ZAUM

ZAUM, also known as zaum, is a term originating from Russian Futurism. It refers to a concept of an artifically created language, often unintelligible, designed to break free from the conventional meanings and associations of existing words. The goal was to explore the inherent sound and emotional qualities of language itself, moving beyond logical or semantic communication.

Russian poets like Velimir Khlebnikov and Aleksei Kruchenykh were key proponents of ZAUM. They experimented with neologisms, phonetic combinations, and deliberately distorted existing words to create a transrational or "beyond reason" poetic experience. The emphasis was on the visceral impact of sound and rhythm, aiming to evoke deeper, more intuitive responses from the audience.

ZAUM was not intended to be a universally understood language but rather a tool for artistic expression and a radical departure from traditional literary forms. It represented a desire to find a primal, pre-linguistic form of expression. While primarily associated with poetry, the underlying principles of exploring sound and emotion in language have resonated with various avant-garde movements in art and literature. The concept challenges the very definition of meaning and communication, prioritizing subjective experience over objective understanding.