"J'taime te Amo", "Jeg elsker deg", "Ani Ohivet Othka", "Muyot tu biem", Ichadaw ko imo", "Kabayaan ko s'ka", "Gihigugma ko ikaw", "Iniibig Kita"...
Different languages...
different cultures...
different races...
and yet evolving within one world...
These words sound differently yet convey one definite meaning and that is "I LOVE YOU". Love in any language, so to speak. But how can people from different cultures who speak different languages understand each other? The answer is simple. We call it the power of language.
Language, as it is commonly and simply defined, is a tool for communication wherein man is able to express his feelings and ideas. It is one of the means for effective communication which enables man to materialize his inner thoughts. Man, even in his solitude, knows and understands that he needs language, may it be verbal or non-verbal, to bridge the wide chasm that keeps him away from other people and even from his environment. He needs to build a bridge for him to be able to come across and reach out to others. This bridge is called language. As an adage goes, "no man is an island", there is a need for man to move, mingle and interact with other people for him to achieve his ultimate goal in life.
Language, no matter how diverse it is, has a way to patch up the missing link between man and his world. It has its way to bridge people's differences simply because language is one essential tool that connects us to all the peoples of the world.
What life would have been without language? Certainly, the world would have been in chaos and life itself would have been in utter disgrace. It is through language that we make other people understand our feelings, desires, thoughts and ideals. And, as it is man's ultimate goal to attain peace, he strives to materialize this dream. However, can peace be possibly attained in the absence of language?
Even from the very start, language plays a very essential role in the creation of the universe. Language was already there. It co-exists with the Creator of the universe. Harmony in nature was achieved, beautiful creations were created out from the language that God used. Perfect masterpiece was displayed with the use of language. The Biblical point of view of the origin of language tells us that "in the beginning was the Word and the word was with God" and it is confirmed in one of the books of the Old Testament that says everything that God said was created. He created Ex-nihilo, meaning, out of nothing, but with the power of His Word. When He said, "let there be light!" and there was light! and the rest of God's creations were made with the use of language - except one special creation, MAN. It is the same language that God used when He blessed Abraham and Noah, Moses and Joshua, and other Biblical characters, prophets and disciples. God used language when He commanded Adam and Eve to multiply in number and the same language when He drove them out from the Garden of Eden because of disobedience. My point is, God Himself knows the importance of language, that is why, language is part of His beautiful masterpiece.
However, we can never equate the value of God's language with the human langauge because God is always Holy and everything in HIM is holy including His language while man's language is distorted because of sin. Biblically speaking, there is a need for restoration of man's language.
Moreover, when we take a glimpse at out cultural background, our ancient people have used language as their way of reaching out to other people. Despite diversity in cultures, differences in races and tongues used in the past, unity was still within reach. There was understanding among different cultures and tribes. Peace was there.
Is it still possible for the present generation to attain peace? as we can see, peace seems to be very elusive! Is there a way to bridge the gap that exists between our Muslim and christian others? we should not forget that our glorious past heritage has valiantly fought and defended our country for the cause of peace and freedom. they shed their blood to attain our life-long awaited dream, peace! is there ever an answer to that? Yes, there is! It's language! although language may not be a cure-everything medicine for peace, but it can break the walls - the barriers that hold us apart. Let us not allow ourselves to be trampled down by our own ignorance. Let God's wisdom teach us to promote peace through language, a means of effective communication. When there's conflict, let's negotiate it properly and let language be one appropriate resort, a language that melts down differences and promotes peace; a language that brings us closer to ourselves, to other people, and to God, above all.
Lastly, let us promote peace by committing to this famous line, "let peace begin with me". it is imperative that peace should emanate from each individual.
How so?
I should begin using language properly with tact, blessings and love for effective communication, one that - bridges, builds, edifies and restores relationships.
May God's beautiful language overflow from His heart to ours so that we can boldly say, "Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me".
QUESTIONS FOR ME103:
1. Explain briefly in 2-3 sentences the significance of language as cited in the essay.
2. If you were to play God for one day, what will you do to improve human communication in the light of all the crises that beset our land / people?(2 sentences only).
3.How does appropriateness in the use of language affect public speaking?
4. Answers to questions 1-3 have to be written in 1/2 crosswise. Question number 4 has to be answered here in the comment box. Just hit the comment button and key in your brief answer with your names across your answer.please print This article adter you have posted your answer.
Question 4: If language, as a tool in communication, is an object, what would it be? Explain your answer in one sentence.
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