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Language Gardeners

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We are working to develop a Living Language, seeking to foster it as a Social Poetry. Now we can begin to think about the specific social structures through which can become real.

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Patterns are, by definition, serious subjects. Better implementations are believed to contribute significantly to better outcomes. The social engagement around patterns needs to be equally serious.


From 'A Pattern Language'; "... each pattern may be looked upon as a hypothesis like one of the hypotheses of science."

The publishing, refinement, testing, re-statement and even eventual retirement of a pattern, or group of patterns, is a serious business - akin to a scientific topic area.

To sustain this seriousness - in terms of caring deeply about the quality of the hypothesis, of being open to suggestions for change, of testing these rigorously in a careful setting, while at the same time holding on to the understanding of the context as a Living Language - something alive and growing: this requires an attitude that we can think of as akin to serious gardening.

Therefore:

Develop a culture of pattern curation and development groups - "Language Gardeners", perhaps - who (formally or informally) take responsibility for the quality of either a single pattern or a linked group of patterns. Support and nurture these groups - discover their needs and seek to meet them.

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Patterns detailing possible appropriate support structures for such groups will be here.