The next edition of Beyond English Fluency is here.

My mission is to share that no matter what language you speak, we all have so much potential to excel. I like to dive into important topics around language, communication, confidence and leadership that go beyond language.

We know how powerful our language can be. 

I can’t avoid the elephant in the room. 

As I am writing about the power of language I cannot help but think of what is happening in the world right now.

An Arab proverb comes to mind…

Learn a language and you’ll avoid a war – Arab Proverb.

Language is what brings us together.

Language is the primary tool for communication and expression.

The language we use shares our experiences, our thoughts and our intentions. It also plays a big role in how we and others perceive the world.

It’s so powerful, in fact, that a single word can change human behaviour.

Words create connection.

Words can start wars.

Words can create peace.

Please know that I am praying for everyone who are displaced, suffering and living in fear around the world.

In times like these, it can be difficult to find the right words or the best ways we can share our emotions. It can feel very heavy and confusing.

Understanding what different groups of people say and why they say it can is a good place to start in how we can help bring people together.

Words are emotive…

They can make you feel good, or relaxed.

The words we choose to use changes how others view us.

Language vs Meaning

 The relationship between language and meaning is not a straightforward one.

It can become even more difficult when English isn’t your first language. The connotations of some words might be positive in your own language but be negative in English.

Connotation refers to definitions that are based on emotion. The connotation is the feeling that is associated with the word.

When I was around 8 years old, I decided to write my own language system (okay, I wasn’t a normal child! Haha). I guess at the time I was learning about ancient Rome and the ancient Egyptians. It was definitely my idea of having fun.

I started with making my own alphabet. I drew different patterns and squiggles. I then tried to make words and put these made-up letters together. That’s when I started to think… oh no. It’s not going to work.

I realised these symbols don’t have any meaning. I was the only person to understand them even if they did have any meaning. I would have to teach the whole world this language. That seemed too challenging. I gave up pretty quickly. I went back to drawing pictures instead and doing what other normal 8 years olds do.

This memory stayed with me and now I think about it, is one of the reasons why I decided to pursue linguistics.

To effectively use a language system, we have to learn the meanings of symbols. I am not just talking about alphabets. We need to be able to communicate with others. As I found out, we can’t only learn individual letters, words and their meanings. We have to learn how to make meaning.

We bring our own feelings, emotions and experiences to a word. I was recently thinking about words that I dislike or loved in in English. It’s not the dictionary definition of the word that I didn’t like or particularly love. It was the experiences I’ve had, and the groups of people who were using it that I disliked or liked.

Do I Need to Learn More Vocabulary?

Advanced English language learners are able to express themselves quite well. But they will tell me they want to have more vocabulary or share their ideas in a different way. To be able to do that, we need to have a deeper understanding of the language. A lot of times, learners will tell me… ‘I think I need to study more vocabulary’.

To some extent, yes.

But we know that learning a language is not just about learning words.

Learning a language requires understanding how to connect the words to create meaning. It also is about being able to do that in a way that follows the grammatical rules and code of the language. In a way that others can understand us.

On top of that, we have to understand the intonation, tone and way we express ourselves and mood.

Expressing Positive Meaning and Positivity

Going back to connotations. The words we choose go beyond dictionary definitions.

If I say a word like ‘different’ – it’s quite neutral.

Example: We have an entirely different approach to how we organise our schedule.

If I say unique – it has a positive meaning.

Example: 

“Her designs have a unique brand of stylishness”.

Unique in this case is very positive, unique is something very special.

If I say peculiar – it can have a negative meaning or connotation.

Example: 

“There was a peculiar smell in the kitchen”.

It would be something very strange, unusual and it’s very negative.

This is one example of how language can make us feel. It is also why we choose one word other another as it has a very different connotation to what we want to express.

I’ve spoken before about how we can show confidence. A big part of that is through our language and the words that we choose to use.

I will hear wonderful presentations and great English but then it becomes negative. I especially hear these phrases and negative language when people are being interviewed. I’ve interviewed many people before and it can be such a shame when I meet a very strong candidate but they are sabotaging their own success. The language they choose to use is not showing me they have self-belief.

When we express ourselves in a negative way, it shows low confidence and self-belief. It can also give the impression you are blaming others or that you are confused.

Even as a native speaker, this can be difficult to avoid.

When English isn’t your first language it can be hard to understand the meaning behind words.

You reach a high level of proficiency but struggle to express yourself with the right intonation, mood or emotions. This is where a big part of culture comes into play with the language you choose to express.

A big part of understanding English is understanding the culture around it.

The culture and social pressures as well as our own experiences all shape how we express emotions. As well as humour.

The Brits use a lot of sarcasm. Even strangers will use both irony and sarcasm with people they do not know.

We use a negative sentence to express something positive – or vice versa.

Yeah I know. It’s so simple, isn’t it.

(British humour for you).

You can usually notice irony when speakers exaggerate their words or they will smile.

How we express positivity also depends on our culture.

Speaking with positivity is when you have the intention to share your best self in the most positive light.

One area to focus on is avoid using negative words like:

• I can’t
• Don’t
• Won’t
• Shouldn’t

By saying these words you are not giving the best impression.

Negative language reflects a negative attitude and mood. Using positive language communicates a supportive, confident, and cheerful attitude.

Positive language leaves a powerful impression and instills confidence.

It will take practice to shift your mindset and be aware of the language you are using. You might not always realise that you are doing it – and that’s okay.

It helps to ask a friend or a mentor or a coach if you feel that this might be a problem.

So there we have it.

Words are one of the most powerful tools we have.

What have you found to be most powerful about language? Do you struggle to express yourself in the best way? Let me know your thoughts.

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If you would like to build your communication confidence in English then check out my free guide to build your confidence today.

Do you have any additional questions? Feel free to reach out and send me a message. I’m happy to help.