Introduction to (re)Making Language Summary
Language is an incredibly important tool to learn and communicate with other people. Graves uses the story of Frankenstein as an example of how language can be misinterpreted. Frankenstein came into the world with no knowledge of any language and only wanted to be accepted by society. However, the first stories that Frankenstein heard were mean and made him feel disgusted at himself. It was after he heard the stories he called himself a monster compared to other people. Since Frankenstein only heard the words of hatred and did not have anyone to communicate his feelings with, it influenced him to eventually kill his creator’s family. This shows that the words used to communicate with others are a major part of affecting how someone is feeling.
Language, Discourse, and Literacy Summary
According to linguist James Paul Gee, “Language is a misleading term; it too often suggests ‘grammar.'” Language is so much more than the technical meaning; it is the way people speak and learn from each other. Language is always evolving; teenagers in today’s society don’t talk like teenagers in the 1950s. However, a discourse community uses the same type of language to communicate with each other because everyone has a common interest, whether it is the health industry or users on Reddit. Literacy is also adaptable. In the 1970s, literacy referenced the ability to read or write. In modern times, literacy is divided into different sections, such as digital literacy, rhetorical literacy, and cultural literacy where people can participate in the literary practices of a discourse community. Literacy can also influence ideology because people who want to become American citizens have to first take an exam about American history to show their understanding.
Response
After reading these two texts, I’ve realized that the ability to communicate effectively with other people is extremely critical in today’s society. Otherwise, the person on the receiving end might get the wrong idea. I am guilty of thinking that language is often just grammar because that was the way I was taught in grade school. I also never really thought about how language has changed over the decades.