Finally something clear

 

A Literalist.  Defined as a person who “adheres to the exact letter or the literal sense, as in translation or interpretation“.

So I am one.

Indeed, my natural tendency is to give proportionally more weight to the actual words, spoken or written, rather than to the broader context of communication.  I like language, I like precision, so when I listen I do concentrate on the words and their meaning.

By the way, this trait is often associated with Asperger Syndrome, or with naïve personalities.  I do not think I am either, maybe I can be a bit pedantic.  I can – especially in a business context – read non verbal very well.  I can read between the lines and distinguish between the literal meaning of an idiom and its real colloquial significance.  But…. I do not like it.  I do like – conversely – to be a literalist.  I find it faster, more precise and pleasing.  I wonder if it is also because I am Libran.

This can lead to confusing or sometimes hilarious situations.  For example, when interacting with people on the phone as I request an appointment, I am often asked: “What was your name?” That question always entertains me.  I often answer: “My name has not changed recently…”

I must admit I have never been successful. People do not find my answer funny (I think it is)  I am just met with silence or – when in person – by a very confused look.  But – really – shouldn’t the question be: “what Is your name?”

Since when in Australian English “Is” has become impolite/threatening and “Was” is instead polite and politically correct?

Obviously, I also find the use of the adverb “literally” severely abused.  Random quotes I often hear, which of course arouse my curiosity: “I literally saw people from another planet last night at the pub” (what, an alien invasion at the pub?) Or: “When I saw him, my legs literally tuned into jelly” (edible?).

In conclusion, I am a proud literalist.  I am aware of the difficulty and tough series of misunderstanding this characteristic can bring upon me.  I invoke the sympathy of those less literal and better connected to a broader communication set.  And I salute other fellow literalist: after all, we are just more accurate, aren’t we?