Words matter – choose yours wisely

Bridgwater Forest

I don’t have a degree in English. To be totally honest, I hated English in school and yet I have found a love of words – of reading and of writing.

Those who know me know that I like rules – they give us tools to work with and something upon which we can build as a society. The problem, in my humble view, is that there is so much that does not make sense in English – in other words, there are few rules when compared to French, for example, which I will admit I preferred as a course – likely for that very reason.

I am no expert and truly appreciate the editors of the world, such as John Kendle, the managing editor of this paper. All this is to say that I am not here to judge those who are learning English. The issue for me today is that we seem to have forgotten, or left behind , the concept that words matter.

I am not sure when or how it happened, but it did and we now find ourselves living in a world in which many have forgotten – or have chosen to forget – their filters. A world in which words are often weaponized. A world in which words appear from behind a cloak, otherwise known as anonymity, targetting individuals or groups. A world in which words are chosen to bring others down rather than build them up.

So, what does all this mean for us?

A few things come to mind. First, perhaps the time has come to rethink those we place on pedestals and those we look to as thought leaders in all areas of society. How are they representing themselves and the positions that they hold? Are they setting positive examples? Can we see ourselves emulating them? More importantly – should we be emulating them?

Fundamentally, it comes down to choice. We can choose to continue down the same path or we can pause and choose change.

Which do you choose? I choose change. It may not be a popular choice, and it may not be an easy one, but we have to start somewhere. With baby steps, each and every one of us can be that positive change.

Thinking of the English language, I picked up A Pocket Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue last week. Let’s just say that, glancing through it, I can honestly say my vocabulary is certainly expanding while strengthening my belief in the importance of the words we choose. And yes, they are a choice.