With a quickly growing globalization, people have started to pay more attention to the role of language in their lives. Language has become a link to new possibilities, options, career opportunities and other advantages for each and everyone. The English language has caught the world rapidly, turning into the worldwide means of communication. However, does it differ much what kind of language a person speaks; does it influence perception of this very person?
The question is being investigated by many researchers. They have conducted a number of studies and experiments to understand a role of language in the general presentation of a human being. The experiments have shown that language does play a very important role in perception of a person. According to Harry Hui and Ivy Cheng, proficiency of a speaker strongly affects the listeners' perception and behavioral intention. (Hui & Cheng, p. 429)
To my mind, the language a person is using shows his erudition, as if a person is using fluent language, a listener pays more attention to the said rather than to the way it was said. Moreover, if the language used by the person is fluent, he manages to express his thoughts more colorfully and vividly, what makes him an indigenous speaker.
It is common knowledge that all the politicians, as well as many celebrities, are taught to talk, as it is essential for perception of them, as professionals, by others. A person, especially a politician, with a flawless language attracts more attention and draws more sympathy and attention rather than the one with worse language skills.
Undoubtedly, it is essential to say that people have always strived to perfection, and it has been expressed in each and everything. Not only are people to be perfect in their outlook, as it’s obvious that people are perceived by first and foremost their outlook, but to have clear mind and clear language as well. To be taken seriously, a person is to be serious, and the language he/she uses should be the very start of improvement.
References
Gass, S., & Varonis, E. (1984). The effect of familiarity on the comprehensibility of nonnative speech. Language Learning, 65-89.
Gass, S., & Varonis, E. (1991). Miscommunication in nonnative speaker discourse. Miscommunication and problematic talk, 121-145).
Hui, C.H. & Cheng, I.W.M. (1987). Title of the article. Effects of Second Language Proficiency of Speakers and Listeners on Person Perception and Behavioral Intention: A Study of Chinese Bilinguals. International Journal of Psychology, 421-430.
