[Language and Communication] How much import do you place on a large vocabulary?

I think its important to ESTABLISH the RULES of the language. And to have it as UNIVERSAL all-around as possible. Its what a SYSTEM is SUPPOSED to be for - to have everyone on the same page. The only way you DO that is to have a SET (basic) STANDARD.

Just cuz people CAN and WILL DEVIATE from the language with their own unique vernacular and speech patterns (sometimes intentionally bad to spite the "common" use) doesnt necessarily mean it should be ENCOURAGED.

*Yes, argument of 'African-Americans FORCED to adopt English so by rights they don't HAVE to adopt English-BY-RULE' debate*

I place importance on GOOD GRAMMAR. I do NOT place as much importance on "large" vocabulary. There's enough of a basic wordset people can use for effective communication. And trying to use more complex words can actually come across contrived instead of effective.

But because any particular group of people can basically make up their own inside lingo and mock languages and it CAN'T be stopped, I don't worry about it much though. So "LOLCat" and "L33t" and "textese" it up.

 

I agree. I use uncommon words when I can't think of a fitting description for it because, growing up as an unobservant geek, I felt it alienated people when using it. But I keep that vocabulary because that's normally what I read, dry and stuffy news articles and papers.

Sometimes I think it's a conscious effort to dumb down language for me so much that it becomes unconscious where I fill in pauses and gaps to the people I talk to, but it's also a challenge to convey your thoughts completely and correctly based on your audience.

Another realization of how that behavior seeps into my subconscious is that I'm better at metaphors, lateral references and linked usages. Or maybe it's partly to all the rap music I listened to.

This is where reading poets or great writers shine. Unfortunately, I haven't kept up with that post-school as a hobby, so the most practice I'd get is writing some topic on here. Which makes me kinda rusty when battling wits with someone who does use that language often, but I've grown up past those kinds of meaningless debates (for the most part), and I'm content with the benefit of reading things quicker.

I assume you mean "like that". I don't think that's how it's used in the vernacular. While correct, it seems out of place idomatically because the topic itself isn't that unique a trait. Usage is also an import factor along with vocabulary.

I'm being nitpicky only because of the subject...

 

I don't understand how having a bigger vocabulary can possibly be a bad thing. Even if you don't like to use big words(and this is relative depending on your audience), wouldn't it at least be a good idea to understand when others use it?

Besides, I personally find it easier, not harder, to express myself clearly when I have a decent working vocabulary of the subject I wish to converse. If I'm talking about work-related materials to a co-worker, I use technical jargon. When I talk politics with friends, I use political terms. I never think about avoid using certain words when I speak. But I do tend to avoid subject matters that I feel may be unfamiliar for the other person.

 

I'm not sure a large vocabulary matters as much as being an effective and articulate communicator, but it certainly helps. You have to always consider your audience first and how best to get the message across. Sometimes throwing in slang or some regional vernacular can be used for good effect. Or even incomplete sentences. To make a point.

Nothin' wrong with that!

When people misuse words and make up words in order to "talk smart" it's usually because they are intimidated by better educated people. Sometimes that's an honest attempt to keep up and not look foolish, and sometimes it's just a pissing contest, but it's always a bad idea. I don't think you can improve your English by learning lists of SAT vocabulary words as much as you can just from being a voracious reader.

 

When I talk or write I try to keep the message simple, and knowing the exact word to use is an example of keeping that efficiency. It's a strong indicator for how well-read a person is, which can sadly be associated with the same kind of elitism. Personally I just read Calvin & Hobbes from 1st grade onward and solely from that I find myself smack dab in the middle of the CF mean whenever someone posts a vocabulary test here.

It just makes it easier to get your point across, which leads to less misunderstanding. That alone is a perfectly cromulent reason to buy a thesaurus or a word-a-day calendar.

 

Cue dozens of people frantically searching the dictionary in an effort to embiggen their vocabulary.

At the end of the day, eloquence is far more important than vocabulary. Being well-spoken opens more doors than many people might imagine.

 

Well its not super important but you definitely wan't to have a large enough vocab to where you can always fluently express your thoughts in conversations and what not. So its not a big deal if you use mostly slang and simple words, as long as when you need to use big words to describe something simple words can't you know them.

 

I don't place much IMPORT on my vocabulary. I place IMPORTANCE. A pox on you, you disingenuous mountebanks and your subliminal chicanery!

 

It's not about the size of the vocabulary it's about knowing how to use it.

 

Honourable Patrick Obahiagbon cachinnates in the general direction of your anomic grandiloquence.

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SPELLING?!?!?

I think this is IMPORT to note:

Thank you.

No, but SRSLY, you can correct the title of the thread at the listings of this and other threads in the Hangout. Double-click an empty area near the title, correct "IMPORT" to "IMPORTANCE."

 

The Professor had a decent vocabulary but none of that **** came in handy when it came time to fix a hole in a boat.

 

IDK man, shiet.
You can use my eloquent phrasing when someone asks you something you're unsure of.

Just say, "I feel a hesitency, as I can not speak with a degree of accuracy, which usually charachterizes my remarks". Works brilliantly.

 

If you're going out with your girlfriend or with your friends to someplace fun, it is strongly advisable to leave the fancy vocabulary at home. People who talk at a PhD level linguistically all the time tend to come across as condescending elitists and therefore are strongly disliked by many people. Keep your conversations simple, casual, light and occasionally humorous. Mix in some slang if you can pull it off without sounding like a douche. Save the fancy vocab for places and situations where it's relevant, such as a meeting at work in a appropriate profession (such as medical).

Knowing when to "keep it short & simple, stupid" is important in being able to establish personal and professional connections with a variety of people. It is part of being able to fit in with surrounding social and cultural norms.

 

Being eloquent and articulate are important, of course. Both can convey a sense of confidence in expressing your ideas while giving the outward appearance of intelligence. But, above all else, proper grammar (when writing or speaking) is the true measure of a person's mastery of language. A large vocabulary just shows you've learned a bunch of words. Grammar shows you know how to use them properly.

I am reminded of the great Oswald Bates

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