International Talk like a Pirate Day: The Language of "RRRrrrr"

September 19 is International Talk Like a Pirate Day.  Just say RRRrrrr.

          Pirates have a special way of talking. Some say things like, "Shiver me timbers!" or, "Avast ye landlubbing bilge rat." But everyone knows that all pirates say, "RRRrrrr." Why is that, and what does that entail? If you are new to talking like a pirate, the easiest way to begin is with the language of RRRrrrr. This article is for beginners as well as those who are already cunning linguist when it comes to piratical vocalization. Everyone can learn something about how to articulate like a pirate by expressing this simple pirate mantra.

          Pirates originated from many places around the world and spoke various native tongues. However, they had a sort of magic word that overcame all communication barriers. This is the single syllable, RRRrrrr, which can mean many things depending on how it is said. When annunciated effectively it can convey the full range of emotions, from frightening to seductive. Nothing is quite as threatening as a pirate bellowing "RRRrrrr" like a prehistoric predator ready for the kill; nor is anything quite as enticing as a pirate wench purring "RRRrrrr" with a feline trill. Responding with an RRRrrrr can mean anything from a violent rejection (no) to collaborative acknowledgment (yes).

Talk Like a Pirate Day: Proper use of the Language of RRRrrrr demonstrated by the Caterpillar speaking to Alice. [(C) 2012 B. Hersch, Ph.D. after G.Hudson]

          The language of RRRrrrr is not just a fuzzy shadow of the past. In modern English it survives in various incarnations. When added to a word in the form of a suffix, "er," it serves to amplify or intensify the subject or situation being described. Thus we get fast-er, stronger, smarter, better. By simply adding an "r" it creates soul or a container for the experience (individual consciousness). Love emerges as the lover, and bike becomes the throttle-twisting biker. To write is one thing, but it is only the writer that supplies the source of inspiration to the writing.
          Many businesses have sought to exploit the power of the language of RRRrrrr by including it in their organization's name. Companies like ToysR'Us, CarsR'Us, or any number of similar services or commodity companies imply that their company is the authoritative place to go for providing everything related to the particular product. When RRRrrrr is used in this way, it is clearly invoking the the verb "are," which means "to be," or, the very experience of being. This brings us back to a basic truism with a piratical twist, that is: You are who you RRRrrrr.
          The simplest way to participate in talking like a pirate is to take every opportunity to emphasize your R's. Start by asking someone, "How RRRrrrr you today?" If someone asks you, check inside to see how you're really feeling, then see if you can express yourself using the magic word. For a pirate, a complete and proper response can always be "RRRrrrr." The trick is to infuse it with affect (i.e. feeling). Go on, give it a shot. You may be surprised at how much can actually be communicated and how well others understand. To assert yourself and talk like a pirate: Just say RRRrrrr.*

This message brought to you by:
Bruce "Blade" Hersch, Ph.D.
and Jesse the Pirate formally known as "Stinger" (Jesse Hersch)
For more RRRrrrr Rated material see  Pirate: Quest for the Mystic Bootye