The power of language Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The power of language - Essay Example But writers have huge capacity to influence the outlook of people which can be used to bring about constructive changes in the social fabric. Construction of meaning In ‘Superman and Me’, Alexie has emphasized that language plays hugely critical role in the development of individuals. As an Indian, living in Washington, he was often confronted with the dual personalities of the people of his race. They were meek and unassuming in the company of Whites but otherwise exhibited their natural vivacious personality. The language was key barrier which made them hesitant in interacting with others. But writer had constructed his own language and meaning which was inspired by his passion for reading books. He has used words and language in way that defines his will to make his own space in the dissenting society. He constructed his own meaning by asserting that ‘The words inside a paragraph worked together for a common purpose’. He further clarifies that ‘Our reservation was a small paragraph within the United States’ thereby justifying his existence. Limitation of broken language Alexie has used language to understand social differences and says that ‘knowledge delighted me’. ... His success is testament of their misconceived ideas. He is now an inspiration for his race. ‘Many are writing their own poems, short stories and novels’ shows the ability to read and write English language has made Indians assert themselves as individuals. Amy Tan’s Mother Tongue is another very important article that showcases how language can overcome barriers of class, race and culture. She has used ‘all the englishes’ in her writing. This is interesting phrase because it displays the confidence of the writer to use vernacular English to communicate effectively with people whose mother tongue might not be English. The variation in English language has occurred because immigrant families have changed it to make it easy for them to use and communicate. She asserts that vernacular english ‘has become our language of intimacy’. In a foreign land, ‘the fractured language’ is ‘perfectly natural’ for immigrant to fe el comfortable. She has raised very pertinent issue of language and says that people who do not speak perfect English are deemed ‘limited’. But she also asserts that her writing has captured ‘what language ability tests can never reveal: her intent, her passion, her imagery, the rhythms of her speech and the nature of her thoughts’. The writer has shown that even ‘broken english’ has the power to communicate ideas. Conclusion Both the writers have used English as language for writing and communication. They have adopted the mainstream language to integrate as well as to understand the psychology of human relationship. The language is a means of communication and if the person is able to communicate in ‘broken english’, he has served his/her purpose: which is to transfer some idea or suggestion or