Continuing with the concern over language usage, I received permission from Wesley G. Vaughn to copy the following entry from LinkedIn’s “Definitive Serious Writers Group” on my blog. I thank him for that.
“’Learn how to use your tools.’ That’s good advice for any field. For writers and editors, the tool is language: vocabulary, grammar and syntax. Spoken language also includes pronunciation and vocal inflection (and facial-body expression when in the view of the listener). Written language adds spelling, punctuation, capitalization and paragraphing.”
Gordon Stewart used the language of Christianity and Hinduism to deliver a powerful message in his blog today-“The Bouquet” http://gordoncstewart.com/2012/03/26/the-bouquet/. You don’t need to be religious to appreciate the message.
My son wondered what is lost in video conferencing. As a psychologist, I’m sure one thing is the possibility of activating those all-important mirror neurons. Take away the visual and one loses more. But then, what is gained as we make better use of the senses that are involved?
Many years ago our department chair at SCSU circulated a memo which I wish I’d kept. The point was to learn the rules well in order to break them. The message was about language, but the application was to psychology. Get the tough-to-learn grounding securely affixed under one’s belt, then one can easily and appropriately introduce modifications that fit the situation. Without the grounding, ease and appropriateness are called into question.
Any thoughts? I’m hoping for comments.
monagustafsonaffinito 
“Learn how to use your tools” –
well, what i notice is that it also depends on the connection between the speaker/tooluser and the receiver/perceiver. If you tell the truth while <i am in a foul mood, i will only hear what you are not saying. And you may be a Picasso and have an art-hater in front of you – so i think it is all about the match.And thank you for giving the link to my book, Mona!
It’s always interesting to hear comments about proper usage of language.