There is something extremely powerful about words, they hold power most never pay attention to; the ability to move, persuade, reveal people's true intentions, calm, or incite people, but how do we communicate these words or thoughts to people? The vehicle is just as important, it is called language.
It does not matter how ingenious or eloquent you are, if you do not understand the language of another, you could as well be talking to a rock.
One of the greatest stories ever told about the beauty of language to me is the tower of Babel, for certain reasons; it shows the brilliance and ingenuity of mankind, but also our greatest weakness and source of downfall, Miscommunication.
To those who do not know the story, men wanted to see God, so they come together and decide to build a tower high into the heavens to be able to see Him. Ludicrous right? But according to the story, they build and build, till what seemed like a crazy plan started to become reality. God says if I let these men continue they will reach the heavens, and so he sends confusion so that they are all unable to understand themselves; each man speaking a different tongue. So it was, that the first Skyscraper project got scrapped.
This story is to me more than a story, hidden in it is a wisdom that is still relevant today. Society and Schools teach us language; one is our mother tongue, and the other, is that of our colonial masters.
A language is a form of expression that goes deeper than just surface level. There are reasons words spark different emotions in us, be it joy, laughter, anger, etc. It is entwined with our thinking process, identity, creed, and way of life. It helps us navigate our everyday interactions and activity.
Imagine you were starving and you ask someone to give you food, and then your word for food to them meant paper. Can you already picture your level of frustration or anger, after the third attempt to tell this person that you are not a goat?
This is sadly how we are coexisting in society, at different degrees. If you want proof, just take a stroll through the streets of social media; Twitter to be exact. You find people quickly say, read and comprehend. We see relationships suffer this as well when there are no defined terms. We've seen people feel betrayed by their "friends" for actions they took. When in reality, the person did what served their interest, but you get hurt. Why? Because you called the person a friend when in reality you are both just acquaintances.
You notice as you've used the word friend, your brain immediately gives you certain responsibilities towards that person or leeway. This is because humans work best by classifying people and things quickly so we can interact with, or respond to things at the speed of life. So when you have a poor understanding of the meaning of words, you find that you suffer for it in society. The wrong words can get you beaten, embarrassed, and citing a recent example; arrested, as seen in the student vs first lady scenario.
This is an issue people need to be aware of, to give another quote; "There is power in the tongue." When you have an understanding of certain things, your life becomes easier and less complicated, especially in your interactions with those around you.
Expressing yourself is one of the best parts of being human, so much so that it was put on a very important list called The Fundamental Human Rights.
So, when you go out make sure you know the exact words you want to say, as well as listen to those of others. Define terms and what you want, so you don't spend hours arguing with someone only to find out in the end, you both are saying the same thing, or have your hopes dashed, because the person tells you, "you didn't tell me this is what you wanted", or "I never agreed to this."
Just like you should not be quick to sign a contract without properly going through it or getting a lawyer to help you ascertain the contents, so too in your engagement with people, be conscious of the words you use especially when there is a plan to exchange value. Lack of this seemingly overlooked concept can make life draining and confusing as you spend time questioning or second guessing yourself when you keep getting mixed signals or unintended results.... like explaining to the person how you are not a goat that eats paper.
A WORD IS ENOUGH FOR THE WISE
By
Oluseyi Vandy