The Power of Words

Have you ever tried to teach English to someone from another country? It is tough—especially for those of us who are not trained to do that. For all those years we spent living overseas, I have heard so many acronyms that I don’t like to even use them now. Our own company had a plethora of them, and some of the workers were very clever in making up stories using mostly acronyms that were used in our company.

Some very familiar acronyms while living in other countries were TESOL, TEFL, and TESL. All of them pertained to teaching English to people who had another first language. Back to the opening sentences. Many of our friends through the years were certified in TESOL, TEFL or TESL, and they had some great stories about their experiences in teaching English to internationals.

English is not an easy language to learn. Want to know what the hardest language in the world is? The one that you are presently studying!! There are probably hundreds of words that have a double meaning like pen, general, orange, layer, or march and on and on. I learned and have spoken for many years two other languages, and as much trouble as I had learning them, I do not think that they are more complicated languages than English.

I am often surprised at difficult or unusual words that our grandchildren use. With my eyelid disorder, I have been listening to the Bible on an app. Seven-year-old Margo came into the room while I was listening to the Bible. I had my earbuds in, and she asked me what I was listening to. I told her that I was listening to my Bible because I had trouble reading my Bible. She replied, “that’s epic!”

We all grew up using words that may not have been in the dictionary like “I swannie” (popular Southern expression) used in my parent’s generation instead of “I swear.”

Some words that are acceptable in my personal circles are used just like my parents’ generation using “I swannie.” The words “fricking” or “freaking” are very popular words that I have made up my mind never to say as they are substitutes for a vulgar word that is used so much in streaming entertainment that it has become an acceptable word to use on any occasion. I get angry (yes, angry, but I don’t outwardly express it) hearing that vulgar word used so often in public places. I do not think that my family, friends and colleagues should be using “fricking” because it is, in my opinion, support of using the vulgar “F” word.

Some English words that have been used for centuries are no longer used or their meaning has been changed because of cultural adaptation. One such word today is the word “gay.” Cheryl and I like to listen to the XM station that broadcasts old radio programs, and we frequently hear the word gay used, but unfortunately when I hear the word I am reminded of its meaning today.

A whole new vocabulary has been established for social media communication. That’s a language that I have not learned. Some Boomers are using a few words from that language like LOL, BFF and BTW. As for me, I am not going to CMV BC ATM FWIW, SM language is not my GOAT. IJS!

Our words can hurt, and they can also heal. Words can destroy or they can build up. Words can express love, but they can also express hate.

The Bible says a lot about how we use our words. “Gentle words bring life and health.” (Proverbs 15:4) “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:21) Whosoever keeps his mouth and his tongue, keeps himself out of trouble.” (Proverbs 21:23) “Every careless word people speak; they shall give an account of it.” (Matthew 12:36).

My favorite is “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, oh Lord, my strength and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14).