National Word Day

Every Monday is National Word Day. Don’t spend any time checking the validity of this declaration, because I just made it up about ten minutes ago. Words have a magic that has mesmerized me for years. In school, a new vocabulary list felt like Christmas. Before you write me off as a weirdo, please stop and think about all the accomplishments of words. Here is a list of just a few jobs words make possible:

· Start or end an argument

· Pledge your life to someone or severe that relationship

· Uphold or damage your reputation

· Make someone chuckle, chortle, and snort with laughter or cause tears, sobs, and a broken heart

· Encourage or demoralize

· Persuade or cause disbelief

· Reveal guilt or innocence

· Convey an important message, trivia, gossip, or truth

· Express feelings

· Inspire or conspire

Considering all the tasks words perform, I often wonder why some people are content having a teeny-weeny itsy-bitsy word repertoire. Why say, his kiss was good when you can say his kiss was smoldering? Is her cooking bad or is it putrid? Did I buy a cheap car and yours was a bargain?

Before we give too much credit to choosing the most accurate word, remember that words don’t do the work all by themselves. They are powered by actions, attitudes, and beliefs. Otherwise, words are simply a strategic arrangement of letters (a strategy that is still a mystery to some).

Our vocal cords also have such a responsibility in maintaining our intention and meaning loaded into our words. Our tone of voice influences how the listener interprets our message. I think we have all experienced the words, I’m so sorry delivered in different ways. Laden or even just tinted with sarcasm, spite, or anger, the I’m so sorry adds to the hurt. Saturated in remorse, I’m so sorry initiates healing. The timing of I’m so sorry can even bring amusement, depending on the situation.

When I was teaching, one of my favorite activities was to give four pairs of students a script to present to the class. Although the scripts were identical, character assignments were different: child/parent, romantically involved couple, undercover spies, and teacher/student. It was so much fun to hear the same words delivered with different tones. The scripted dialogue took on different meanings and emotions with each presentation.

And then we need to consider unspoken words. Communication of empathy, love, anger, and nearly every other emotion and message can be sent solely by our eyes. When our eyes do the talking, we don’t have to fret over spelling and grammar, which is good news for some anonymous people I know. Sometimes you should at least think about spelling and grammar, especially punctuation, so the rest of us will know what the heck you’re trying to say.

None of what I just said is earthshattering news. We are all familiar with words; we’ve been using them for years. However, it’s important to consider the power of our words to ensure what we say and write accurately conveys our meaning, leaving less room for misunderstanding. Kudos to words for all the work they do!

The next topic I will reflect on is The Amaranthine (am-uh-RAN-thin) Life of Words. First one to the dictionary wins one thousand imaginary dollars!