As you know language is a passion of mine and the way that we use language to express ourselves. The word that I still find fascinating is our use of the word "We" and when we really mean I. Step back and think for a moment, when you say "We" are you including others (really?) especially when there are no others to be included. Are we taking it for granted that others will be happy to go along with us and agree with our opinion?. This interesting word and its usage can have some interesting effects on people. Some may disagree with being included in your "We" and want to express themselves differently. Then there are those that you use it on and they may feel disappointed that you have included others when they wanted your personal comment or opinion. I often think of the poor wife or husband who is included in the sweeping "We" statements who may in fact have a very different opinion and being included takes away their rights to express themselves. We could also look at why someone may do that and of course there are lots of reasons, good and bad, the one that springs to mind is that they are not comfortable with themselves or expressing their own opinion so include others to cover up. Whatever the reason next time someone uses "We" just ask them ..."you and who else" you may get an interesting answer.
Sniffy the rat and I have become close friends lately. His behaviour has been modified and changes whenever I have an hour to spare and feel like playing. He has made me think a lot about learning behaviour and how this may affect language. We reinforce behaviour to get results with children and with adults, so do we reinforce language the same way? People around us mirror our language in just the same way that we adopt the body language of those we live with. So it stands to reason that if we continually use negative language then those around us will do the same. Both at work and in the family. Do you ever find that one person is grumpy and before you know it everyone else is too. The same must happen with language. We start with the odd negative word and before you know it the whole family has a negative attitude. The great thing is that once you are aware and make a small change everything changes. A little positive reinforcement or silent commendations as well as concious effort and things change like magic.
Well moving on to greater things and the art work is complete. Ardent followers look out for a photo(posted) and the MS art exibition dates and the "psychology of words". Photo and exhibition dates to follow. MS week 1st -7th Sept. Exhibition 17th -28th Aotea Centre Auckland NZ
Sniffy the rat and I have become close friends lately. His behaviour has been modified and changes whenever I have an hour to spare and feel like playing. He has made me think a lot about learning behaviour and how this may affect language. We reinforce behaviour to get results with children and with adults, so do we reinforce language the same way? People around us mirror our language in just the same way that we adopt the body language of those we live with. So it stands to reason that if we continually use negative language then those around us will do the same. Both at work and in the family. Do you ever find that one person is grumpy and before you know it everyone else is too. The same must happen with language. We start with the odd negative word and before you know it the whole family has a negative attitude. The great thing is that once you are aware and make a small change everything changes. A little positive reinforcement or silent commendations as well as concious effort and things change like magic.
Well moving on to greater things and the art work is complete. Ardent followers look out for a photo(posted) and the MS art exibition dates and the "psychology of words". Photo and exhibition dates to follow. MS week 1st -7th Sept. Exhibition 17th -28th Aotea Centre Auckland NZ
