Language love

I've always had a love of language. I often look up the meaning of a 'new to me' word, and then if it is available, have a look at the etymology. 

I find family phrases and idioms fascinating, and I encourage my boys to explain the meaning behind words that they use, which are obviously part of a language that I no longer access, being old and out of the loop!

I love talking to people, and I like to be able to speak in a way that people understand me and in turn I understand them. 

I am an enthusiastic language learner, although not necessarily a successful one. The languages I have learnt, seem to all merge into one big pot of 'useful', and it is surprising when a sought after foreign word is the correct word but in the completely wrong language. Sadly I speak very little Welsh, but I am amazed how often a Welsh word will emerge when I'm racking my brains for a specific German or French word.

I often adapt the way I speak to my audience, and I realise that words can have a powerful effect on the listener or reader when carefully considered.

Children are taught in school how to write for different purposes, to give facts, to describe something creatively, to persuade the audience of something.

But in all this, it seems to me that there are so many things stacked against the language lover. Time, and lack of it, seems to be the reason that so many exchanges are concise and characterless. Average Handling Time for the customer service representative dealing with a customer's complaint, is affecting each word they use, the inflection in their tone and the questions they will ask. Written word is shortened to be able to relay a message more quickly, so we can move on with the next task, even managing two or more written conversations at once....impressive or dismissive?

I have also discovered the love for the process of writing, writing with an ink fountain pen, changing the colours of the ink I use. Taking the time to carefully form the letters, appreciating the sense of flow and purpose when your hand relaxes with the pen and the words seem to come out on the page in a direct communication with your thoughts.

Why do we now have the constant prompts to have our words re-written by AI? Persuaded that our script will become better, or more effective when the language has been written for us. Any character that was there when the writer or speaker said what they were thinking, soon becomes lost in the use of concise and formulaic script.

When it comes to language, I will not always get my words right. 

The fact that I have chosen that wording, perhaps because I know the recipient will know that I have understood them....then I'll choose my words slowly over being efficient. 

If I use three sentences rather than one because I care and want to convey that.... I will take my time. 

If I have to stop and ask what something means, so that I know I have understood something properly....then I will ask before giving a unconsidered response. 

Let's keep our voices, our words and our language.