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Lotkísèm: Cultural Nature-connectedness

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Lotkísèm, derived from a constructed language called Sèlatlúgam, translates to ‘to connect oneself with nature,’ or 'cultural natureconnectedness' embodying the inclusion of nature within cultural identity³ ⁴. It is written using the Ogham alphabet⁵ but with unique pronunciation and transliteration.Spoken and written by the people of Sèlatlúgam, Lotkísèm has a writing system called ‘Tamperséwan,’ the ‘language of trees.’ This language and culture was initially created during an earlier world building project in 2020.

Tamperséwan addresses the need for a language for the natural environment in the Anthropocene era. While our dictionaries abound with words for human emotions, they lack vocabulary to articulate the feelings or stories of nature.In this fictional world, Tamperséwan emerges from a culture deeply connected to nature. Words in this language are tailored to specific trees in specific conditions, reflecting the belief that trees encapsulate stories within their rings.In essence, Tamperséwan transforms historical data⁶ ⁷ derived from weather and its rings into a cultural nexus, offering words and sounds that unveil the hidden narrative within a tree’s rings.

Scope

The aim of this project is to confront the challenges posed by the Anthropocene era by constructing a language rooted in data, narrating the story from the perspective of a tree. Through words, symbols, and audio generated by an algorithm, we endeavor to deepen our understanding of trees and human influences on their vast lifespan. While direct communication with trees may seem difficult or even impossible, this project prompts us to ponder a thought-provoking question: 'What if there existed a culture capable of deciphering the life story of a tree?'.

The target audience encompasses individuals seeking a cultural bond with nature, fostering a poetic appreciation for the natural environment. While our comprehension of the natural world may be limited, this language serves as a conduit, sparking curiosity and nurturing a desire to delve deeper into nature's mysteries.Drawing inspiration from the works and research of Tolkien, the poetic psychology of 'The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows', the book 'Tree: a life story', and the minimalist language Toki Pona, the approach was imbued with a sense of poetry. Like Tolkien, who crafted intricate worlds and cultures to enrich his languages, the aim is to connect individuals with their history, nature, and beliefs through storytelling.

Interaction

At the heart of the exhibit stands the main screen, where the focal point of this beech tree its story. The screens next to it resemble the other trees that once lived in the area or are still alive, surpassing the deceased tree its lifetime.Positioned in the center is a tree log serving as the primary interaction point for visitors. Through a "scrolling" mechanism, users can physically turn the log clockwise or counterclockwise to navigate through time to reveal the story of this tree, offering an engaging and tactile experience that brings the narrative to life.Furthermore, the interaction with the log serves as a symbolic representation of the interconnectedness between trees. As the log is turned, LEDs on an LED strip move between screens, symbolizing the flow of energy and communication among the trees in a blue color to create a tranquile environment.

The language (Tamperséwan)

Tamperséwan, the language of trees, provides insights into human interference throughout the tree’s lifespan. Comprising numerous layers of storytelling and linguistic metaphysics, the installation invites users to enter a realm of curiosity and awe teaching or sparking the interest in the complexity of the life of a tree and the interference humankind had on its life. This sense of wonder ignites an interest in understanding the workings of this language system, prompting users to decide whether to delve into the cultural narrative of a tree’s life or simply interact with it and observe how the words evolve over time. Ultimately, the experience culminates in users becoming more engaged and immersed, deepening the sense of wonder with which they initially entered the installation.

For the purpose of learning the language or to come closer to a better understanding, a fieldguide has been created. A documentation consisting of the principles that define this language. This guide explains the meaning of the various characters, their transliteration in Latin and their corresponding values derived from datasets.This fieldguide hangs to the side of the installation where one can walk past its pages step by step to go through the language letter by letter, syllable by syllable.

Sonification (Tampersèhram)

The language created for Lotkísèm has been transformed into nature-inspired sounds that act as the relaxing base layer, setting the tranquil ambiance of the installation. As visitors immerse themselves in the exhibit, they may imagine themselves seated on a bench, gazing in awe and wonder towards a beautiful landscape or park, their senses enveloped by the harmonious blend of language and nature-inspired melodies.Within the language, there exists a concept known as 'Tampersèhram', which translates to the voice of the tree. This term encapsulates the sonification process wherein the tree recounts the events of each season. When faced with adverse conditions that hinder its growth, the sonification adopts a somber tone. Over time, this melancholic resonance becomes more prevalent, reflecting the increasing impact of human interference on the environment and climate.

Given the extensive lifespan of trees, the ambient sound created through 'Tampersèhram' spans 2.5 hours, encapsulating the life journey of a beech tree over three centuries. As listeners immerse themselves in this auditory experience, they are transported through time, witnessing the tree's growth, struggles, and eventual demise.