What is Language Arts and Why is It Useful?
My mind was blown when I learned that the purpose of ‘art’ was to communicate an idea.
I always thought art was to draw things.
No, the main purpose is to communicate an idea.
Therefore, language arts is to communicate an idea with language.
Language = Symbols with a shared understanding to convey meaning.
‘Okay…and? Language arts was a topic I was taught in school. What purpose does it serve in the real world?’
A lot.
Look around you.
Don’t you find it strange that some of the biggest leaders and power players in the world are great with words?
Do you think that was by accident or was there intent?
I don’t know about you, but I’m thinking these power players were strategic with their moves.
Language arts does not end in school.
Language arts begins once school ends.
Defining the Importance of Language Arts
Ideas can be expressed in a variety of:
- Music
- Dance
- Pictures
- Film
Etc.
In my opinion, language is one of the finest ways to communicate an idea because it’s so versatile.
Plus, you don’t need much equipment.
Communicating ideas through pictures requires a camera.
Depending on the level of advancement, you may need some editing software as well.
But with language arts, it’s just you and your words.
If we are getting more nuanced, we can even say a pencil and a paper.
Words allow ideas to be shared from multiple angles.
By expressing ideas, it’s easier to make a dent in the universe.
Anything that has been designed in the external world started off as an idea in someone’s internal world.
- Chewing gum.
- Books.
- Peanut butter in the JIF container (smooth peanut butter of course. Crunchy is nasty).
When ideas are worked on, they evolve.
As they evolve, useful value is provided to the globe.
How to Get Better in Language Arts
4 of the most important letters for hard skills:
- S.T.E.M
Which is:
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
4 of the most important letters for soft skills:
- R.L.S.W
Not as cool sounding, I know:
- Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing
‘I need to do all of that to improve language arts? I already have enough on my plate.’
Before you think about adding more to your plate, see what you already do.
You’re reading this right now.
Afterward, you may speak with someone about the ideas learned in this blog.
Boom, you’re already halfway through the acronyms.
My strategy has been to work on the ones I enjoy the most and build on top of that.
I like reading and speaking.
So, I read every day.
And I’ll speak in Toastmasters, podcasting, YouTube videos, conversations etc.
From there, I add on listening and writing as well.
Nowadays, it’s all connected.
The acronyms looked like different arms at first.
But they were fingers on the same palm all along.
Using Language Arts for Practical Purposes
You ever met a Grammar Nazi?
They will completely overlook the entire idea to point out a typo.
The reason I hated language arts in school was because my teacher’s got me overly focused on the minors.
This is for you Ms. Charnok…
For language arts, the most important component is the idea.
- Grammar, punctuation, and spelling are simply meant to bring the idea to life.
- Grammar, punctuation, and spelling are not meant to be the idea.
What is the main topic being conveyed?
Small thinkers focus on the minors so much that they forget what the major is.
To use language arts for practical purposes, get in the habit of articulating ideas.
The only way to get better is through practice.
Writing and/or speaking.
Then, once you are in consumption mode through reading and/or listening, it’s easier to scope through the fluff.
The signal-to-noise ratio of the mind sharpens.
That’s concentration skills in a nutshell.
Language arts make it easier to share ideas with ease.
And language arts make it easier to turn your vision into reality.
Fun Challenge to Improve Language Arts
Self-awareness is the key to building soft skills.
Hard skills are about learning how to use instruments.
Soft skills are about learning how to become the instrument.
See what you are good at.
You may be a great listener. However, when it comes to speaking, the voice get shaky.
No need to change anything yet.
Just bring awareness to the act of listening and speaking.
Maybe you like to write…
However, reading bores you.
Once again, assess the skills without judgment.
To challenge yourself further, bring numbers to the letters.
‘Huh?’
Rank yourself 1 out of 10 on each of the letters of R.L.S.W.
Grade your competency on each letter.
This is a subjective exercise but aim to be as objective as you can.
The act of awareness gives more insights on how to:
- Double down on what’s working.
- Gradually develop the areas of improvement.
Sharing Ideas Through Words
Content creation is not just about creating viral content.
That’s the wrong intent.
Content creation done correctly is known as transformative arts.
It’s capable of changing your perspective along with other people’s perspectives as well.
Right now, you are reading my mind in word format.
Anything on the internet started off as an idea.
And most of the ideas are expressed in word format.
Trying to run away from words while on the internet is like trying to run away from animals while at the zoo.
Use this as an opportunity to break down the words you make eye contact with.
Understand the meaning behind the symbols, letters, and scribbles.
More importantly, use this as an opportunity to contribute words of your own on the internet.
Having digital real estate on the internet is like owning a farm with no limit on the land.
You run out of ideas when desire runs low.
Cultivate the desire.
Master language arts.
And keep redefining what it means to be a words maestro.
For more practical insights on how to improve language arts, be sure to check out:
- Speak Easy: How to be Articulate, Assertive, and Audacious Around People
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