Language is Like Clothing

It surprises me that there are so many variations in language. These variations occur depending on certain circumstance. We recognize the formality or informality of the situation, and therefore adapt our language appropriately. We change our language much like the manner in which we change our clothes. Robert MacNeil’s article “English Belongs to Everyone” made me see the relationship between language and attire.

There are comfortable ways of speaking and in these situations we tend to speak informally. We speak informally to our friends and family, those who are close to us. Striving to speak grammatically correct when talking to our friends is not our first priority. We are relaxed in our speech and our clothing reflects this informality. We wear blue jeans, t-shirts, and flip-flops. With our friends, we wear and speak however makes us feel most comfortable.

In formal occasions, we speak properly. We alter our language in situations such as a meeting or a job interview. In a meeting it is important to speak grammatically correct. Speaking “correct” English demonstrates our knowledge and qualifications. A sharp, clean suit is proper meeting attire. Another example of when we should pay attention to language is at church. In church it is inappropriate to speak loudly or vulgarly just as it is inappropriate to wear jeans and a t-shirt. It is through respect that we adjust our language and clothing in formal situations.

There are clothes of different materials that correspond to different language. Swimsuits are appropriate at the pool or beach. In these two places it is okay to laugh, holler, and scream at the top of your lungs. You can speak informally and relaxed. Jogging shorts, tennis shoes, and t-shirts are common at the gym. When working out it is all right to breath heavily or even grunt when speaking. Speaking with one word sentences is common at the gym because of exhaustion. There are even clothes which help to make an occasion memorable and magical. These include wedding dresses, tuxes, and graduation gowns. The Language spoken at these times are memorable as well.

We should all keep in mind that it is necessary to change our language in addition to our clothing to agree with the circumstance. In many ways using language is like wearing clothes.