Recently, I have been wondering about the purpose of words. At the most basic level, we use them to communicate, to express a point. But more than that, why do we choose the words that we do?
Brooks spoke briefly on this topic yesterday. She discussed the history of the word chief, which comes from the Roman caput (captain) and French chef. When she chooses to use the word chief to describe a character, her readers draw pictures in their minds because of the history of the word and its connotations. Brooks says the character speaks before he opens his mouth.
Although we are all not historical novelists, the words we use still have history and meaning. Recently, the words gay and retarded have been used in derogatory ways. I found these images by artist Alison Rowan to be especially powerful (Image 1 Image 2). Why use gay and retarded to describe situations when there are plenty of more fitting alternatives? Hatred? Laziness? Ignorance? Stupidity?
Words help us connect with an audience. They are the vehicles we use to share our ideas and stories. They can move people, hurt people, excite people, bore people. In a day and age when we are constantly communicating with others via text, email, and in person, we use words so often that we forget the power that they hold.
Now that we do seem to use words, written and oral, more nowadays, it would be better if people had a larger vocabulary. Part of getting that vocabulary would be to assess one’s own use of certain words. It seems a little ridiculous that some people limit themselves to so few words or abbreviations when texting.
The purpose of words depends on the context. If you are just talking to your friends it is simply a function of communication. If a book is being written it can be considered art. There are many different uses for language which is why it is so important.