Communication is Power

Introduction

Speaking, writing, and literacy are three different concepts that come together often. They form a strange double-helix that we use daily in order to utilize communication. All three of these are necessary to function fully in society. Furthermore, one must learn these in sequence. One can not learn literacy without writing, and one can not learn writing without speaking. Scholar Kaitlyn Nemeth said specifically even that “Speaking comes first.” And that literacy was “step three” However, what people tend to disregard is the inherent power that comes from having these abilities. People take this for granted, leading to unforeseen consequences.

Think bigger

These three concepts are imbued into just about every avenue of society. As pointed out by Nemeth, to produce a piece of media (television shows for example), one must write a script. Someone else then must be able to read the script and speak the words as an actor. There are very few activities or professions that can be achieved without some level of proficiency in speaking, writing, and literacy.

Furthermore, these concepts do not just apply to just straightforward academic writing. Being proficient in speaking could mean having the ability to get your point across as an orator, but it could also mean being able to speak clearly and be understood. Being good at writing could mean being able to whip up essays quickly, but it could also mean having an expertise in designing blueprints. Possessing literacy could mean being able to understand a finished product while still writing it, or it could mean having a deep understanding of whatever field one is in and thus being fluent in it. What I mean is that these are broad concepts that can be applied to many things, if not everything.

Anecdote

One of my closest friends is an immigrant. He came to this country when he was seven from Ukraine. Despite speaking English fluently and without an accent, he has told me how he still struggles. He must translate everything in his head from Russian to English before he can say it. One day he confided in me that he was jealous of my prowess in communication. As an English major I have a way with words, and he felt envy over that ability of mine. He told me that he struggles to get across what he means because he cannot remember the English word for it. It became clear to me after this interaction that possessing skill in speaking, writing, and literacy was not something to be taken for granted.

Conclusion

There are often times where it feels that all I do is write. Now that I have gotten into major specific classes, practically every assignment is an essay or paper of some sort. In general I do not struggle with this work. When I do it is a direct result of me being challenged by the material or another external factor. Putting my thoughts down on paper has never been the problem for me, but for others it is very difficult. In this way, being proficient in communication is a true power that people ought to be deeply thankful for.