communication

DF #2: The Power of Language - Discussion Forum Group 1

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Language has the power to name, persuade, unite, divide, and empower us. Consider a time in your life when your were personally aware of the power of language. In a well developed paragraph (6-8 sentences) provide an example of the power of language that you personally experienced or witnessed (e.g., via popular culture or media). Your initial example is due Wed. at 11:59pm.

My ClassMates answer. Please Provide Feedback

Please provide comments or feedback on at least three of your classmates examples by Sunday at 11:59pm.

Austyn

Sometimes when I am at the Denton square there is a guy who sits on the corner with a microphone and a large speaker, and he talks about the Bible and what happens to people, in his opinion, who don't abide by its rules. I have seen people stop, yell at him, and till him he is wrong. I have also seen people praise what he is doing and thank him for attempting to spread Christianity. On top of that, I have seen people react to the people who originally reacted to the guy speaking. Regardless of who I am with, if they have never seen that guy at the square before, that person will make a comment about it. All these reactions, are a result of his language. What he says and the way he says it, prompts a thought and sometimes an emotional response to him, whether they agree or disagree with him. This is an example of a time when I witnessed the power of language first-hand. 

Phoebe

 A time when I was personally aware of the power of language is when my parents told me they were disappointed with me when I was failing a class. Instead of my parents saying “you’re a failure” or “how could you do that” they simply said they were disappointed. The use of the word disappointed led me to have a different emotional reaction to what they were saying.  If they had said “you’re a failure” or “how could you do that” it might have sparked a reaction of anger and self defense mechanisms. Instead the use of “we're disappointed” led me to feel that I let myself down and others that support me. The power of this phrase led me to see my own mistakes instead of defending myself for my bad choices. This phrase empowered me to do better in the class, for myself and my family, ultimately uniting us instead of dividing us over the phrase "you’re a failure”. As the saying goes, your words matter, as the power of what you say can lead to different outcomes.