You Are What You Say: The Power Of Language

Composition #3:

Language has a large impact on humans. Language helps communicate ideas, thoughts, and feelings in a way where others can understand or relate too; either way, it can have a positive or negative impact. Essentially it is absolutely critical to society because language can change circumstances. The power of Language influences the livelihood of people.

Language is a valuable way of expressing thoughts when conveying an opinion. Within “The Two Faces of Language”, Robin categories words in order to prove their significance. When young girls are growing, they are read fairytales of princesses and prince charming who comes to the rescue. However, the fairytales do not just tell a story. In fact, they are coated with morals and

Within the article “You Are What You Say,” Robin brings attention to the different focal points between men and women’s language. He alludes to the idea that women have a longer vocabulary. Women are more descriptive, active with the ideas they try to get across while pointing out the various situations in other issues on life. Therefore, power in language for women is primary applicable. Females tend to be mothers, friends, sister, and grandmothers, were there role is to be vocal. Women are socially promoted to be the caregiver of the house. Essentially, it is important for a mother to understand how a child feels; their emotions could help draw conclusions like if the child is sad or not feeling well. Another stereotype towards women involves the idea that most females like to fix things and/or problems. A common example in everyday life, the women will ask her boyfriend, “So, how was your day?” And the ideal response would be “good”. However, when the role is switched and the boyfriend is asking the girlfriend how her day was, her response would be something like “It was okay. I went to class, then the mall. After I got lunch but then realized I needed to get other things done. So I ….” and the story continues. For the most part, when girls are more descriptive is because they are looking for acceptance and a conversation piece to keep the conversations going. Women are

He shows that having a name, gives someone purpose; they are able to be identified. However, names can be inflicted both negatively and positively within society. Throughout Bosmajian description, he exclaims that language impacts an individual's demeanor. He says how “important is the name that the denial...is considered a form of punishment” (152). Certain names are given divine reverence, yet some people abuse the name. For example, “the Lord,” is revered and of a highest respect. Yet, people claimed themselves in that name, and therefore, they are a disgrace. By referring to themselves that way, it is like if they are saying they are like God - which is an utter disgrace. On the other hand, some names provide a reason for someone to be distinct. “To be unnamed, is to be unknown”(152). Without a name, no one could identify or correlate an individual with reputation, history, influencer, or anybody important. Essentially, it is like if the individual does not even exist. However, by having “self-determination, self-definition..the ability and right to name oneself”(155) they are given purpose. Hence, an individual can not be weighted down by the unjust if he possess determination to achieve something is possible. A name gives “importance and inspires and motivates [one] to act human, to liberate”(155) a person through language. Each circumstance promotes or