What power does language have?
Speaking, writing and reading are integral to everyday life, where language is the primary tool for expression and communication. Studying how people use language – what words and phrases they unconsciously choose and combine – can help us better understand ourselves and why we behave the way we do.
How does language affect culture and society?
The language that we speak influences our cultural identities and our social realities. We internalize norms and rules that help us function in our own culture but that can lead to misunderstanding when used in other cultural contexts. We can adapt to different cultural contexts by purposely changing our communication.
Why is the power of language important?
Being able to communicate is not the same as having language. The more powerful your language, the more independent you become, and the more you can contribute to the community. Language is not only a key component of communication, it is also a key aspect of identity.
Can your values change?
People’s values tend to change over time as well. Values that suited you as a child change as you become a young adult, form relationships and make your way in the world. There are other reasons why you might be out of touch with your values.
What are your three most important values?
Here are some examples of core values from which you may wish to choose:
- Dependability.
- Reliability.
- Loyalty.
- Commitment.
- Open-mindedness.
- Consistency.
- Honesty.
- Efficiency.
What is the importance of values education?
Values education makes us aware of the consequences of our actions on the planet and instils in us a respect for nature. We need to minimise health risks by encouraging the right attitudes and tackling health education from a dynamic, personal and collective point of view.
Why is it important to learn a foreign language?
The study of foreign languages teaches and encourages respect for other peoples: it fosters an understanding of the interrelation of language and human nature. Foreign languages expand one’s view of the world, liberalize one’s experiences, and make one more flexible and tolerant.
How does language influence who we are?
Language influences thought and action. The words we use to describe things—to ourselves and others—affects how we and they think and act. It’s good to remind ourselves that this powerful influence happens in all kinds of situations and most certainly with language related to teaching and learning.
How does language affect our thinking?
Languages don’t limit our ability to perceive the world or to think about the world, rather, they focus our attention, and thought on specific aspects of the world. There are so many more examples of how language influences perception, like with regards to gender and describing events.