The Nuances of Language by Jessica

The Nuances of Language by Jessica - July 2017 Scholarship Essay

As a child, we are taught language using the simplest possible sentence structure and vague language. Being surrounded by a single language, however, we slowly pick-up more complex structures and words with certain connotations. We often don’t realize the effects of these small and seemingly insignificant details, but they do have more sway over our opinions and perception than we realize.

The concept that sentence structure plays a role in our perception of a text is not taken note of on a regular basis, but it is important that we are aware of its uses. For example, consistent use of simple sentences can make a text sound monotonous. It is boring and drones on like a lecture. Consistent use of complex sentences can also make a text difficult to read, similar to the structure of a textbook. By writing with varying structures, however, allows the text to flow naturally. The piece sings and has a spirit. It is easy to read and sounds as though it talks. Looking deeper, however, individual words have just as much influence as the text as a whole.

At the core of a language are the individual words. No two words are exactly the same. Even if on the surface, they may be synonyms, often times replacing a word with a synonymous word does not sound natural. When reading a text, it is easy to get lost in it. We are hypnotized by the text. The wrong use of a word, however, can easily break this spell. Whether it is a grammatical error or a word with a undertone, it will have an effect on the reader. The strength of such subtleties in language is often overlooked and ignored.

Every day, we pass by millions of examples of the power of language. It is in the ads, magazines, news, speeches, and everything we read or hear. Today we often don’t realize the power of such things because we don’t understand the effects it has on us. In the past, however, it was revered as a prized skill and weapon. It came out of the Greek tradition of preparing speeches. Only young and wealthy boys were taught the power of language. There was a belief that only certain classes were qualified to learn such a skill. The Sophist came along, in the belief that anyone could become an effective speaker, angering the elders. In fact, some ruined this ancient art, and for that reason, rhetoric is now viewed negatively. People believed that if everyone mastered the art, the morality or truth of an argument would become meaningless. Although it has been transferred from oral to written, the art is mostly lost and forgotten today. For that reason, it is important to recognize when such strategies are used today. By being aware of the subtleties of such strategies, we can uncover the facts behind the rhetoric and use it ourselves to strengthen our own arguments. We should be thankful that this skill is open to all people today, not just the wealthy.

I would hope that the TED Talk could delve deeper into the usage of rhetorical appeals and diction. In addition to this, the usage of more specific examples and research can exemplify the talk further.