What it was all about for me

The power of words…wow. Maybe subconsciously, I have always been aware of language and its ability to ignite different reactions. Actually, unless you are completely socially unaware, most people recognize that depending on the specific word choices one uses, it has a plethora of different response as a result. I am one who doesn’t like to offend people, and actually like to avoid it in most cases. But before this class, I wouldn’t have been able to tell you exactly how I avoid it through language. However after taking this class, it has made me realize that the nature of our interaction with people is not merely based off of our verbal communication necessarily, but what we MEAN by it. The interesting thing here, is that we may not even be aware of what we actually mean when we communicate with something. It is something so ingrained and subconscious, that we many times don’t even ‘mean’ what we say. By taking this class, I have become hyper-sensitive as to the language I use, how I use it, and what it means. For my personal life, this is the tool I am most grateful for after taking this course.

What I have learned in regard to language and society has been even more eye-opening. The connection between language and identity has been one of the most fascinating things I have ever learned. Before taking this class, I may have sided with the idea that “language has only as much power as you give it”. But language means so much more than that. It is a agreement with individuals and society in order to make sense of and understand one another. It has the power to start wars when it is not agreed upon, and an ability to make amends when utilized.

Furthermore, I truly appreciate Tiffany and her willing to teach. I’m not sure I would have absorbed as much as I have if it weren’t for her inspiring teaching style. The forum in which this class was set, I felt extremely open and relaxed. (Although sometimes and little shy and intimidated) And regardless of what particular class is set up in this way, it always makes a significant difference in a student’s interest for any given subject. Regardless of our many times lazy behavior as a class, I think we can unanimously agree, that we enjoyed both the contents and presentation of information within this class.

Above all else, I have learned that language is one of the many intricate parts of society, and a valuable aspect to consider when trying to understand the nature of human beings.