Quarter, I Have Learned to Open My

¶ … quarter, I have learned to open my mind and to understand things in larger terms than I ever had before. Words have an impact which I had never understood before. Each word that is chosen by a writer or a speaker, whatever their purpose, has a meaning which must be understood in order for both the total point of a piece as well as the biases and perspective of the creator of the text. There are words all around us which inform or entertain or persuade. The words themselves blend with purpose and with tone to create what we understand to be the meaning of a grouping of letters. Before, I tended to take words for granted and to just take them for their meaning based on a superficial understanding of their dictionary definitions. This, I now know, is highly lacking because it takes away words from connotation and context. Words are not merely individual pieces but part of larger whole, creating a web of words and connections.

Language is a fluid thing which ever changes according to the cultural influence of the terminology. A word which means one thing in a certain language can have an altogether different meaning in a different culture. In order to understand, to really understand anything in this world, the cultural influence must also be comprehended. There are a lot of customs which are appropriate in one culture which seem odd or perhaps even barbaric in another culture. Neither side is more correct than any of the others. Each culture's connotation has an impact on the way the meaning of words is understood. Cultural differences are important to understand in a language even if the cultural differences are small. In the modern moment, as in all others of the past, there are terms which are popular to a given age group, region, or social class which are not understood by those who are not a part of that group. Language, within a singular culture, can therefore become complicated to the point of misunderstanding.

In learning about language and the words that comprise a given language, I have also learned a great deal about myself. I care more about the words that I myself choose to use both in writing and when I speak to friends or family. When I speak to people who are in positions of authority, I have always been aware that my word choice is more formal and I believed that the reason for this was a natural reaction to stress or nervousness. Now, I more fully understand that although emotion does have a place in such interactions, there is also a cultural influence which demands formality in such a situation. By providing more formal language in a conversation, the person shows respect and submission to the authority; both of which are factors which are considered appropriate especially in a disciplinary situation such as when a person is talking to a police officer. Take for example two people who are pulled over for speeding in their automobiles by police officers. In the first case, the person is deferential and respectful. The officer asks for the driver's license and car registration and the driver hands over the information without hesitation. They listen to the officer explain their infraction and apologize for their behavior. Often they will receive a speeding ticket which they will then have to pay off but if the person is properly respectful and behaves appropriately, especially if this is the first offense for the individual, that maybe they will get off with a warning. In the second case, when the police officer has the driver pull over, they are angry and disrespectful. Instead of listening to the officer, the driver acts rudely, begrudgingly handing over the needed documentation and making veiled threats and insults while the officer looks over the identification. Under such circumstances, the driver is more likely to receive a harsh punishment for their speeding, but in reality they are being just as much punished for their attitude and behavior. This hypothetical situation shows the importance of words, tone, and attitude. The same thing holds true for many aspects of life. Choosing the right words and using the right and appropriate attitude can lead to fortunate circumstances. Failure to do so will almost always lead to worse trouble. Language is thus shown to be an extremely powerful thing.