The Power of Language

Justin S. Garcia

Los Angeles Pacific University

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Language is one of the most essential and basic elements which has allowed human

society to flourish over the last few thousand years. Though simple language can be found

amongst the common communication between the animals of the earth, only in humans has

language become such an integral part of nearly every aspect of our lives. In our workplaces,

homes, markets, and schools, the acquirement and use of language has rightfully taken place as

one of the most critical facets of life. Language permeates even our very thoughts, and it is hard

to imagine what one’s own internal ‘thoughts’ would sound like without it. In exploring the

varying nuances and procedures of language, we can see how subjects such as phonology,

morphology, semantics, and syntax are some of the most important topics one can study and life.

Considering the teaching of future students and their ability to successfully comprehend and

communicate as citizens of the 21st century, an education in literature and language is without

question extremely important. In my future as an educator, I plan to do everything in my power

to ensure my students are masters of literacy and confident in their own personal power of

language.

In studying the nature of language and the rules that govern it, an appreciation for the

necessity of knowledge in the subject becomes apparent. Educators agree that an early exposure

to language greatly help young minds when acquiring language. The acquirement of a language

is one of the first and most important milestones of someone’s life, and the manner in which they

learn to use and understand language can effect their learning development for years. Early

exposure to vocabulary and pronunciation are some of the starting steps when trying to instill an

early education in language. This early start can have a huge moral effect on early learners, as a

greater grasp of language and communication can contribute to a better understanding of one’s

fellow man and promote empathy. Language acquisition is a process which can start at the infant
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level and proceed well into the elementary years, and the steps we take to ensure a population

which is proficient and confident in their own thoughts and words must be ensured for future

generations.

Beyond the acquirement of language, the power and importance of maintaining a strong

grasp of literacy and language can not be emphasized enough. A strong knowledge of grammar,

such as the constantly working concepts of morphology and phonology, can instill the ability to

derive definition and clarity from conversations in which others may become lost. Furthermore, a

sloid grasp of subjects such as syntax and semantics can allow one to communicate eloquently

and impressively, something that can often become a priceless skill in our world today. Keeping

these language skills sharp allows a person, be they a student or contributing member of society,

to fully actualize their potential in the realms of communication, comprehension, and education.

Living in the 21st century means living in a breathing, changing world. Similarly, the

study of language is an ever-changing, breathing animal. To be able not only to succeed but

excel, not only as a citizen of one’s country but of one’s God, a never-ending pursuit of language

and the knowledge that comes with it must be upheld to the highest standard. In my personal

goal to teach students at a high school level in the future, I hope to be able to build upon the

strong work of my peers who established the power of language during elementary years and

advanced them through their middle school studies. In my classroom, literacy and language will

be treated not only as a set of rules which one has to memorize and be tested one, but as an

evolving and engaging subject which requires discussion, inspection, and personal practice.

Some of the methods I plan to use include: the improvement of vocabulary through literature as

well as lecture and discussion, exercises in morphology and etymology in which students must

‘play detective’ with words and their meanings, and exposure to the laws of grammar through
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examples of use and misuse in everyday language. The ability to connect the lessons of language

and literacy to the everyday lives of students is what makes it possible for the power of language

to be felt most strongly in the youth of today. As the youth becomes future generations, they will

carry on the power of language and the importance it carries in being able to lift us up from the

plains of mortal beasts, unto a higher level of understanding and compassion on which God

intended for us to exist.