Ch. 4 - Language Reflects and Shapes Perceptions

        Language and how we use it is an important part of our everyday communication. We change our language to describe different things and to reflect our views. "We tend to describe people we like with language that accents their good qualities and downplays their flaws" (Wood, 2011). For instance, I might use different language to describe sushi than someone who doesn't like sushi. Not only does language reflect our own personal perceptions but it helps shape the views of others. Not all of our personal thoughts floating around in our heads were created by our own imagination, other people have implanted certain viewpoints and thoughts throughout our lifetime by communicating them to us through their language.
        Growing up in Nebraska, many of us were probably introduced to the language of Husker football at a young age. Our grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles, and older siblings communicated that Husker football was the greatest thing ever, and we should be proud to support it. However, a state away in Colorado, another kid growing up probably heard a different language about Husker football, and instead heard that Nebraska was the enemy. He probably grew up to be a Colorado fan not just because he lived there, but because the language around him shaped his perceptions. The same could be said about me growing up with two older brothers who were fans of Michael Jordan. Listening to how they talked about him made me think that he was the greatest person on earth, and the thought was implemented into my brain as a kid. 
        The concept that language reflects and shapes perceptions can be seen in viewpoints all over the world. I think it can be argued that where you are from actually shapes your language as well. In the Middle East, most language directed toward the U.S. is probably not too good, and can in turn shape bad perceptions of our country to people who will never get the chance to set foot here. I think family language is also big on shaping perceptions, as I stated earlier. It's amazing just how much language influences us as well as allows us to influence others when using interpersonal communication.


References:
Wood, Julia T. (2011). Interpersonal communication: Everyday encounters. Boston, MA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning.