Our language is confusing on so any different levels. O'Conner emphasizes the exciting and surprising ways English plays out. It is unpredictable and ever changing. We make up rules for our language when we feel we need them and get rid of the rules which do not apply anymore. Things that may have once been called errors are now accepted as right. Phrases can be created to influence emotions and single words can represent many different meanings or even tones of voice.
When writing, it is important to realize this. Our language is living and it is messy. Use that! I often get bored with writing and feel like my words have no meaning. If you ever feel like this, take a minute and think about your language. Get excited about all the possibilities you have before you and be determined to take hole of them. Take control of your language and explore.
I really enjoyed reading your last paragraph. I completely feel the same way! I get in a rut using the same words but now I realize that I just have to stop and think about my language. I will be able to find some other word to use than the regular option I always choose!
ReplyDeleteIt is funny you note that english has one of the largest vocabularies. But the best part is we use very few of them. And that is why I think many of us become bored with our writing. We tend to shy away from those big and complicated words unless they pop up as a word of the day, even then they are only interesting for the two minutes during which we digest them.
ReplyDelete