Summary

In "The Speech of Things (Language I)," while kayaking "off the southeast coast of Alaska," Abram listened to the rhythms of his paddle in the water (159). Suddenly he heard an unfamiliar sound. He realized it was coming from a crowd of sea lions. To keep them from harming him, he sang. He learned this trick when he encountered a moose in "the northern Rockies" (161). In order to communicate his "peaceful intent" to the moose, he sang (162).

In the kayak, the sea lions calmed. Then, a humpback whale burst out of the water, as if telling him to beware. The sea lions grew distressed again. Instinctively, Abram began moving his arms and hands in the air. The sea lions quieted. As soon as he lowered his arms, the sea lions threatened to attack again. He paddled with...