The power of Language

[Sister Twister]

I have been reading recently about the power of language as I enjoy reading and writing stories for my own enjoyment . linguists maintain that just one word can alter how our brain processes information, cool hard facts have a special effect on the brain . In practice the gulf of understanding of fact and possibility can be huge as seen by the whereas the reality may be far closer but adding a collection of syllables to a phrase can make the brain react to the information in a totally different way.

The brain reacts more strongly to a factual statement then one that conveys uncertainty certain verbs like 'DO' encourage the brain to update its current thinking with a cold hard fact, the word 'MAY' has less effect on the brain and can be simply passed over. 

The way in which information is presented has direct consequences on how our brains process it.

as an example (controversy but only as illustration) its the difference between knowing we DO have a safe and effective coronavirus vaccine and thinking that we MIGHT have one 

The facts may be the same in both scenarios but for some the perception is totally different.

 

Fraudsters may be successful simply because of the way they project the situation as unquestionable , an honest person may be misrusted because of their inability to use confident words .

[Brandon]

28 minutes ago, Maria Keerie said:

an honest person may be misrusted because of their inability to use confident words .

Unfortunate but true. And this intersects strongly with inequality when we think of how many people have to learn a second or third language, and then use it, when they immigrate to another country.

 

I suppose it also happens the other direction too: people using their second language might not know the “polite” way of saying something so they say it in whatever way they know how, but then society shames them or discriminated against another culture for being too ‘direct.’

[Sister Twister]

1 hour ago, Brandon said:

Unfortunate but true. And this intersects strongly with inequality when we think of how many people have to learn a second or third language, and then use it, when they immigrate to another country.

 

I suppose it also happens the other direction too: people using their second language might not know the “polite” way of saying something so they say it in whatever way they know how, but then society shames them or discriminated against another culture for being too ‘direct.’

Yes , I have witnessed this with a sister in our congregation from namibia she gets very hurt because so many misunderstand the direct use of language , in her worldly work place leading to discrimination but sadly at times in the congregation leading to misunderstanding. from the other side my first meeting with her she very directly said that she was finding me nosey asking questions about her life , she later told me about that embarrassing encounter (for me , the nosey one) that in her culture you never ask questions about someone on a first meeting , I explained that we do this to get to know each other and to find common ground ! after that encounter I ask less questions and she asks more !!! so we have both learnt ! but we are best of friends and Laugh about it now but many times she is hurt as her directness causes many to draw away from her. I feel as Christians we need to develop  an understanding of the culture of our brothers and sisters.