The Basics of Language

There’s lots of different ways you can look at language – and it’s uses.  You’d think that, given there are a set of structured, and accepted rules for grammar, that there would be only a few distinct features of language use, and that we’d struggle to create the ability to discuss, or track the use of language.

In truth, based on various reasons, from local dialect and rule understanding to unique features of the way we understand and apply language can create what could be considered a ‘unique’ fingerprint of language use in each of us.  I outlined in a previous post, I mix up letters – either because I’m typing too fast, or because I’ve learned to spell it the wrong way round (and will discuss spelling and typographical muscle memory later ), but others substitute words, or mix up common words, like bear and bare.  Depending on the spell check you use, they may also slide past – some people think that the mixing up of these words on a regular basis is a sign of intelligence, while others believe that it’s important to look past this – but taking the language as a unit in it’s own right, without the ‘person’ behind it, and that specific feature makes for a unique marker in that body of words.

So this blog, in part *is* about grammar – it’s also about understanding the microcultures that spring up around or from various areas of life – from gangs, to Social Media.  But the basics will always remain – the underlying rules that create our language will always be here.

Beyond the rules

Some people might ask – well, what about breaking the rules?  What if I know the rules, and my style allows me to break them?
Again, they’re a specific feature of your writing – and as long as you’re not speaking from petulance (that you didn’t realize you were breaking the rules, and are trying to cover for it) and are consistent in the reasons you ‘break’ rules, it’s another identifiable element of your writing.  And though, again, it may not be specific to you, it narrows your language use down into an area that could be tagged to you (and others).  Find enough features, continue to narrow it down, and we’ll paint a picture of your language use that could be considered as yours, and yours alone.

What do you think?  Agree with the idea that each of us have recognizable written or spoken traits?  Interested in learning more?