Mastering Language: The Art of Using Words Wisely
BY: Neighbors’ Consejo|
Language is a remarkable gift, the cornerstone of human communication, and the medium through which we express our thoughts, feelings, and ideas. How we use this gift, however, can profoundly influence not only the way others perceive us but also our own emotional wellbeing and the way we share with others.
According to Greenheart [1] , “language is one of the most important parts of any culture. It is the way in which people communicate with one another, build relationships, and create a sense of community. There are roughly 6,500 languages in the world today, and each is unique in several ways.”
Standford University [2] considers that language is vital for behavior, “linguists analyze how certain speech patterns correspond to behaviors, including how language can impact people’s buying decisions or influence their social media use. For example, in one research paper, a group of Standford researchers examined the differences in how Republicans and Democrats express themselves online to better understand how a polarization of beliefs can occur on social media.”
We want to highlight that language matters in mental health. “The words we use shape how we see the world and ourselves. The words we choose and the meanings we attach to them influence our decisions, beliefs, and wellbeing. We have a choice in the words we use to describe ourselves, others, and the world around us [3] .”
Yes, language matters in mental health. According to The Lancet [4] , “used in a constructive manner, language can have a substantial impact on people’s lives. In the context of mental illness, mental health, and wellbeing, negative words can be experienced as condescending, isolating, and stigmatizing, whereas positive words can convey dignity, empathy, and hope.”
In conclusion, using language correctly is not just about grammar and syntax; it is about recognizing that our words have the power to uplift or undermine, to build bridges or erect barriers, and to either nourish or deplete our emotional wellbeing. Our inner dialogue shapes our self-perception, and our communication with others shapes our relationships. We have the power to improve mental health through the use of good language.
[1]https://greenheart.org/blog/greenheart-international/language-the-essence-of-culture/#:~:text=Language%20is%20one%20of%20the,in%20a%20number%20of%20ways.
[2]https://news.stanford.edu/2019/08/22/the-power-of-language-how-words-shape-people-culture/
[3]https://hogg.utexas.edu/news-resources/language-matters-in-mental-health#:~:text=Language%20matters%20in%20mental%20health.,and%20the%20world%20around%20us.
[4]https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpsy/article/PIIS2215-0366(18)30042-7/fulltext