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the value of language

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Language according to dictionary.com is:

a body of words and the systems for their use common to a people who are of the same community or nation, the same geographical area, or the same cultural tradition: the two languages of Belgium; a Bantu language; the French language; the Yiddish language.

There are several definitions for language. One definition of language offered by dictionary.com is:

communication by voice in the distinctively human manner, using arbitrary sounds in conventional ways with conventional meanings; speech.

Language can be used as a means of communication through speech, body language, the written word and even with symbols. Even inanimate objects such as flowers, trees, mountains, rivers and streams are reported to have a language.

Language is universal. It is not confined to any specific geographical region, race, gender or color of any people. One aspect of language is that anything can be communicated even without saying a word. Sign language or body language is not confined to speech. In essence, a person who only knows English can communicate effectively with others who do not know any English solely by body language or sign language.

Nature communicates with us without words. The ocean seems to speak of its vastness by the sounds of its waves. The wind reminds us of its presence by the sounds made as it passes by. Animals communicate non-verbally in many interesting ways. People communicate with nods of approval, smiles, frowns, hugs, kisses, frowns and countless other ways.

Even computers have a language of their own which change the meaning of existing words and create new words. A mouse, for example is no longer merely a rodent. A pad is not only a writing implement. A cursor now refers to something else. There are several other terms which now have a language of its own due to the advent of computers and the internet.


Languages versus Dialects

Languages have dialects which sometimes even people who speak the language cannot really understand. In England, for example, some people speak cockney and in Jamaica and other West Indian islands people speak a dialect which has been called patois as reminisced below:

Translaters and Interpreters

Professional interpreters and translators have the advantage of being able to earn an outstanding salary due to their great demand.  Some are well trained, but some are not really trained at all, as can be viewed below:

The International Language of Laughter

Language is the language of the world that everyone understands. Everyone can also participate in it voluntarily or involuntarily. We may be the comediennes or we may merely respond to their comedy. It's effects are outstanding and very therapeutic. Laughter is the only language that is not taught. No one needs to learn how to laugh, yet it has permanent effects that cannot be compared with anything else.

Can you remember the last time you had a good laugh? I am referring to laughing until you literally cried uncontrollably. This is a lauguage we must participate in regularly. It has been said Laugh and the world laughs with you...cry and you cry alone. I think it may have been referring to smiling, I cannot remember which it is, but smiling and laughing are compatible.  It has been said that we look younger and live longer when we smile and laugh often.  Regardless, it is the best way to communicate. 


You can purchase any of these. It is time to laugh.

Chonda Pierce: A Piece of My Mind Chonda Pierce: A Piece of My Mind
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Thou Shalt Laugh 2 - The Deuce Thou Shalt Laugh 2 - The Deuce
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Get Yo Laugh On Get Yo Laugh On
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Apostles of Comedy Apostles of Comedy
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The Need for Intrepreters and Translators

I had the opportunity to attend a Spanish Conference this past weekend. My knowledge of Spanish is severely limited, but I had a strange desire to improve my knowledge of the language even more. It was a joy to see Spanish Speaking men and women from various parts of the world united in speech as they sang, spoke and listened to each other.

Yesterday, I attended a Sign Language concert. It was also an inspiration. I wonder what it would be like if we did not have languages, or if there were no interpreters and translators.

Language is important, regardless of its form, because it is a vital way for people to communicate with each other. Unfortunately, some people abuse the gift of language by using it to curse others. When used for the right purpose it can unite people in a mysterious way.

It should be noted that all people of the earth originally spoke one language. The story is told in the Bible where there was a civilization that was building a tower with the intention of reaching heaven. The edifice they built must have been an outstanding site. Apparently, these people were not living according to God's will and purpose. They were united by their language and purpose. They were trying to make a name for themselves. Whatever they imagined to do could become a reality, since there was nothing to restrain them. If evil was in their heart, their evil deeds would increase even more as they would have a negative influence on each other. Therefore, God confounded their language so that they could not understand the speech of each other. They were soon scattered all over the earth, and so they ceased to build the tower.

This story shows how people of the same language can be united to do whatever they desire, good or evil, simply by the power of language and the influence of agreement. Hence, there are many, many languages and dialects in existence today. As a result, the need for interpreters and translators has increased tremendously.


One Significance of Language Today

At this part of the world, English is still identified as the main language. It has the reputation as the most difficult language to learn and to understand. Yet, people from many nations strive to learn it. English, like any other language, has experienced many changes. There is the original form, which is very difficult for people to write or understand now. The King James Version of the Bible gives us a birds' eye view of what that form was like. People used 'thee', 'thou', 'thy' and so many other words that are now archaic, yet the King James Version of the Bible remains the most popular version of the Bible, since it has the reputation of being the first English translation of the Greek.

Today the Bible has been translated into many languages. The advent of these many translations has helped to spread the gospel worldwide. Now even communist nations are being exposed to the gospel.

This is indeed an exciting time to be alive and to witness the spread of the gospel through the various translations of the Bible, as well as means to communicate with people of different languages. In addition, Paul and Jan Crouch, the founders of the Trinity Broadcasting Network, are also using the television and satellite to reach people globally, even people who know absolutely no English. The network is not confined to one language. Even though the couple speak English, their broadcast has been interpreted in many languages and many people all over the world are finally hearing the gospel for the first time. Evangelists who are also linked with Trinity Broadcasting Network are also traveling to many continents, such as Asia, Africa, South America, and Europe as well as the countries of Arabia, India and many islands to preach the gospel and heal the sick. They are not confined by their language, because they are assigned interpreters and translators who assist in effective communication.

There are also other networks which are reaching others internationally in a similar way. There is DayStar and cable companies such as Verizon, Comcast, Directv, Dish Network, Sky Angel and so many others that have a similar goal.

It should be noted that the world, as we know it, will end one day. There are several things that must happen before the end comes. However, Jesus stated clearly in the Bible:

And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.

It is not God's will that anyone should die without the knowledge of His plan. Technology has made it possible to spread the gospel throughout the earth. Even though there are so many languages today, everyone can hear the gospel in their own language by attending church, listening to radio broadcasts, viewing satellite and television broadcasts, viewing webinars, podcasts and others on the internet.

Technology has made it possible for a vast part of humanity to hear or read the gospel. Language differences can no longer be an excuse. Ignorance is no longer being tolerated, since no one has any reason to be ignorant. People in the most remote parts of the world now have access to even satellite. Some who cannot read can hear. There are compact discs, videos, dvds, books, magazines, brochures, the internet, television networks, satellite and so many other means to spread the gospel at this time.

Even though we have been divided by language. We are living in an age where we are being united, regardless of our language barrier. This unification is taking place as as result of the spread of the gospel at a pace that has never been experienced before. We can be informed when someone experiences the power of God through the airwaves. We can rejoice with them and pray for them.

However, we also need to be prepared for the end. The Word has been spread through the gift of language and now everyone can look for the signs of the end as facts are being exposed through technology. The illiterate can view videos or listen to compact discs some of which can be purchased from Amazon.com below. Have you heard the good news? Jesus Christ is coming again. He will establish His Kingdom, and all the details of His return are available in the Bible, in your language.


Comments

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Lisa Luv profile image

Lisa Luv  says:
2 months ago

Very Interesting~~Thank You=)

create a page profile image

create a page  says:
2 months ago

Thank you Lisa Luv for visiting and for leaving your kind comment.

RevLady profile image

RevLady  says:
2 months ago

Thanks for the smiles. Laughter is indeed medicinal and a universal language.

create a page profile image

create a page  says:
2 months ago

You are so right RevLady. It is a language we do not use enough. Thank you for your comments.

NZUNG SERAPHINE profile image

NZUNG SERAPHINE  says:
2 months ago

hahahahahahahha.i dont have much to say .thanks for making me laugh.you are too smart.

fastfreta profile image

fastfreta  says:
2 months ago

This is a very informative hub, and along the way you've made it enjoyable with the addition of the videos. Very very good.

create a page profile image

create a page  says:
2 months ago

Nzung Seraphine I am so glad that I made you laugh. Thank you for your comment.

create a page profile image

create a page  says:
2 months ago

fastfreta thank you very much for your kind comments. I am glad you found it enjoyable.

jzc  says:
2 months ago

We may speak many different languages, but we are all one and the same. Created by GOD. So why can't we just all get along. JZC

create a page profile image

create a page  says:
2 months ago

Amen and Amen. I agree with you jzc.

nicomp profile image

nicomp  says:
2 months ago

Wonderful exposition. Language unites us but also provides a crutch for dividing us. We can find common ground, unless we have a preconceived notion to look for reasons to differ.

create a page profile image

create a page  says:
2 months ago

Thanks for visiting nicomp and for your encouragement. I agree that language can divide us, but it can also unite us. It seems like a paradox. Please visit again.

James A Watkins profile image

James A Watkins  says:
6 weeks ago

It is interesting that I just finished reading a fascinating article in the New Yorker magazine about Tim Monich, the dialect voice coach to the stars.

A few weeks ago, I spent a week here in Orlando at the Campus Crusade for Christ learning about the Jesus Film, which is now in over 1,000 languages. And learning about their next door neighbor, the Wycliffe Translators, who have translated the Bible into 2,000 languages.

I enjoyed your article. Thank you very much.

create a page profile image

create a page  says:
6 weeks ago

Thank you James. I am glad you enjoyed it.

elayne001 profile image

elayne001  says:
3 weeks ago

I live in Hawaii where there is a movement to save the Hawaiian language. It is sad when a language is lost. I am glad to hear some young people speaking in their native language and keeping their cultures alive. Thanks for a very interesting hub.

create a page profile image

create a page  says:
2 weeks ago

Thanks for visiting elayne001. I am sorry to hear that there has been a plan to eliminate the Hawaiian language. I agree that there should be every effort to retain your language. Perhaps the President might intervene, since he lived in Hawaii at some point in his life. Thanks for your encouragement.

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