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Crossing the Sahara in the Fourteenth Century

laphamsquarterly.org

1–10 of 25 posts

Re: Crossing the Sahara in the Fourteenth Century

#3
post #2

It's a shame because of the topic seems fascinating but I couldn't read past the first paragraph. Maybe it's because I'm on my phone and somewhat distracted but the article seems very badly written.

I have to agree. There’s something about the way this is written, maybe the 2nd person voice, that makes it feel confusing and disjointed.

Re: Crossing the Sahara in the Fourteenth Century

#4
post #2

It's a shame because of the topic seems fascinating but I couldn't read past the first paragraph. Maybe it's because I'm on my phone and somewhat distracted but the article seems very badly written.

I wouldn't say badly written, but it's sort of an older style of prose. With longer, more complex sentences, and a different use of punctuation.

If you read books from mid 20th century and before you find that sort of style which requires more focus than we are accustomed today on the internet.

Re: Crossing the Sahara in the Fourteenth Century

#5
post #2

It's a shame because of the topic seems fascinating but I couldn't read past the first paragraph. Maybe it's because I'm on my phone and somewhat distracted but the article seems very badly written.

I immediately got the impression that this was written by a non-native speaker. Looking at the guy's name and re-reading the text, it is clear that they are French

EDIT: "For if they are not your guides and your guards, they will rob you."

I'm guessing that this weird sentence comes from "car si ils ne sont pas vos guides et gardes, ils vous deroberont"- which is quite natural in french

Re: Crossing the Sahara in the Fourteenth Century

#6
post #5
post #2

It's a shame because of the topic seems fascinating but I couldn't read past the first paragraph. Maybe it's because I'm on my phone and somewhat distracted but the article seems very badly written.

I immediately got the impression that this was written by a non-native speaker. Looking at the guy's name and re-reading the text, it is clear that they are French EDIT: "For if they are not your guides and your guards, they will rob you." I'm guessing that this weird sentence comes from "car si ils ne sont pas vos guides et gardes, ils vous deroberont"- which is quite natural in french

Makes sense, since as a native French speaker I had no difficulties reading this article.

Re: Crossing the Sahara in the Fourteenth Century

#7
post #6
post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I immediately got the impression that this was written by a non-native speaker. Looking at the guy's name and re-reading the text, it is clear that they are French EDIT: "For if they are not your guides and your guards, they will rob you." I'm guessing that this weird sentence comes from "car si ils ne sont pas vos guides et gardes, ils vous deroberont"- which is quite natural in french

Makes sense, since as a native French speaker I had no difficulties reading this article.

The only thing which I find slightly odd with that sentence is beginning it with a conjunction. Removing this could improve the sentence. Otherwise, I think it's perfectly fine.

Re: Crossing the Sahara in the Fourteenth Century

#8
post #2

It's a shame because of the topic seems fascinating but I couldn't read past the first paragraph. Maybe it's because I'm on my phone and somewhat distracted but the article seems very badly written.

I thought it was just fine and quite interesting.

Re: Crossing the Sahara in the Fourteenth Century

#9
post #4
post #2

It's a shame because of the topic seems fascinating but I couldn't read past the first paragraph. Maybe it's because I'm on my phone and somewhat distracted but the article seems very badly written.

I wouldn't say badly written, but it's sort of an older style of prose. With longer, more complex sentences, and a different use of punctuation. If you read books from mid 20th century and before you find that sort of style which requires more focus than we are accustomed today on the internet.

I'm not convinced.

> In the past, the severed heads of these Berber bandits covered the ground of the palace at Sijilmasa; there were highwaymen, then, who stopped you across the Sahara en route to the Land of the Blacks.

I don't know what's trying to be said here.

Re: Crossing the Sahara in the Fourteenth Century

#10
post #9
post #4

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I wouldn't say badly written, but it's sort of an older style of prose. With longer, more complex sentences, and a different use of punctuation. If you read books from mid 20th century and before you find that sort of style which requires more focus than we are accustomed today on the internet.

I'm not convinced. > In the past, the severed heads of these Berber bandits covered the ground of the palace at Sijilmasa; there were highwaymen, then, who stopped you across the Sahara en route to the Land of the Blacks. I don't know what's trying to be said here.

What's confusing you?
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