Alright, Hello internet and of course Miss, I have been set the homework task of writing about how language influences my life.
First off, I don't remember not being able to communicate, in one way or another , using words, and sometimes along with them an elaborate interpretive dance when in a different country. Until I went to France and was put into a real world situation of not being able to order a meal at a café without really speaking I didn't realise how much I take English for granted, a small knowledge of a second language doesn't get you by.
I feel that language over the years of my life - from when I was three and called a "drink" a "goonk," up until now. I have never realised how important it was until I was in that situation in France. I use language on a daily bases writing two blogs (this one and my personal blog), I read everyday and I talk to friends. I know how important English is to me.
I have always had trouble with spelling, I nearly always spell Guess Geuss because it is just what happens when I go to write it. You could go through everything I've ever written and very easily find spelling errors. Being concise is another problem I have, when I write it does not come across as strongly as when I speak directly to someone, when I am asked a question I will blable on for a while making the same point multiple times in my answer.
I love performing in my schools production, so being able to remember a script and then say it to an audience is something in English that I find extremely important. I feel I am a strong performer and I really enjoy it.
Up until year six I was not an avid reader, I read all the time now, I love reading because it is a way to almost escape from my adventures in real life, no matter how wonderful my life is it is a good way to escape bordem and pass time.
Writing is another part of language that I find interesting and enjoyable, I have written about five, extremely short, chapters of a short story that is purely an inner monologue of the main character. It is still a work in progress.
On a whole, the English language, being the only language I speak fluently (I speak a small amount of French also) I feel that I do take it for granted. I feel that language is not something should take for granted, you never know when you won't be able to rely on it.
Ok, so I may have been lying when I said my rambling doesn't come across in my writing.
Rosie
First off, I don't remember not being able to communicate, in one way or another , using words, and sometimes along with them an elaborate interpretive dance when in a different country. Until I went to France and was put into a real world situation of not being able to order a meal at a café without really speaking I didn't realise how much I take English for granted, a small knowledge of a second language doesn't get you by.
I feel that language over the years of my life - from when I was three and called a "drink" a "goonk," up until now. I have never realised how important it was until I was in that situation in France. I use language on a daily bases writing two blogs (this one and my personal blog), I read everyday and I talk to friends. I know how important English is to me.
I have always had trouble with spelling, I nearly always spell Guess Geuss because it is just what happens when I go to write it. You could go through everything I've ever written and very easily find spelling errors. Being concise is another problem I have, when I write it does not come across as strongly as when I speak directly to someone, when I am asked a question I will blable on for a while making the same point multiple times in my answer.
I love performing in my schools production, so being able to remember a script and then say it to an audience is something in English that I find extremely important. I feel I am a strong performer and I really enjoy it.
Up until year six I was not an avid reader, I read all the time now, I love reading because it is a way to almost escape from my adventures in real life, no matter how wonderful my life is it is a good way to escape bordem and pass time.
Writing is another part of language that I find interesting and enjoyable, I have written about five, extremely short, chapters of a short story that is purely an inner monologue of the main character. It is still a work in progress.
On a whole, the English language, being the only language I speak fluently (I speak a small amount of French also) I feel that I do take it for granted. I feel that language is not something should take for granted, you never know when you won't be able to rely on it.
Ok, so I may have been lying when I said my rambling doesn't come across in my writing.
Rosie
Enthusiasm for language is almost always more important than correct spelling! You've really hit on some great ideas in your post, Rosie. The idea that language serves crucial functions (like obtaining food) and that it facilitates enjoyment of life (reading, performing, developing relationships). Humans have developed language for communication but also because we are social animals. I'd encourage you to keep reading and writing and thinking about language! Best wishes, MsG
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