LJ Idol Prompt 4: Figure of speech

[garnigal]

I grew up in rural Ontario. It was a very homogenous town, where we all had the same frame of references - sports, farming, the same food and traditions.

And then I grew up and moved to the city for University.

It wasn’t even a big city, but there was certainly a variety of different perspectives, different backgrounds, different frames of reference. I learned so much, not just in class, but by being surrounded by new people. But even there, it was still southwestern Ontario - whiteness and English language ruled.

Things changed after graduation. In my career, I worked with many people for whom English is not their first language, particularly Canadian English. I’ve enjoyed that diversity, but mostly I’ve enjoyed helping define the random turns of phrase that come up in discussion without even thinking about the confusion you are creating.

In my 25 year career, I’ve been a tech writer, an editor, a trainer, a knowledge manager. The commonality is communication. With that focus, I’ve seen teams made and broken by poor or excellent communication. 

“What is two-four?” “What is dart?” “What is give’r?”

It is my honour to be the person asked when language is used in unusual ways. It’s improved my own communications, not just with my colleagues, but also with my family.

We are a playful species, and our biggest game in language. We use it to connect or separate, to build or destroy. In the end, the opposable thumb and tool using may have made us capable, but language using is what made us human.

Comments

[muchtooarrogant]

Agree one hundred percent, language rules. :)

Dan

[garnigal]

Thanks for reading!

[jerusha]

I love this meditation on language.

[garnigal]

I'd love your take - language is your career, perhaps even more so than mine!

[lunabee34]

What a great essay!

[garnigal]

Thank you!

[fausts_dream]

*** Daddy left notes before he was poisoned ***


Two of my exes live in B.C lots of variance in B.C and SE Texas.

Enjoyed the entry.

[garnigal]

Thanks! Sorry to lose you!

[halfshellvenus]

We are a playful species, and our biggest game in language.
I agree. And the vast majority of humor would be nothing without it!

[garnigal]

I hadn't even thought about humour and how it relies on language for converting misunderstanding to understanding. Thanks for the new tangent to go down!

[alycewilson]

This is one of the reasons I think everyone should pursue SOME form of higher education: whether it's college or a technical school or some other form of training. Getting out into the world and interacting with people you don't typically see at home is part of the education!

[garnigal]

Totally agree! Thanks for reading!

[legalpad819]

Communication is key in every type of relationship really- even the brief interactions you may have.

This actually reminded me of the Spaceship Earth ride at Epcot, which is a ride about communication throughout the ages.

[garnigal]

Thanks for reading. It's been so long since I went to Disney, thank you for the memories!

[rayaso]

Language definitely makes us human. I love the slang and turns of phrases from other cultures, as well as the music of other languages. This was very thoughtful.

[garnigal]

The differences and similarities in language is fascinating!

[roina_arwen]

Well stated! Nice to meet a fellow editor.

[garnigal]

Thank you!