English, being the "lingua Franca" of the world, freely derives upon words from other languages, example , Latin, Greek and so many others, that it has evolved into possessing a massive vocabulary in its present state.
First off, What is Vocabulary?
The Simplest definition for vocabulary is:
Vocabulary is the set of words a person is familiar with, in any language.
Its apparent that a person's extent of vocabulary indicates the level of proficiency a person has with relation to a language.
More the vocabulary, more the person's command of the language.
The Language, we're discussing at the moment, is English.
There are majority of people who use the Internet. English speaking people, Non English Speaking People, People who are proficient in English, and so many other categories.
Now the Interesting point you have to keep in mind when it comes to English Vocabulary is that, a person who has English as his mother tongue, might have lesser vocabulary than a non native speaker of the Language!
That is the beauty of English. Though the Native English speakers have a natural form of accented English, The correct Accents associated with English, it is possible for non native speakers with a better vocabulary to get to know English more than them.
What does it matter, if you have a better vocabulary than others?
You can express yourself in a much, much better way than you ever imagined.
How so?
Languages exist only as a means for people to communicate.
The More words you know of in a language, will help you in expressing how you feel more easily, and more effectively!
For Example, lets consider two persons. They're taking up an examination, which evaluates the person's confidence level. Its for a spokesperson job.
One person has an excellent command over English. He knows a lot of words.
The other person, though he can speak fluent English, has only a limited choice of words, for he isn't that well versed with English.
They're asked to write a single line, describing their confidence level.
The person with a good vocabulary writes:
I'm never the bombastic person, always the suave, slick yet serenely foresighted to formulate the apparition of the best possible outcome of any precarious predicament.
The person with a limited vocabulary writes:
I'm a calm guy, I always take things the way they come, and try to turn them to my side.
Now, who among the two, creates a better Impression?
Obviously its the guy with the better vocabulary.
This does not mean that those who are fluent in English yet endowed with a limited vocabulary are looked down upon. Its just that those with a better vocabulary always fare better.
The primary difference is that there will be a better awareness in the person with a better vocabulary, a quicker response to any situation that arises and needs a quick use of persuasion to be done.
But, there are instances where a person who speaks simple, yet understandable English fares much better than a person with a masterful command over English.
But, if you ever take it to task, to work on your vocabulary, you can at any time Impress anyone, or take hold of a situation that involves verbal persuasion, and can turn it to your advantage, with a better choice of words right?
Think :)
Have an opinion concerning the above Discussion? Feel free to drop a comment below, Your opinion is valued very much!
If I were reviewing job appplications, if I saw someone write this:
ReplyDelete"I'm never the bombastic person, always the suave, slick yet serenely foresighted to formulate the apparition of the best possible outcome of any precarious predicament."
I'd reject him right away. Why? Because he comes off as pretentious and trying to hard to impress.
I think of vocabulary as a toolset - the right word for the right time. Obviously, the more tools you have, the better, but using the wrong tool in a situation just makes things worse.
I value people who can get the point succinctly. If I were working in a fast-paced environment, the last thing I'd want is to have to read an essay any time someone sends me a memo.
People who have a limited command of vocabulary often resort to throwing around as many big words as they can in order to impress. The problem is, people who actually know how to use vocabulary elegantly can see right through that.
Good post. Great food for thought there. :)
Zentastic:
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment :)
I Could find myself recalling one of my own experiences where I had used a lot of flamboyant words, and as you say, ended up sounded pretentious.
Its a Correct deduction of yours that Vocabulary is just a simple tool set, one that can serve as a double edged knife.
But, as you also said,
"people who actually know how to use vocabulary elegantly can see right through that."
I agree, One's knowledge of a vast number of words should only help to clearly, succinctly communicate with others, not to confuse them.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI don't think the first guy would do better at all.
ReplyDeleteThat sentence was a waste of breath and time to read. In the business world clear and concise beats drawn out and tiresome any day of the week. It's all about being understood as quickly as possible. That sentence simply had too many words.
Vocabulary is only one aspect to good writing. The first guy who wrote that he is not bombastic may possess the good vocabulary but does not possess the voice aspect.
ReplyDeleteand the deduction that the second guy does not possess a good vocabulary simply because he does not use flamboyant words is simply fallacious.
possessing a good Vocabulary goes hand-in-hand with the knowledge when to use it.