When thinking of language I am drawn to two aspects.

The first is the impact of language when it is used in a positive or negative sense. The advent of social media today sees language spiral out of control as it spreads quickly around the world. Generally if positive language is used it can still go viral but if its a negative post it can career out of control!

In addition to the spreading of the original post are the additional comments by the keyboard warriors who quickly add their two cents worth without fully understanding what the post was about. They assume instead of researching the topic first. So dangerous for our communities today as the spread continues.

The photo is of a recent work of mine called “Viral” which talks about the spread of conversation on social media. The piece is 1m x 1m (39inches x 39 inches) and is whole clothe discharged black fabric with machine quilting then hand stitching.

On a positive note my grandchildren aged 4 1/2 and 2 1/2, speak two languages, English and their mothers first language. The older one is quite fluent in both and speaks to us and his father in English, then turns and speaks to his mother and sister in the other language. He knows to speak to his sister that way as he is helping her develop both languages. I am amazed at his dexterity and comprehension of both. Initially, because he was learning two languages at once, his speech was slower to develop but now he is away and has a great command of both. What a joy it is to see them have this skill knowing they will no doubt speak other languages as they grow!

So language is powerful and impacts us in so many ways. Of course we are talking about spoken and written language but there is also the power of ‘Sign’ language which helps those with a hearing disability communicate with others.

I’m not sure how this will come out in my series but it is something for me to ponder and then reveal at a later date!