How Language and Words Affects Our Behavior

What and how we say things can have an effect on us as well as others. It all depends on the content and context. Language has enabled humans to survive and to thrive. We have been able to communicate to others solely based on the words used. Yet those same words can create tension as well as love.

Though the words may have meaning, it's only the meaning each person gives it. Change the words around in a sentence and they can have a completely different meaning. One word can move someone to action and another word can stop a person in their tracks. Even the words you're reading in this article may have meaning to you - it all depends on how I write it and what you take from it.

Single words can be given additional meaning by using other words. Eventually they form a sentence. How they are structured within the sentence gives it meaning one way or another.

Now here's the kicker regarding words and Language. Many people tend to say a word as the thing they are referring to. For example, saying the words "Statue of Liberty" as it is the Statue of Liberty. The words are only words and not the thing. It's the same with a map. The map is not the territory. It may be a representation, but not the area it represents.

Yet, people will get emotional when a certain word is mentioned as if the word was real. This can affect how we behave. Many advertisers will use words (and language) to affect our behavior so we will buy what they offer. Politicians will use words to have an effect on how we vote. Poets have long used words to connect with us emotionally, so have storytellers. This happens in every language.

Making the words we say to ourselves can help us or hinder us. What if I tell you to "try to do something" does that make you want to take action? But what if I say "you will do something, now" is that more powerful? It's the structure of how the words are used that can have an influence on your behavior.

Now if I say the word "dog" to you, what meaning does it have to you? You may think of a pleasant memory of a family dog you had as a child. Another person may have a fearful memory of being mauled by a dog. It's the same word with different meanings to different people. Think about these words and what meaning would you give them: Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Independent, Green Party, and Socialist Party? How about California, Alabama, New York, Kansas, Montana, Texas, and Washington D.C.?

What if I changed a sentence and said, "Dog bites man." What meaning does that express to you? How about if I say "Man bites dog?" Does change things even though the same words were used?

As you can see, each one will have a different meaning from different people. Each one may even bring about a behavioral change in each person. Yet, they are only words, aren't they? The only meaning they have is what each one of us gives them. Additionally, the how the sentence is structured will give the words a different meaning.

Look at the words you use in your own life. What meaning are you giving them? What emotions do they bring out in you? Do they create some behavior in you? If you were to think rationally about this, then you'll know the words for what they are for, only words. You are the meaning and the behavior resulting from the words, not the words themselves. Language and words can have a profound effect on our behavior as long as we don't know the reality behind them.

Language and Children's Behavior - Is a Language Disability Causing Your Child's Behavior Problem?

Children with behavioral difficulties often have Language difficulties which are not recognized. Research has revealed a strong correlation between behavioral-emotional disorders (BED) and Language disorders. Approximately 55% to 72% of children with behavioral-emotional difficulties will also have a some type of Language problem. For some it may be like the chicken and the egg question. Which came first? The problem with language or the problem with behavior? Regardless of how it starts, there is no doubt that language influences behavior and that behavior influences language. Those with behavioral-emotional difficulties are likely to have trouble understanding what people say and also struggle to put their thoughts into words. The area of language that is affected the most is the social use of language- communicating with others in everyday situations; this is referred to as pragmatic language. A speech and language pathologist is the professional who can determine if a language problem exists and how mild or severe it is. Unfortunately, the speech-language pathologist is often overlooked because the behavioral problems are the number one concern.

I have often heard the responses "It's just behavior", "He understands when he wants to", "He's just stubborn" or other similar statements. One memory which stands out in my mind was when I was asked to evaluate a teenager who was fourteen years old. It was the first time his language had been examined. The evaluation revealed a six year delay in language skills; his language was equal to that of an eight year old. When a language disorder goes undetected, it not only impacts communication, but self-esteem as well.

Every child who has is having behavioral problems needs, and should have, a language evaluation. A language evaluation will be able to discover how well your child understands, is able to speak, and how well he can use language in his everyday life. Knowing what a child's language skills are will also help with developing an appropriate educational program, assist in developing a behavioral intervention program, and may also provide helpful information to the child's counselor or psychologist.