As I have gotten older, and as I work my way through college I have noticed that it is a necessary life skill to be able to express yourself adequately. I do not believe that my English is as good as it can be, but it is something that I am actively working to improve.
As I navigate through my day there are several instances when I use different vocabulary to express my thoughts. The one place where my English varies most is at work. I work at a fine dining restaurant, so I am expected to describe meals in an appetizing and appealing manner. I use vocabulary at work that I do not use otherwise. While talking to a customer I choose certain words to describe a wine or an entrée in a manner that would appeal to the customer. I use words such as succulent, simmer, delicate, aroma and seared to describe the featured entrées. It is important to use particular appetizing vocabulary while describing the dish in order to appeal and possibly sway the customer into choosing that entrée. If I did not use these appetizing words to describe the dish, I doubt many people would be interested in what I was saying. The customers are not the only people where I use different vocabulary. The majority of the employees that work in the kitchen are Hispanic, so I find myself using vocabulary that is simple. When speaking with them I am deliberate when choosing what words to use. I want to make sure that they understand what I am saying, so I speak slower than I usually do, and use short simple phrases. While I am thinking about the conversations I have with them, I realize that it probably does not benefit them, or enhance their vocabulary if I choose to use simple language. But in order to get my point across in a timely manner, using simple language is the best method.
Outside of the restaurant, the other area of my life that I consciously use particular vocabulary is at school. College is a place to learn, a place to grow and expand. I would find that I would be back tracking if I did not actively work to improve my English. Although I do not speak as well as most students, I am constantly seeking to get better. While talking to my professors I am careful not to use slang or vocabulary that does not do me justice. I feel as though I need to prove myself in a way; if I do not show that I have the ability to use proper English to express my thoughts, then I cannot expect my professor to believe that I have learned much. While talking to my peers I am not as particular at using specific English, but I do maintain proper vocabulary. Being a nursing major I am constantly learning new words, words that I have never been exposed to before. It is exciting for me to learn these words and know that I will someday be emerged into an environment where this vocabulary is important to be able to handle certain situations. I believe that it is important to learn how to write and talk effectively while in college so that you can be better prepared for your career.
If I am not at work or in school, then I find that my English slacks slightly. Because I am around my boyfriend and friends, I do not feel as much pressure to use enhanced vocabulary. Although I do not use slang or use curse words, I find that I do not use particularly good English while talking to my friends. I am more relaxed with the words I use. I usually keep my thoughts simple, therefore the words I choose are generally simple. There are times when I may find myself in deep conversation with a friend or my boyfriend and I will refine my vocabulary and use English to express my thoughts, especially if I am in a disagreement. I have noticed that it is hard to believe someone or take them seriously when a person uses slang words, especially in a disagreement. I have a lot of work to do, as far as improving my English goes. I read on a regular basis hoping that will help improve my vocabulary. I am not completely comfortable with the vocabulary I use, but I am making a constant effort to improve it.
Using proper English is important, whether you are at work or just sitting around with your friends. Knowing how to express your thoughts using good descriptive words is an important tool in life. The way a person speaks, the language they use, the English words they choose are a good indicator of a person’s education, of the person they are. A person’s words are in a way, a part of who they are.
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