Friday 13 March 2015

Words

I know it's an unusual topic, but lately I've had a preoccupation with my vocabulary.  You see, this year I have an English teacher who's especially passionate about words, and varieties of words, and crafting sentences concisely with words.  Every lesson she spurts out exquisite words that I can't even begin to comprehend.  So I guess my main incentive of expanding my vocabulary was her.  Or rather the panic I felt because I was afraid I wouldn't get a good mark on the upcoming essay.  I honestly still am uncertain about it, because I feel as if I'll never be able to write with enough variety to satisfy her.

But my panic about an essay is not the reason I'm writing this post.  The reason is more along the lines of the fact that I'm noticing words now.  You probably think I sound like an idiot, or some kind of overdramatic person who blows up every little thing, like "OoOooh words.  How interesting!"  But I'm being serious here.

If you think about it, words are how we dictate our thoughts.  We write out our opinions, our feelings (if you're into diaries and stuff), our conversations over texts.  I mean, we speak in words.  Without knowing them, how would we be able to communicate?

In Malaysia my koong koong gave me a book about vocabulary.  This wasn't uncommon as he has some sort of obsession with English.  I guess he's kind of like my English teacher in that way.  In fact, I think he was an English teacher at one point in his life.  Anyway, being me I put the book on a shelf and left it there with no solid intention of reading it.  I mean, I'll admit I was a little interested, as I've always known my vocabulary isn't exactly amazing.  But it's not like I picked it up until I was bored in a non-wifi zone and stuck with a whole bunch of younger cousins and older relatives, having already finished every single one of my other books.  I can't say I've read the book since, but here's what I gained from what I read...

We think in words.  All our thoughts are only comprehensible to us because we're communicating to ourselves in words.  And the more words you know the more thoughts your mind is open to.  It's like you can think of new concepts due to new definitions and new verbs and adjectives stuffed inside your brain.  Even my philosophy teacher talked about how language is a form of logic, because it's through definitions that we know whether something is real or not.  Well at least that's what I think he said.  I tend to turn my brain off in philosophy.  It hurts my brain and the class is... well, boring.

Back to words though, since I started noticing them, I started noticing new words everywhere.  Words I would normally skip over rather than search up the meaning of (and probably forget later).  I'm reading a book called the Ruby Circle, which is another Young Adult book, and even that has words like pragmatic and malaise of which I don't remember hearing before.  People talk using words like advocate and assets, which I know the meaning of but would never really use.  And even blog posts I've read have new words everywhere, of which are crafted specifically to what they're trying to say.

That's what I reckon words are most important for.  Writing.  Some people are able to create sentences and paragraphs in such an immaculate way.  And to me that means they are able to convey their thoughts precisely and uniquely.  It's an art in a way, like painting a picture with the perfect words instead of colours and strokes.  And just like painting, I'm pretty hopeless at it.  But that doesn't mean I won't work towards it, or I won't enjoy trying.

My friend has this bookmark which is a dictionary, meaning she can type in any word to find its definition.  You've probably seen one before.  When she first got it I was like, "yeah that's cool."  But now I want one (but not as much as I want a mac book pro).

It's difficult crafting perfect artistic meticulous sentences.  I notice that now, even here, writing a casual rambling blog post.  I'm not sure if I'm portraying my thoughts adequately to you.  I'm not sure if I'm giving you a clear image into what I'm thinking.  I'm not sure if I'm giving myself that.  Just imagine how much more knowledge I would have if I had more words...

Love,
M

26 comments:

  1. Words are funny things, aren't they? It's nice to see you're taking it upon yourself to learn new words for things more than just to sound good in essays. Great post
    Eve <3

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    1. Thanks Eve! They really are funny... and difficult. Why are there so many!? Sometimes I feel as if every sound is actually a word...

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  2. Lovely post, as always, Madame M. :)
    I completely agree with you, words are definitely some of the most integral parts of our lives. Words help us express ourselves in ways nothing else can.
    Stay awesome as ever,
    Much love,
    Archie

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    1. Haha thanks Archie. True true, and I believe I've just taken note of the word 'integral' in your comment ;)

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  3. I think too much about words sometimes, and they end up making no sense to me! But words are something we made up, just like all languages they're made up and just our way or communicating!

    Meme xx

    New post out now:
    'How to advertise your blog with:Vistaprint'
    http://thedayinthelifeofmexoxo.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Yeah it's weird huh. I'm a little scared I'm using some of the words I use incorrectly...

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  4. Dear, I like your blog very much! ! Everything is so beautiful! I like your style of writing and your photos! I know that blog requires much time, but keep doing it!

    I’ll be happy to see you in my blog!)

    Diana Cloudlet

    http://www.dianacloudlet.com/
    http://www.dianacloudlet.com/ru/

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  5. Words... ah, yes. Whenever I talk to people verbally I end up using regular words ("dude", "yeah", "awesome", etc.). But whenever I am writing something in written form my language and verbose and seem to dictate a more mature voice, which can often be aggravating in some situation. I also use more intense vocabulary when I'm mad...

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    1. Haha I literally have the simplest vocabulary so no matter what it will always sound conversational. It's a problem when you use the word 'good' or 'nice' too many times in an essay.

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  6. Interesting read :)
    I think using those words correctly and when the time presents itself is more important than knowing the words.
    PS : What's kong kong? o.O

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    1. Very true Neal. I mean, if you can't use a word correctly then you don't really know it, do you. So I guess it's best not to guess? Haha and my koong koong is what I call my mum's mum, so basically my grandpa.

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  7. I love words. I like it when you're able to describe accurately something that's hard to put into words. That's talent, to me.

    Corinne x
    www.skinnedcartree.com

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    1. It's a true talent that I need to learn. But the feeling of satisfaction when you realise you've portrayed something with the perfect combination of words sure is lovely.

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  8. Very well written post. You are so right, words are everything - the way we think, the way we express ourselves, that way people understand us. Words are so important :)

    http://everythingthatclicks.blogspot.com

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    1. Important and difficult. Thanks Rosh x

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  9. I'm taking English for my A Levels so I can understand your frustration; but I admire the resolution you have for improving your written communication skills. Sometimes I just feel like its too much and takes a lot of effort and time, which I'm currently tight on already! Anyhow, I really liked your take on 'words'. It presented me with a different perspective to view them with.

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    1. Ahh tell me about it. The essay is tomorrow and just today my teacher told me I need to improve my diction. I can't do this overnight so I guess we're just going to have to see...
      I'm glad I somewhat helped with that new perspective Enn ;)

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  10. I love words too but the most important thing is how they fit together. Everything is inbetween the lines.

    /Avy

    http://mymotherfuckedmickjagger.blogspot.com

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    1. It really is the implicit message that makes all the difference, and the elegant sound of the words as they're put together. Too bad I can't create that.

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  11. I so agree with you! Words are such beautiful things <3

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    1. If only they were easy to memorise too...

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  12. lovely post M! I constantly have similar thoughts in my head when writing. It's a beautiful thing x

    Sharon

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    1. Thanks Sharon!! I'm glad I'm not the only one xx

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  13. It's always nice getting to know new words. Words are beautiful but you can explain or portray what you want to others in the most simplest of words and language too.

    -Kathie K
    http://climbingthroughtomorrow.blogspot.in/

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    1. You can, but what I find epitomises simplicity is using one word in replacement of several others, making your portrayal sound more eloquent as well.

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