THE SIGNIFICANCE OF RHYMING IN WIDJIWAT CULTURE

It is an oddity of Widjiwat culture that they often speak in rhyme. I once asked Jarudet why this is so, and he told me that, to a Widjiwat, rhyming is a higher form of communication. This is because more thought is required and words are chosen with greater care when they are rhymed. In Widjiwat culture, proper etiquette requires that you speak in rhyme to persons worthy of special respect. Jarudet likened it to putting out your best china when entertaining company. It not only reflects well on the speaker, but also demonstrates respect for the person being addressed.
A well-spoken Widjiwat will also speak in rhyme on momentous occasions or when conveying ideas of great significance or importance. It would be unthinkable to propose marriage or announce a baby’s birth in plain language. Likewise, Widjiwat sermons and speeches are laced with poetry, and their prayers always rhyme. To do otherwise would demonstrate a blasphemous lack of respect for God.
I don’t believe it is difficult for Widjiwats to speak in rhyme as their minds are infinitely more agile in this area than our own. However, my sluggish Dindi* mind prohibits me from keeping up with their quick little tongues in conversation. On a few occasions I have prepared clumsy little poems for special events or when making a formal request of Burden Jarudet. These poems were generally well received, but they good-naturedly permit to speak in plain language on all other occasions without offense.

*Dindi is the Widjiwat word for a big person