What We Say = Who We Are

It's a different way to look at things- that's for sure, but now that I've combed through this reading it makes a lot more sense. I had to do this for my group presentation this week, but just because I love all of you (and because I'm obligated to do so) I'll run over the topic again.

So the central idea of the reading once you work through all the grit of statistics for how often "bloody" is used and all that other junk is that we, as people, use language to define our identity and align ourselves with our culture. We do this by distinguishing what our culture's values are- in Australia's case things like not being "full of shit", or inclined to "suck-up" or be "big-headed" are a few of the things we like to avoid. We use language to assure the people we interact with that we are not any of the things stated above, and that we are in fact honest, modest, and by no means saying anything just to impress you.

What I found to be most interesting about the reading this week was a perceived contradiction that I brought up in my group presentation that gained quite a bit of traction in our "discussion time".

The reading clearly states on multiple occasions that we as Australian's should not and will not say things solely for the benefit of others. We're not the type to compliment someone just so they think better of us, and we use "bloody" as a way of not only assuring honesty in our compliments or gratitude, but also to distance our emotion. However, the crux of the reading essentially claims that the way we use language like "bloody" is for the purpose of fitting in with the crowd. Using "bloody" makes us someone to relate with, and distinguishes us as Australian, and belonging to the culture. We say these things in order to belong (for the purpose of others) even though it is inherently un-Australian to do so.

Hopefully I explained that point right, it makes sense to me quite clearly in my head but I've had consistent issues expressing the idea to others since it it popped into my head.

But anyway, for those of you struggling to find some posts for you to knock off your comments on- that's an idea to sink your teeth into (providing it makes sense) and hopefully for anyone who ends up reading this, it becomes some food for thought!