Blog #21 As you reflect on the class’s trajectory of readings in the context of this podcast, what role do you see language playing in your life? Work hard to articulate your relationship with language–the good, the bad, and the ugly. How important has language been to you in the past? How important is it now? What role do you see language playing in your future?
Language is one of the most critical tools we as humans have. Without language, we wouldn’t be able to communicate or collaborate. Language is what allows us to be social creatures. Language isn’t always auditory, it can be gestures and facial expressions. Listening to this podcast, I couldn’t help be feel awful for the man who essentially had no language until he reached 27 years old. He lived an isolated life, not knowing how to communicate or really that it was even possible. I can’t imagine feeling that alone and never being able to express myself with language of any kind.
Language has been so important in my life. Language is how I express my emotions and my thoughts to those that I care about. Language is how I reach out to people, find opportunities, and get educated. Language is what my relationships are founded on. Had I not been able to communicate, I wouldn’t have the friends that I do now. I also would not have the same quality relationships that I have with my family had I not been able to communicate with them. Language is also important in rugby. Language was how I was able to learn the rules of the game, and how I communicate with my team throughout a game.
Language also can hurt us. The English language has many words meant specifically to hurt. Language can let us down, make us angry, and make us sad. While these emotions may not be fun in the moment, it is important that we are able to feel them. Language is what stimulates and promotes us to feel emotions. Without it, our emotional states would not be the same.
Language will always be important in my life. It will be important as I enter my career, build more relationships, and when I have kids. I will have the task of teaching language to my children. A life without language would not operate smoothly. Taking away one’s language is taking away a basic need.
I enjoyed reading your reflection. I’ve often thought while teaching my children language, that in some ways, I was also teaching them how to think. (Of course, as a parent, you can only have so much influence…) Thank you so much for sharing.