Language is a system of symbols for thinking and communicating.
Language is a tool we have been using to undersatand and develop our thinking.
We have been:
- Learning about the thinking of others by reading.
- Expressing our own thinking through writting.
- Exchanging ideas wit others by speaking and listening.
Language as a tool
Is a powerful tool:
To Clarify Thinking
Powered by patterns of thinking. Wit its power to represent your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Symbolically, language is the most important tool your thinking process has.
"I know what i want to say, but i just can't find the right words"
Social Communication
Language is always used in context. We should use the language style that is appropiate to the social situation.
Informal to formal.
Example:
Describe how you usually greet the following people when you see them:
-a good firend
-a teacher
-a parent
-a waiter
-an employer
Influence People
The intimate relationship between language and thinking makes it natural that people use language to influence the thinking of others.
Two types oh language are often used to promote the uncritical acceptance of viewpoints:
Euphimistic language:
to speak with good words and involves substituting a more pleasent way of saying something instead of a blunt way.
Example:
-a drinking social (alcoholic)
-passed away (dead)
Emotive Language:
Laguage that probably stimulate certain feelings in you.
By developing insight into these language strategies, you will strengthen your abilities to function as a critical thinker.
