Words of "meaning"...

I heard a very interesting conversation on the radio this morning while driving to work.  A gentleman called in on the popular talk radio station, which shall remain anonymous, and was concerned at the ruling party's use of the word "comrade".  He insisted that, the use of this word, by the ruling party, gave a strong indication that the party was not willing to embrace the spirit of unity, and instead was out to divide the nation.  While the talk show host, who will also remain anonymous, proceeded to argue why the use of the word "comrade" should not be construed as dividing the nation, I got to thinking.

It is interesting that "meaning" can be attached to a word and even more interesting how this "meaning" can affect our thinking.

Words of "meaning" have sprung up in every sphere of our lives.  At work, at home, when relating to each other, everywhere.  It is especially prevalent in the youth and its a wonder that we manage to understand them.  If these words of "meaning" are so prevalent, what is there purpose? Is the English language hopelessly inadequate in its current form that we have to assign "meaning" to words?

I don't know, but in my humble opinion, when using a word of "meaning" it indicates to those around us that, I belong, and, that I subscribe to what the word stands for, i.e. its "meaning".  If this is the case then, I have to concede, that the use of the word "comrade" by the ruling party can be construed as dividing!


So my advice to you is this, choose your words with care.  You never know what they "mean" and to whom :-)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

A Surprise...

Although I have been surprised on many occasions in my life, very few have left an impression on me. There are even fewer where i can admit that i have been at a complete loss for words. On Wednesday I was surprised, pleasantly I might add, but to such an extent that I was, for a significant amount of time, at a complete loss for words. A friend of mine, that I had not seen in the last thirty years, and I arranged to meet at Sandton City for a cup of coffee.  Walking through Nelson Mandela Square, i could not help but notice, that all the restaurants were filled with tourists from all over the globe who had come to our beautiful country to share in the World Cup experience.  The chatter of people in various tongues contributed to the cosmopolitan atmosphere that prevailed in the square. We made our way to a coffee shop and proceeded to catch up on the last thirty years.  It was fascinating listening and chatting about how our lives had turned out.  It occurred to me at that moment
Read more

A Friend Indeed - The Second Leg

I am happy and sad at the same time.  Happy, because I had strengthened the bond that binds us and sad because I had had to leave home for the next stage of my journey, and it is never easy to take leave from the love and warmth of home, but go I must. Back on the paved road I head towards Springbok and after refueling the car, on towards Cape Town.  The road winding its way through the mountains.  Kamieskroon, Garies, Verhynsdorp, Klawer, Clan William, Citrusdal, Piketberg and Moorreesburg, towns seemingly forgotten along the way, before the familiar Malmesbury and Cape Town. A distance of some six hundred kilometres. Mouille Point, Cape Town.  A fresh wind blows across the parking lot.  The smell of the ocean assaults my senses.  The apartment is modern and tastefully furnished but it is the balcony which becomes my haven.  An early morning cup of coffee overlooking the most stunning of beach fronts is very hard to beat. A trip to Franschoek with its quaint streets and famous r
Read more

The Rose

Is it not strange how sometimes you hear and old familiar song and decide to actually listen to it and you realise what a fantastic song it is?  Today it happened to me.  I was on my way to Hyde Park, the rain splattering on the windscreen before being wiped away by the windscreen wipers when this song burst forth from the radio.  I turned the volume up because it sounded familiar and for the first time i listened to the song.  The lyrics blew me away and I rushed over to the shopping center and rummaging through the music DVDs found a copy of the song.  I have been listening to it non stop since then.  The song, The Rose, sung by Bette Midler and written by Amanda McBroom. The Rose Some say love, it is a river That drowns the tender reed Some say love, it is a razor That leaves your soul to bleed Some say love, it is a hunger an endless aching need I say love, it is a flower And you, its only seed It's the heart, afraid of breaking That never learns to dance It'
Read more