Language was given to us so that our ancestors could tell each other the best place to find berries, good meat, water and whatever else hunter-gatherers required in life. We have progressed – just a little!
But have we? In some ways, I think we are regressing. The English language is festooned with words that are used now totally out of context with their original meaning – really, indeed, yes, quite, and many more. They tend to be used to fill in the silent spaces between words in a conversation. To a degree, I can accept this. But what boils my blood is the non-committal stuff – mmm, yeah, oh, uh-huh; the list is endless.
They contribute absolutely zero to deeper understanding, to showing emotion or to pushing the conversation or discussion into the future. Why do we do it? Because it’s a safe option since by using this approach we do not have to show our real thoughts.
So can I now say that being non-understandable is the “new politeness”…..?
Mmmm, I’ll have to think about that!
Until next time,
P.S.
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