The significance of language in Show and Tell - Essay Example

The significance of language in Show and Tell Introduction Language offers a pleasant forum of communication. It is the only way that makes us different from animals. Through language, we can express our problems and interests in a manner that can be understood by the other parties. It is important to note that language is a progressive aspect in life. We are not born excellent speakers. In the early years of infantry, the most common mode of communication is the use of mumbling words. A child cannot clearly express him or herself. Show and Tell is a book authored by Dan Roam. The book outlines its presentation, in a fun, and creative way, the elements an extraordinary presentation. The author has used multiple illustrations, and packed with very usable information for the contemporary world of spoken language. The author takes us through the “Three Rules of Language and presentation”, how to balance the information you present and making the most of visuals skills. Language is a very important aspect of life. It is the most common form of communication and can be used to create humor. In addition, word chosen from in a language context can describe the kind of upbringing accorded to a person. Lastly, language can be used to highlight the kind of challenges facing a person. This essay carries out an in-depth study of the book “Show and Tell” in order to explain the significance of language as presented in the text. In the story “Show and Tell” there are numerous scenarios where communication comes into play. Communications among the characters form the primary source on which the story develops. Mr. Kelvin welcomes Cao, who is a Vietnamese refugee into his first English class. The student has no idea of the English language. He is welcomed by mixed reaction of both appraisals and booing. Though the student cannot speak English, he quickly notices that something is a mess. Through the use of body language, he notices the unruly behavior of the other students who were making fun of him in English. His responded by quietly sitting down without offering anybody a hand shake. It is significant to note Cao’s move communicates to us that he was dissatisfied with the other students. When one is relating with another person, there may be no common interest. If you cannot express your feelings in verbal form, you can adopt using facial expressions to bring out the fact that you are differing with the object under discussion. Another important aspect of language is that we can use it to create humor. We can present our ideas in funny ways that can crack the ribs of our audience. Billy ridicules Bobby as being very poor as he only got half a tree (He was brought up by a single mother). In an amazing twist of events, Bobby does not lie low like an envelope. With an assertive notion, he hits back at his friend Billy by making fun of his butts. He describes his friend as having a sorry-ass warmonger with ugly scars that belong to an old man. The story tells us that Bobby wanted to say something worse, but he consciously watched his tongue. Most of his classmates laughed except the teacher who had some sense of maturity in him. The fact that Bobby insulted his classmate in a humorous manner is a clear indication that language can help us communicate our thoughts and feelings of hatred. Again, we can use language as a form of communication to explain a brief account of the most memorable events in life. Personally, I like telling stories of how I travel in many countries and meeting new friends, Oh, it is not about boasting but I find sharing memorable events as healthy as experiencing them. Just in the same story, Bobby gives a brief account of what has been happening in their family. The way he presents the chronological order of the events signifies that he has learned to live with it and it does not bother him anymore. His father left him when he was young. He barely remembers has face. All he can figure is the fact that he was heavily built and equally handsome. A nostalgic mood sets in when he remembers his dad kissing him and then reading him bedtime stories. Charlene, his elder sister, can precisely remember the father. He occasionally quarreled with the mother in a very bad way that even attracted the attention of the children. The stories revolving around Bobby’s childhood have shaped up his character and the way of communication. The language one speaks can connote the kind of upbringing accorded to the person. In the novel, Bobby went to an extent of using explicit words like in public. It is true to say that the kind of upbringing a child has will greatly influence the way he communicates his life experiences and how he communicates when angered. Still using the example from the story, a child growing up in a violent environment has no sense of tranquility when he grows up. He or she may use an obscene language that is not welcoming to the ear. The unbecoming behavior of using unpleasant words is widespread in the story. Most of the kids adopt it and they find it acceptable and funny. That kind of language clearly explains to us how casually they value their friendship. The language with which one communicates can be a clear indicator of the lifelong challenges that fate has set for him. Basically, they dictate the level of his or her hostility, anger, or the way he speaks to his mates. Bobby accounts for some of the predicaments that have fallen on some of his relatives. Most of his relatives from the side of mama are suicidal. His great-great grandfather Charles Boyle the third committed suicide after he realized that he lost all his possessions at the end of the Civil Wars. Following, was his rich grandfather Jonathan Quetting who owned gold mines in southern Mexico. He was a big gambler and also spent much of his wealth on alcohol. Upon realizing of the impending poverty, he also kills himself. The mother tries to explain that it is a family curse. Boyle is reserved and one can perceive that he has very little expectations in life. He easily gets angered and most probably his temper may prompt him to kill before he kills himself. Conclusion The text, “Show and Tell”, has affirmed that language is a huge significant aspect of life. Language tells us much of about a person’s origin and lifestyle. In addition, it is the best way with which we can communicate our ideas and feelings. The story Show and Tell elaborates on the significance of language as a form of communication. It is only through the use of good words that we can anger or make our recipients happy. Read More