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The Conceptual Framework
Stephenson reimagines the historical Sumerian civilization, attributing to it a primordial role in the development of language and cognitive control. According to the novel, Sumerian is not just a language but a programming protocol for the human brain, akin to a computer’s operating system. This premise builds upon the idea that language can influence thought processes and behavior on a fundamental level.
The Metaphor of Language as Code
The novel posits that human brains were originally “programmed” using Sumerian, conceptualized as a “bios” in computer terminology—an unchangeable language hardwired into the human subconscious. In ancient Sumer, priests known as “Enki” controlled this language, effectively regulating the population’s thoughts and actions through what Stephenson calls a “neuro-linguistic virus.”
The Role of the Mythological Enki
Enki, a figure from actual Sumerian mythology, is re-envisioned as an ancient hacker who creates a “nam-shub,” a powerful incantation that disrupts the Sumerian linguistic system. This act of linguistic rebellion fractures the uniform control the neuro-linguistic virus held over the population, giving rise to the diverse array of languages and cultures we have today, a phenomena referred to as the “Linguistic Babel.”
The Snow Crash Virus
In the novel’s present, a drug called “Snow Crash” emerges. This drug is not just a narcotic but a form of the ancient Sumerian linguistic virus repurposed for the digital age. It affects both the digital avatars in the Metaverse and the human brain in reality. By exposing individuals to a binary code or linguistic sequence resembling the primordial Sumerian language, it can “crash” their minds, rendering them catatonic or susceptible to external programming.
Protagonist’s Discovery
Hiro Protagonist, the novel’s main character, is a hacker and swordsman who becomes deeply involved in unraveling the mysteries of Snow Crash. His exploration takes him through a virtual and real-world journey where he encounters linguistic experts, cyberpunks, and religious fanatics who all contribute pieces to the puzzle. He learns about the interplay of ancient mythology and cutting-edge technology, understanding that controlling language can equate to controlling human consciousness.
The Interdisciplinary Approach
Stephenson delves into linguistics, neurology, mythology, and information technology, weaving these threads into a coherent narrative about control and subversion. He uses historical references, such as the Tower of Babel and Sumerian tablets, alongside speculative fiction elements to interrogate how modern societal structures might mimic ancient hierarchies of power, through the conduit of language and information.
Implications
The novel’s use of Sumerian language serves as a powerful allegory for the controlling potential of language and technology. It suggests that just as the Sumerians orchestrated societal order through linguistic manipulation, modern entities — whether governments, corporations, or hackers — might employ similar tactics using digital means. This reflection on control mechanisms extends to today’s concerns over data privacy, digital surveillance, and the psychological impacts of technology.