Right Speech

Over the years my personality has changed. I have learned to accept help from other people, and trust them. I used to be arrogant, cocky, and excessively competitive. It was very hard for me to take any advice from people I did not respect that much; to me, it was a sign of weakness. I used to focus on defending my beliefs and trying to tell the person I'm talking to that my beliefs are better, because at that time, that's how I really felt. But in time, I realized people have different personalities, and different philosophies in life. This is the beauty of being human. We have the freedom to express and live our lives our own way. And I believe that people can connect with each other with an proper approach to coming together through conversation. The exchange of wisdom and beliefs through speech doesn't necessarily mean people can't get along with contradicting beliefs. If you are willing to accept other perspectives other than your own and allow yourself to be confused once in a while, you'll find it very helpful to creating harmony with others.

I was with my mother, on the way to church we were having a casual conversation which quickly turned out to be a somewhat uncomfortable dialogue, well at least for my mother. Just before arrive to church, I asked her, “Ma, what would you say if I said I was a Buddhist?”, I expected her to dismiss the thought of it and force her catholic beliefs, which is what exactly happened, “What do you mean?! I didn't raise you up to be a Buddhist, Buddhism isn't good!” she replies very quickly and defensively. My mother is very religious, and sometimes her own beliefs (to her) is always the right way. I replied, “Well, I don't think you understand what Buddhism really is, it's not what everyone thinks it is, it has a reputation of being a religion.” I then proceeded to explain the debate between whether or not Buddhism was a religion or a philosophy. The answer is of course, both. But originally, Buddhism was just a teaching, and people started creating their own fabrications of what Buddhism is, when a religion arises, the certain traditions of religion is unavoidable. Anyway, after the explanation, my mom lightened up and started to listen. I kindly told her, that I didn't fully agree with hers, and I asked her to at least realize mine. So at that point, we came into harmony.

I did not necessarily defend my beliefs, I was open minded, and so was my mom. And I think that is why this conversation between my mom and I is very memorable – we finally came together in harmony with our beliefs. It was a conversation that lead to sharing beliefs, without friction, I allowed my mom to express her beliefs.

So what I learned that day? I learned that if two people learn to come together without any wrong motives, I think the conversation will run smoothly. Learn to observe your motive before you engage in a conversation. 

Political Correctness

Political correct language plays an important factor in our daily conversations. Depending on ones intentions, “political correctness” can either benefit or become just another way of discrimination.. First of all, what is political correctness?

Political correctness: is a term which denotes language, ideas, policies, and behavior seen as seeking to minimize social and institutional offense in occupational, gender, racial, cultural, sexual orientation, religious belief, disability, and age-related contexts, and doing so to an excessive extent.

Depending on your intentions, the effects of politically correct language in the daily conversations can either be good or bad. First, lets look at political correctness when it is from an individual with good intentions.

Using politically correct language with good intentions can establish a level of respect and harmlessness in the conversation. Using phrases and words that are politically correct can prevent any unwanted friction, and deliver each others' thoughts and ideas through healthy communication. For example, avoid phrases like “black sheep” to describe “outcast”. The words “oriental” can offend Asian people, my brother for example. Call my brother “oriental” and it may rub him the wrong way and eventually have his fist in your face. That's just how my brother is. And that's the importance of communication, understanding the words that are acceptable versus the unacceptable.

To get around the semantics of “political correctness”, you must really understand people's intentions when using this “language”. Using politically correct language with BAD intentions creates friction. Users of political correctness in the hands of the wrong people have the ability to mislead, offend, and mock by means of disguising their discriminatory phrases and words. Anyone with bad intentions can turn something that is good to bad. Examples would be, criminals using guns, internet, or religion. Guns are supposed to be for protection, internet as a source, and religion for good morals and intentions. Political correctness obviously, can also be used for evil intentions. Just because it is reworded differently does not mean it is not offensive.

To look at the significance of political correctness; Rewind to the 1970's, where there was little political correctness, it was a time when the words “nigger” was a norm and it was okay to say. It is a myth that words cannot hurt people - I believe that wholeheartedly. The fact that certain racial slurs many decades ago were acceptable constructed two classes that split up human equality. The world is a better place now with our evolution of political correctness.

In summary:

Bad intentions: Attempt to blanket or disguise prejudicial remarks. This
Good intentions: A way of healthy communication without any misunderstandings between social, racial, sexual, class, etc.

Today in our society, people that are “assholes” are looked down upon for being politically incorrect. Some argue that it's a form of restrain to our right of freedom of speech. I don't understand that, and I need to do further thinking about that and maybe I'm not familiar with their concept of “political correctness”. However I believe that with good intentions, practicing political correctness in everyday conversations can establish a common ground by understanding each others' differences.

English vs. Other Languages

“With more than 320 million speakers, English is today the most widely spoken language in the world after Chinese (Mandarin).” English as a lingua franca has a positive effect on numerous global issues such as: science, technology and commerce. First of all, Let's define the term “lingua franca”. Lingua franca: a language systematically used to make communication possible between people not sharing a mother tongue, in particular when it is a third language, distinct from both mother tongues. Or basically, a universal language. I will be listing the two sides of the issues surrounding English as a lingua franca. First, I will note the positive side.

Linguists consider the growth of English to be a product of globalization. Because the English language is practiced by so many, the English language continues to evolve. This is positive in my personal opinion. Why? Because English as a lingua franca serves the main purpose of what languages are supposed to do – to communicate. English as a lingua franca exemplifies the function of languages. Using a universal language enables people to communicate in greater masses. According to linguists “English is the most common language to communicate scientific, technological, academic, and international trade information.” Being able to communicate at a global level will obviously promote growth. Some linguists disagree however, they believe the globalization of a language can result to the death of other languages.

The negative effects of English as a lingua franca: English is becoming so widely used that the other non-native speakers cannot “preserve” their own languages. This is a fierce debate, “English vs. Other Languages”. Some even argue that that English is a form of linguistic imperialism. Linguistic imperialism is developed by Robert Phillipson. Phillipson defines English linguistic imperialism as: the dominance asserted and retained by the establishment and continuous reconstitution of structural and cultural inequalities between English and other languages. In response to Phillipson's concept of English linguistic imperialism, Linguistics Professor Juliane House says, "Paradoxically, the very spread of English can motivate speakers of other languages to insist on their own local language, binding them to their own cultural and historical tradition”

My personal thoughts, I believe that English as a lingua franca is a means of global growth. It is unavoidable, communicating with one universal language enables people to exchange knowledge and goods more efficiently. I do agree that the spread of English worldwide, will have negative effects, but the positives will overwhelm the negatives. We can live with languages dying, I don't believe in preserving any languages because what's the point of a language if only a few speak it? It is inefficient and inhibits growth. As the debate continues, the English language will continue to grow from the product of humans' natural habits of exchanging knowledge and goods.

In summary, English continues to show that its dominant force throughout the world is overwhelming the other languages, while the other languages struggle to gain any power. English is used mostly to communicate in terms of sharing scientific, technological, academic, and international trade information. What are your thoughts on the dominance of English? Do you think it's logical to have a universal language to communicate? Are the different cultures affected by the power of a dominant language? If so, is it worth the trade, from the benefits of having English as a lingua franca? 

Be Yourself.

The use of language has the ability to change the world. Everyone has different personalities. This arises to different writing styles. A writer may have different education, background, or beliefs. But a good writer has the ability to express themselves by recognizing the audience and get their points across. Nobody's impressed by big words, it only confuses them. It's not the reader's fault its your fault as the writer if your audience has problems reading your writing. Good writers recognize this, writing should be clear, direct and persuasive. My basic approach when writing to influence an audience: be yourself.

This is an important concept to grasp when you are expressing yourself through writing. If you try to impersonate someone from the 19^th century, this is a big problem. Using big words, that are uncommon, forces your audience to look up every word up in the dictionary causing headaches and confusion. Don't do that, please. Don't use guffaw instead of laughter. Don't use ersatz instead of fake. Again, don't try to be anyone else but yourself. Likewise, music is something that resonates from the musician, people have different voices. The Jonas Brothers playing “Hey Jude” by The Beatles just won't sound the same. It's okay to get techniques from other writers but it's important to have your own personality.

The words you choose, and the way you express yourself is a big factor when influencing your audience. It is important to recognize your audience and write to them accordingly. Also equally important, when you are trying to be convincing and persuasive: Do not use words that transforms your arguments into opinions. For example, using phrases “in my opinion, I believe, I think, etc” loses your credibility of having a sound argument. Opinions do nothing to little impact on your reader.

Share your experiences, and this will capture your audience. Getting an emotional response is also an important concept when writing for change. Remember, language can change the world. Keep this in mind, you have a responsibility. Martin Luther King's letter from Birmingham Jail inspired change. Dr. King had achieved power with his voice, his voice was heard in a time where African American's had no voice at all. He had done so with the power of language.

If you have to say something say it. Put your heart into your writing. Richard Weaver said, “Liberty to handle the world, to remake it, if only a little, and to hand it to others in a shape which may influence their actions.” Find your own voice. Use it. Change the world.