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Since basic skills can change from person to person, I figure I’ll open the floor. Got my hands full today as well. Keep in mind that I’m talking about the skills authors and readers don’t think about. We take them for granted because we assume everyone will have them. If they’re removed, it’s for plot or character development reasons since they’re foundational.
- What are 3 skills that people take for granted?
- Which basic skill do you think would be the most debilitating to lack?
- Which basic skill do you think people assume is easy to learn, but really isn’t and why?
Legends of Windemere 
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1. I never really worried about the language thing. I’ve read books where authors tried to give every race their own language and minimal overlap, but it made reading a challenge. Had to keep going back to the translation section.
2. Those two are definitely top of the list. Hygiene would be up there too.
3. I’ve had some students like that. Not easy even at their age.
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I think Christopher Paolini had his own made up language. Tolkien had several. I don’t mind those even if I don’t know the languages. I also don’t mind if everyone speaks in a common language. But I at least like to know that everyone is speaking in the common tongue or that someone has trouble understanding a dialect.
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I find the idea in books that have a ‘common language’ a little odd and unrealistic. I can cope, though.
My characters have their own languages, but as they are all living in the same country, they’ve learned the language of that land. But sometimes they can’t understand what’s being said if it’s in another language.
For example, Asphodel, an elf, speaks Elvish, but finds herself in Erian. She can’t understand what is being said, so she learns enough to get by. This is useful later.
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Really good points.
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😁
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Cooking is an interesting one. We don’t think of it because microwaves exist. Anyone can use those. In fiction, the tech isn’t always there.
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I will pass on literacy because it’s being mentioned so much and say 1) the mechanics of survival — finding food, shelter, water in an unknown location. 2) Sewing and caring for clothes. 3) repairing things so they last.
Most debilitating is definitely the first, although it’s more of a skill suite than a single thing. There is a reason humans live in groups where individuals can have specialties.
What people think is easy? Repairs. I have lost track of the things my true love has told me were easily repaired, but I later had to call a repairman.
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Not sure why this ended up in spam. Sorry about that. I was actually surprised when people were bringing up the survival skills. Being a suburbanite, I can’t say I ever needed those, so they feel more advanced than basic. Reading, writing, math, and home chores are more basic because of the way I’ve lived. Guess that’s another wrinkle in this.
I’ve never thought that repairing stuff is easy. I’m pretty quick to not try and get someone who knows better. Mostly from watching people think it’s easy and either makings things worse or going to the hospital.
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Depends on the kind of story, but building a fire is a good one. Probably doesn’t matter in a ship, but it’s the key to food and warmth if you crashed in the Andes. Acquiring food that doesn’t come from a store. No big deal in a quirky romance, but in an apocalyptic setting it’s important. Acquiring safe water. Again, no big deal, but it depends upon the setting and plot. Any of these would be debilitating, but hypothermia or thirst will kill you faster than starvation or spoiled food. If you don’t have modern tidbits, building a fire isn’t all that easy.
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Interesting choices. I’m thinking we’re talking about wilderness survival here?
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Or even urban disaster.
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Microwaves are useful if you have, and are willing to use, ready meals. I only used mine for real cooking when my son set the kitchen on fire (decades ago) and the cooker was out of action.
I always cook from scratch. Well, almost always!
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