Language is strange. The difference between "a fool's errand" and a "wild goose chase" is the word "fool". I'm being labeled in the first phrase and in the second, it's merely that the search will be like "finding a needle in a haystack". The first is derrogative and the second merely descriptive. Need we sift through our metaphors for hidden labeling? Well, if I have time on my hands it certainly doesn't hurt to examine what I'm saying. Attention to language is awareness. It sorts out unintentional harming. It's good practice for the mind. How to I test if the phrase has hidden harm? How I feel when I hear it, really hear it, is a good sieve. So, if I use my father's phrase "whatever floats your boat" without his sarcastic tone, it's neutral. It expresses tolerance for others. My mother often said "to each his own", and that is exactly what my father's phrase should mean. Perhaps she was sarcastic on occasion as well, but I do think she was generally less judgmental than my father.
I need to therefore see if the phrase is neutral, then carefully listen for my tone. Any phrase, including "great" can be nasty with the right tone and body language. Why bother with the phrases? Because the delight and richness of language is meant to be used. If we just stick to the facts our language becomes dull. So we must give ourselves permission to be exuberant, but not mindlessly so, rather mindfully so.
No comments:
Post a Comment