1. "Moreover, when public persons say something, in an informational situation like a press conference, the assumption is that what they say will be 'interesting.' It will be informative, it will say or suggest things we don't know or haven't thought of" ("Language" 28).
I really liked this because I found it so true. When some high up official speaks, people stop and listen so intently like he or she is going to announce the next best thing since sliced bread. Although these people do have powerful positions, I can guarantee that some highly paid person is streaming together words to make it sound like the most amazing thing, when it's really just a combination we didn't think of.
2. "In the metaphorical melting pot, you and I might eventually merge. In the newer metaphorical 'mosaic' or 'salad,' the boundary between I and you remains distinct. So even if all of us spoke English (and worse luck yet, it appears that all of us don't!), we cannot expect to 'understand' one another" ("Language" 39).
Absolutely loved the sarcasm when she says that all of America obviously doesn't speak English. Also how she used an analogy that everyone can relate to.
3. "Language is not 'just words.' It enables us to establish our selves, and ourselves, as individuals and as members of groups; it tells us how we are connected to one another, who has power and who doesn't" ("Language" 41).
I thought this was a very good statement to end the chapter. The whole ending paragraph in general is genius because it is so true. Language does define who "we" are, through any artistic form. Even those that can't speak use language; it is a common thread that binds everyone together.
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2 comments:
Love the second quote! The part about the salad is really funny. I never thought about our culture in this way. America used to be considered a melting point because many different cultures melted into one, but now America is considered a salad. I never thought of America as a salad, but I see what she is talking about. Now, different cultures mix instead of melt together. The distinctness is that now, American's are very hestitant to actually embrace other cultures.
I love the first quote and I couldn't agree with you more! When someone famous or "high up" says something, everyone does stop to listen, even go out of their way to listen like (as you put it) they are going to say "the next best thing since sliced bread."
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