15/11/2014

Good morning. 

Is it scones or scones? You say tomatoes - I pronounce them correctly! We're all familiar with the humour that comes from words that are said differently; and the embarrassment, annoyance and confusion when a different usage or pronunciation leads to miscommunication or even causes offence.

Words are immensely rich in the quest to find meaning and to express ourselves. Different cultures, their dialects and language add to the range and depth of understanding.

My teenage daughter recently discovered this in a light-hearted conversation with a German friend she met on a school-trip. They keep in touch on-line and recently simultaneously “liked” something on a social net-working site. “Two great minds think alike!” commented Joanna. Her friend instantly responded that in German they’d say, “Two idiots and a single thought!” – an opposite reflection, each culture opening up an alternative perspective. This is surely one of the gifts of language.

Words, as signposts to fresh ideas reveal much about our underlying thoughts and judgements: The tone of voice, the accent and inflection as well as the actual terms we choose contribute to a bigger conversation about who we are, where we’re from and what we value.

There’s something holy about language for Christians for whom God is revealed as “the Word” in Jesus, and who, as creator, brings everything into being through speaking. The Bible urges us to use language with reverence: According to the Book of Proverbs, the “words of the wise soothe and heal” and the Letter of James identifies our untameable tongues as the most powerful organ of our bodies.

Gracious God, thank you for the gifts of words and language. Help me to speak with care today, to listen to those I meet, and notice opportunities to learn and grow. Amen.