We, as living things, use many different things to communicate: body language, gestures, facial expressions, etc. But since we are humans, we can communicate in more complex ways than just that; we have spoken language, specifically English. Our language is so complex that it's not uniform/cut and dry for everyone. There are certain words that we, as a society, have determined are only to be used in formal or informal settings, as well as the syntax. For example, in a formal essay or presentation, jargon used on whatever topic is being presented is utilized in order for the speaker to be given some credibility by the audience. The speaker using words that only someone within a certain interest group would thoroughly comprehend demonstrates that the speaker themselves have been in that situation, and they know the language the interest group uses. However, this jargon is not limited to only formal use. Jargon such as slang and slang phrases are frequently used in informal settings, such as when talking to friends. This is due to the fact that credibility does not need to be established, as the topic at hand likely is trivial or that credibility between the parties has already been established during previous discussions and conversations.
The way one speak's English ultimately affects the credibility and likability of the speaker, as humans take note of the speaker's mannerisms first before actually acknowledging what exactly it is that is being said. For society to view what we say as valuable, we first must discover what exactly society wants to hear in the spoken words (should it be dramatic? funny? serious?), and then focus on the content of our talking. For anyone to listen in the first place, we must intrigue the audience with a powerful use of language that demonstrates that we, as speakers, are passionate about this subject and deserve to have our honest and logical voices heard. It is this credibility that establishes our persona, and determines how worthwhile an audience considers our speaking.
The way one speak's English ultimately affects the credibility and likability of the speaker, as humans take note of the speaker's mannerisms first before actually acknowledging what exactly it is that is being said. For society to view what we say as valuable, we first must discover what exactly society wants to hear in the spoken words (should it be dramatic? funny? serious?), and then focus on the content of our talking. For anyone to listen in the first place, we must intrigue the audience with a powerful use of language that demonstrates that we, as speakers, are passionate about this subject and deserve to have our honest and logical voices heard. It is this credibility that establishes our persona, and determines how worthwhile an audience considers our speaking.
I think you made some good observations about language. Can you think of three specific occasions/audiences where you change the way you speak to fit the situation?
ReplyDeleteI liked how your post was more broad so I could relate to it more. I thought that you talking about how jargon and a difference in social situations causes different degrees of credibility was a well thought out since it dives into society's views on language. You did a good job of maintaining a more formal one throughout the post. Do you think that there are times where society's places too great of an emphasis on the importance of language?
ReplyDeleteNice post Anna! Also, good choice of a meme.
Good observations of languages. Your general observations have broad-sighted view of language and how those work for specific occasions.
ReplyDeleteI like how you mention that we talk casually with our friends because we don't need to establish credibility. I agree with this statement and I like the analysis that follows about how the way we speak effects our likability and persona. It's interesting how by simply talking a certain way we can make people think differently of us even if they know nothing about us.
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