Many people feel that it is difficult to read postmodern texts. I think the usual reason for this difficulty is that the authors are using a specialized vocabulary, much like physicians or chemists use a specialized vocabulary, and until you are accustomed to this vocabulary it will sound just like nonsense -- unless, of course, you have a dictionary at hand.. So, until you read postmodern writing easily, I hope you bookmark this page and use it to decipher what the authors are saying. It contains, of course, not only a definition for postmodernism, but definitions for many terms that fill the pages of postmodern writing.

Once postmodern writing comes alive for you, you should find some remarkable things happening. First, you will want to improve on some of the definitions in my dictionary. Second, and more importantly, you will find new things you want to say in the postmodern language.

For the point of our new postmodern vocabulary, at least as far as I'm concerned, is to find our way to remake he world into a more democratic, collaborative, and exciting place to be. May this dictionary of postmodern definitions serve as a place for you to anchor your readings as you prepare to make your own contribution.

Until then, may this dictionary of postmodern terms serve you well.

Lois Shawver
12/15/06