Since the beginning of creation of language, only one factor has set animals and humans apart- the ability to express thoughts and emotions. Oxford English dictionary defines language as “Words and the methods of combining them for the expression of thoughts.” But when the notion of ‘expression’ is removed from this definition, all that is left is “words”. Does delivering and receiving these words qualify as actual communication? Or does language devoid of expression simply imply mechanically informing? When Jonas, the protagonist of ‘The Giver’, by Lois Lowry, asks his parents whether they ‘loved’ him, “there was an awkward silence for a moment. Then father gave a little chuckle. “Jonas, you of all people, precision of language, please!”.”(Lowry,
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For instance, a baby responded to with cooing or words of love will grow up to learn to use language as a tool of expression of emotions. (, para 7). Although, when the families themselves do not share love, and are based on the accuracy of how well equated the spouses are, love from the parents or baby can not be envisioned. Thus, the child will learn to inform, not communicate. Normally, “language is continuously creating new words in order to define a new concept.”(Lal Banga, pg.182) However, ‘Sameness’ used it in its own favour, for by eliminating words in memories, it was erasing concepts as a whole. Furthermore, language depicts values of the community as well as individuals. However, in the community of the Giver, the individuality of language found in expression, is taken away. Social identity is constructed for the society as a whole and not for each …show more content…
Before a hard examination, one feels anxious and nervous and hence compels themselves to study, to improve their chances. Here, the emotion of anxiety is what is driving one to take action. Likewise, when Jonas studied the contrast between way back and now, emotions filled him and that is what motivated him to undertake the journey. “Even in situations where we believe our decisions are guided purely by logic and rationality, emotions play a key role.” (Cherry, para 6). When allowed to express and question, emotions help determine right and wrong. They guide us to comprehend what we are agreeing to and creating in our world. Therefore, language is further used to confirm or deny circumstances in everyday life. (Lal Banga, pg 188)Feelings opened Jonas’s eyes to the world he was living in, and taught him to disagree and not blindly follow societal conventions. As and when Jonas learnt to express, information was enriched to communication. Even though no one but the Giver could understand this communication, it helped him understand himself and others. Cues, in the form of direct statements are important in interactions to let others know how we feel. What Jonas’s world already had, were associations built on information. Interpreting others’ communication and being able
For instance, a baby responded to with cooing or words of love will grow up to learn to use language as a tool of expression of emotions. (, para 7). Although, when the families themselves do not share love, and are based on the accuracy of how well equated the spouses are, love from the parents or baby can not be envisioned. Thus, the child will learn to inform, not communicate. Normally, “language is continuously creating new words in order to define a new concept.”(Lal Banga, pg.182) However, ‘Sameness’ used it in its own favour, for by eliminating words in memories, it was erasing concepts as a whole. Furthermore, language depicts values of the community as well as individuals. However, in the community of the Giver, the individuality of language found in expression, is taken away. Social identity is constructed for the society as a whole and not for each …show more content…
Before a hard examination, one feels anxious and nervous and hence compels themselves to study, to improve their chances. Here, the emotion of anxiety is what is driving one to take action. Likewise, when Jonas studied the contrast between way back and now, emotions filled him and that is what motivated him to undertake the journey. “Even in situations where we believe our decisions are guided purely by logic and rationality, emotions play a key role.” (Cherry, para 6). When allowed to express and question, emotions help determine right and wrong. They guide us to comprehend what we are agreeing to and creating in our world. Therefore, language is further used to confirm or deny circumstances in everyday life. (Lal Banga, pg 188)Feelings opened Jonas’s eyes to the world he was living in, and taught him to disagree and not blindly follow societal conventions. As and when Jonas learnt to express, information was enriched to communication. Even though no one but the Giver could understand this communication, it helped him understand himself and others. Cues, in the form of direct statements are important in interactions to let others know how we feel. What Jonas’s world already had, were associations built on information. Interpreting others’ communication and being able