Blog Assignment 1- The Use of Language - Due Sep. 8th 2009

There are about 5000 to 7000 languages in our world (according to the research of UN professionals). Each one of them has its own specialties and systems. However, sometimes even the same language can have different effects when spoken by different people in different situations. But only if we use it properly, can we make advantage of and benefit from it.

Languages are changing in every second. As the countries in the world develop at full speed, the languages are also changing accordingly in order to adjust themselves to fit the new generation: sometimes new words are created, or sometimes grammars are altered. When we think of generation gap, a language gap is already included.

We can see how this affects our life by looking at an example of mine. My homeland, China, has been developing so fast since when I was born. Loads of new technologies were invented to change our life better. So my generation accepts new things easily, getting used to them without difficulty and even use them soon after we acknowledge them because there are new things coming out every second. Internet is one of those most spectacular inventions that had very deep impressions on us. A new way of speaking, “Internet language” as we call it, has come to everyday life. I am one of those young people who do this, but my mom, who stands for the last generation, disrespects and tries her best to avoid these new things because the casual way and the new words make her feel strange. The difference in using language makes us communicate even harder. And even though kids who are younger than me use similar way of expressing themselves, we can find some slight differences still.

When we come to one person, we’ll see that the language is used differently in 2 different situations, too: one is formal, the other is informal. When I’m in a formal situation, I will choose every word carefully, speak with a perfect Mandarin, and even make drafts, prepare and correct the sentences before showing my thoughts to others. This is a kind of aspect I show other people. However, when I’m with my family and friends, I speak whatever my first though wants me to, and use a bit but still obvious local accent. This is how I show my trust to them.

There are sorts of languages, too. They may differ from area to area, field to field or person to person. When people speak their natural fist language, they can’t be more fluent. However, when they speak a second or even third, fourth language without enough training, they may speak with words popped up from mouth. When speaking the first language, some people like to be polite, others prefer bad words. I feel avoided if I hear those dirty words too regularly. This is also a language called “dirty language”.

Language is a tool we use to communicate, a bridge we use to reach each others’ mind and connect the countries in the world. Let’s use the right language and create our clean and beautiful life.