On the Use of Language

Language, our most cherished means of communication, can both elevate and deceive. We see it all the time, don’t we? So many of our fights sprout from the use-or misuse-of certain words and expressions.

It would be fine if the deception was deliberate, that is, if we really wanted to trouble our listener. The real tragedy, though, lies in our frequent misuse of language due to imprecision. This imprecision, particularly in the realm of public discourse, has far-reaching consequences.

Look at the news, for instance. Journalists, fervent in their convictions, label their favoured leaders as “Godlike” while demonising their opponents as “Nazis.” Somehow we keep finding more Nazis every week than there were in the 20th century. Such hyperbolic pronouncements, devoid of nuances, are not healthy. They do a disservice to the complexities of the world and, more importantly, to our own critical thinking.

The misuse of language extends beyond the overtly dramatic news media.

Consider the world of cricket commentary, where every now and then you get “the greatest shot ever played” and dot balls end up becoming “gold dust” every time.

I suspect, at the heart of this problem lies the advertising industry. We all get too obsessed with the idea of selling, which extends to even selling every deed and word of ours ( Personal Branding, as the term goes these days). Almost everyone, to a certain degree, is guilty of linguistic embellishment, painting an unrealistic picture of ourselves as well as the world. Why? Because it sounds nice.

The toothpaste company tells us about “pearly-white perfection” and the car manufacturer reminds us of “unparalleled driving pleasure,” and not only do we believe them, but we also start mimicking them in our daily lives. This constant barrage of hyperbole dulls our sensibilities, leaving us perpetually chasing phantoms instead of appreciating the beauty of the ordinary.

What’s the remedy, you might ask?

I think of literature (or good literature) when I think of the remedy. It inspires a measured and precise use of language, and therefore fosters a sense of calm and clarity. It allows us to navigate the complexities of the world with a discerning eye, free from the distortions of emotional outbursts or empty bombast.

So, let’s be kind towards the language, and while doing so, we’ll be kind towards ourselves.

By expressing our emotions with precision, we’ll gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and cultivate a sense of emotional well-being. Just as a well-worn path reveals the contours of a landscape, so too does precise language illuminate the intricacies of our inner world.

Remember, our language is not just a tool for communication, but a refuge for sanity.

Originally published at http://kalampedia.org on March 19, 2024.