Linguistics and Changing our Conversations

“All transformation is linguistic, which means that we can think of community as essentially a conversation” (Block pg. 35)

The quote above is one that is so simple. To change something, to create a solution to a challenge or issue in our communities we must simply change the words we use. However, is it really that simple? Can we as students, teachers and community members just change the things we are saying, ask different questions, and use different words to make a difference.

Often I find this to be very true. In my own life I notice when I speak with different set of words, I am viewed differently. By broadening my vocabulary I am able to get my views and ideas across better. If I am speaking to a five year old I will use different language then if I am speaking to a college professor, and will continue to change my conversation for the rest of my life based on the type of community I am speaking in.

Block discussed earlier in the book the idea of the smaller world, and how thanks to globalization we are now more then ever capable of closing the gap between people around the world, and yet we are becoming more isolated because of this technology.

So maybe the main issue here is not changing our conversations, but having the ability to start one at all. How often do we complain about things dealing with our schools, or government, and the communities we live in, and then never go to any town meeting or go out and vote on the things we complain about?

Block says “If transformation is linguistic, then community building requires that we engage in a new conversation, one that we have not had before, one that can create an experience of aliveness and belonging” (pg. 32) I can think of no better way, especially during this time of such an important election, to gain the sense of belonging than to go out and share your thoughts and opinions.

I remember the first time I was able to vote. It was for a local election and had to deal with my town’s executive board. I can honestly say I have rarely felt as alive, and proud as I did when I did something to make a difference in my community by going and simply filling out a ballot.

So let’s change the way we have conversations, the way we listen, and the way we react to the challenges and events in our community. In doing so our complaining will never be pointless and unheard. Instead we will be engaging ourselves in our communities, and the problems to be solved.