This blog is in regards to how language can provide detail into the life of another. In the past, how one speaks has portrayed his or her background. If someone speaks in chopped sentences, one can assume he or she is probably from another country and new to the language. If another speaks with poor grammar, one could assume he or she comes from a poor background and has little, if any, education. If someone speaks with elegance and detail, one could assume he or she is a poet or sensitive soul. All these being said, it is obvious that the way one speaks can give a great deal of insight into his or her background.
Language can also give insight to someone’s morals and ideals. If someone uses blasphemous language, one could assume that he or she does not have high moral standards. If all a person’s vocabulary consists of is profanities, then one can assume that the person has no higher ideal beyond being a gang member. Also, a great usage of profanities could also indicate that the person is easily angered, thus providing insight to his or her characteristics.
Because language can tell a great deal about a person, it is important to use the appropriate language (whether it may be something as simple as saying “thank you” instead of “thanks”). In today’s society, language is used far too casually. Slang is quite popular. “Who’re ya talkin’ to?” is used instead of “To whom are you speaking?” The latter is shrugged off as sounding ridiculous. However, the English language is beautiful when used properly, and thus should be used accordingly. Take pride in your speech and be sure to conduct yourself in such a way that shows that you are an intelligent, capable person who can succeed in whatever you choose.
Language...insight to a person
By respectlife - Posted on October 11th, 2008
Tagged: Better future
Aw, but mangling the English language is one of my favorite pastimes!
It's good to remember that language isn't a solid, permanent framework. It's flexible, it changes, and it grows. Sure, there's lots of slang nowadays. It gives conversation a more informal and comfortable feel and can set you at ease when interacting with people you aren't too familiar with. However, i do agree that language is a beautiful thing. (Though, as a novelist, I'm heavily biased in that area.)
There is a time when "To whom are you speaking?" is appropriate, and a time when "Who're ya talkin' to?" is perfectly acceptable.
And that's comin' at ya' from yer local redneck hippie.
--
Ooh, ooh, pick me, pick me!!!
I resent the stereotype.
:{
I suck at speaking and writting and use language in manners that are less then elegant. I am not from a poor neighborhood and I do not have low values or whatever. I am pretty smart but have trouble getting things from my brain to your ear.
With that said people need to realize that they are judged with what comes out of their mouth as well as the way they hold their posture. Accurate or not, still judged.
Love is like a box of chocolates; if you chose wisely you won’t be disappointed and have to spit it out. ~T
Well, do note that I used the phrase "in the past..."...after all, in today's society, it's practically foreign to use proper grammar in speech. And just so you know, I've found your arguments and comments very intelligent. ;)
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife
Or profanity could be used as a way to shock someone into paying more attention. A way to emphasize an idea.
For example, Darwin's Beagle's use of the word "fuck" (the use of which is, I'm sure, what inspired this blog).
There is no justification for claiming that taking the fucking cracker is the worst thing in the world possible.
It got your attention. It probably had more of an affect than using the word "cracker" on its own, or even replacing the word "fuck" with the word(s) "ridiculous," "stupid," "silly," or "laughable."
Or, maybe, he just thought it would be fun to antagonize you, perhaps provoke you to reply with this very attitude because people getting offended over the word "fuck" is funny.
It really has nothing to do with morals.
Perhaps this video will enlighten you a little on the use of profanity.
"What a crazy random happenstance!"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog
Read my Blog!
Haha, as a matter of fact, it was. Mainly because when I saw his language, it made me respect him less because of his poor vocabulary. I believe that language should be at the least civil during a debate. In general, however, I'm rarely offended by language (unless, of course, it's blasphemy.)
I can't find my headphones, so I'll have to watch the video later.
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife
I disagree. People communicate in a way that fits the setting. When I'm at work, I try to speak professionally, whereas when I'm with my friends, my speech is much more casual. My writing in general tends to be fairly proper (though not quite as formal as 'To whom are you speaking?'), as I hate mangling the English language even when I'm in chats.
There's a time for everything, even poor speech. It doesn't necessarily reflect a person's beliefs and values (though, as you said, it can).
~C
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I agree that there's a time and a place for everything. I tend to have casual speech while with friends. At the same time, however, I find it sad, because even as little as a hundred years ago, most speech was proper.
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife
I love language, but I think formal language should be saved for more formal situations, rather than day-to-day language. Maybe this is a reflection of my casual (and somewhat lazy) self, but I personally enjoy the comfortable feel of casual language when I'm around my friends. I also have fun using more formal terminology in essays, speech competitions, and when meeting someone new or important.
Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see.
Completely and totally agree. When a girl swears (sorry to diss on the girls), it really makes me look down on them. I like a girl with class, a girl who knows how to handle herself and isn't willing to step down to lower ethics. Swearing in general, I think, makes a person look like a lower member of society.
Grammar in writing - absolutely can not stand! I hate it what I'm reading a person's paper and there are blatant grammar and spelling errors. I think, "Are you stupid?! Don't you know about the second most amazing invention in the world - spellcheck? (The first being cruise control, of course!)"
Sorry to diss on anybody who swears - I just don't and don't like how it make people look. I don't judge you on it, as I work with a lot of people who swear, but I just don't like the "unclassy" aspect of it.
Read and comment as you like....http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/starving-musician
Yay! It's so awesome to see a guy that doesn't life having girls swear. Thank you. You give me hope for the future. (CHIVALRY LIVES!!!)
Even if I do ever cuss (which I generally try to refrain from period), I especially don't do it around guys because I don't think guys should swear around girls. Why? Not quite sure...mainly a respect issue for the opposite gender. It's always been considered unladylike to cuss and gentlemen always watched their language around the women. I like that. :D
I AGREE. I have the hardest time reading something when there are no commas, or nothing's capitalized, or there are run-on sentences, etc.
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife
I just don't swear period, but what you said is exactly what I alluded to (okay, so I couldn't find the right word!) - respect for the opposite gender. It's hard to say exactly why, as you don't want to sound sexist, but, as a guy, I can't help but have more respect for women.
Read and comment as you like....http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/starving-musician
OK, I don't really know you, but I just want you to know I'm very, very, very proud of you! *squeal* Chivalry lives!
RESPECT LIFE
http://progressiveu.org/blog/respectlife