“Introduction to (re)Making Language,” Seth Graves, pgs 39-40
In “Introduction to (re)Making Language,” Seth Graves asserts the importance of language for the purpose of communication and the acquisition of knowledge and understanding. Graves uses Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein to exemplify this point by arguing that Frankenstein, through language, was able to discern himself and the world that surrounded him. Just like Frankenstein, everyone can credit their perception and reception of things to their relationship with language. This concept derives from Enlightenment ideals of individualism.
“Language, Discourse, and Literacy,” Seth Graves, pgs 41-42
In the segment “Language, Discourse, and Literacy,” Seth Graves claims language is far greater than reading and writing and maintains it as an adaptive human instrument. Language is more extensive than just a means of communication, as it creates an avenue of discourse between individuals as well as the concept of literacy. This consequently leads to greater potential for both expression and understanding.
Response
Thinking about the Literacy Narrative coming up, this idea of language as a way to scrutinize how I identify myself in this world interests me. Misconceptions and stereotypes are propagated through words and the way we may describe ourselves can have been influenced by those same words. I have just spent the last week looking at someone’s rhetoric and now trying to think of my own, not just in writing but in life, is simpler by thinking of language like this.