Language and Myth

In the discussion of religion, ecology, and the synergy between the two, a primary focal point to be considered is that of language. This is especially relevant with regards to the intersecting point of origin between religion and ecology: creation myths. It is possible to split language into two definitive and binary categories: prozaic language and poetic language. Prose refers to the language of definitions and explanations. It is often a mechanical arrangement of facts, figures and results. This is the language of the scientific method, the ‘APA’ format. Poetry, on the other hand, is an artistic use of language. It is more open-ended, often having a cadence or a rhyme scheme. This artistic use of language can be attributed to the origin of myth. Myths are a form of art. While creation myths are often cited as  an explanation for creation.  However, it has been argued that myths cannot actually be called an explanation because of the most common interpretations of the word explanation. Many interpret explanation in the prozaic sense; as a scientific term, or as a manipulation of language into a justification. Myth is often said to be an explanation in this sense because of the common misconception that religion is also an explanation. Religion and myth, though, are of the poetic nature. They need no justification because they can be construed in the abstract, just like art.