It is a fact that language emerged as a means of
connecting to other people, to communicate. Language is one big factor why we
can coordinate well with others, or why we can make better transactions. It
created a giant web that connects us all.
We may not be aware of it but language can also divide
us. The world is divided by different national languages, and the Philippines is
divided by different provincial languages. What’s more interesting is that in
each society, there are still certain groups who have their own language, their
social dialect or what we call sociolect.
It is fascinating to learn how the society that works in communion is somehow
divided by a means of communication; a vibrant display of unity in diversity.
… … …
When I was in college, I was exposed in a lot of
different social groups. Even amongst the different colleges of the University,
one could see how prominent sociolects
are. It is some sort of mark or label where one can base his/her verdict in
trying to pinpoint whether from which college someone is. One can base a
pre-judgment over a person through the sociolect
he/she uses. On a negative perspective, it is somewhat like a stereotype. Although,
if we look at it closely and observe how it develops, it really shows that
certain languages emerge from certain groups within a community which only they
can use.
Sociolects seem to
create a divide among social groups in a community. But somehow, it is a
defining factor of a certain group’s identity. They do not want to be labeled as
another so they have to keep an identity of their own, and language can be a
big factor in finding that identity.
… … …
I found it very interesting to hear a lot of different
social dialects. Engineers use certain words which a communicator like me would
interpret differently. Cab drivers have this sort of code which they use when
asking for traffic situations in certain areas and in finding out alternative
routes. IT experts use a different language in terms of communication, there
are certain words which, when said by a typical person, would be entirely
different in IT’s perspective.
As a communicator, I am entitled with this privilege
to encounter and learn these different sociolects.
It is a very interesting job to learn and interpret these languages back to
their most basic form.
… … …
Words have always been my companion since I was a kid.
I have developed a certain kind of love and faith with words which I can never
describe. But all I know is that I will always be grateful to have the ability
to learn and understand many different languages, a gift I will improve and forever
cherish.
No comments:
Post a Comment