Language is a lens through which we interpret the world and define our place within it. But speaking well isn’t about using complex words or always being perfectly formal. It’s about mastering language and its nuances, knowing how to choose the right words for any situation. This is where true freedom lies: in the ability to shape who we are, one word at a time.
Linguistic freedom means being able to speak in dialect with the greengrocer, establishing an immediate connection, but also switching to formal language when entering a meeting room. It’s about knowing when to break a grammatical rule, not out of ignorance, but to connect with someone or emphasize a point. At crucial moments in life, the right words can make the difference between convincing and failing, between building a bond or breaking it.
Language is a reflection of the value we place on ourselves.
The way we speak influences how others perceive our competence, confidence, and sense of belonging. Choosing the right tone and words means asserting who we are in a room, in a relationship, or in a debate. There’s an incredible power in language that adapts effortlessly, reflecting our authenticity and allowing us to move with ease between different contexts.
However, the true power of language goes beyond self-realization. It lies in its ability to create connections. Speaking in the way ‘one wants’ isn’t just a matter of personal expression, it’s about building bridges. Saying ‘Me, I like it’ with a smile can be an act of empathy, a way of saying, ‘I see you, I understand you, we’re on the same level’. At the same time, mastering more formal language is key to being heard in settings where authority is required. The choice of register is an act of awareness, enabling us to navigate different worlds without ever losing our center.
Yet, not everyone has the privilege of this freedom.
There are cultural, social, and educational barriers that limit access to the tools needed to navigate between different language registers. And some of us, who grew up in word-poor environments, may struggle to claim space in a society where clear and precise expression is definitely a powerful tool. This disparity isn’t just linguistic; it strengthens power dynamics that penalize those without a voice, or those who can’t use it in the ‘right’ way.
But this is where language reveals its revolutionary potential.
Even on the margins, words can become acts of resistance. Speaking well, poorly, however one wants, this is true freedom. It’s the ability to choose who to be and how to move in the world, without the constraints imposed by others. There’s no one ‘right’ way to speak, but endless ways to express oneself. And the more of them we master, the freer we are.
Write to us at supernova@remidastudio.com. Because every word is a choice, and every choice is the first step in changing things.
